A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories

Foreword by Neil Gaiman

A delightfully funny, fantastically inventive collection of twenty newly unearthed short stories from the pen of the great Sir Terry Pratchett.

“Through all of these stories we watch young Terry Pratchett becoming Terry Pratchett.”—Neil Gaiman, from the Foreword

A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories is a must-have gathering of tales from Pratchett, the “master storyteller” (A. S. Byatt), “fantasy icon” (Wired), and celebrated author best known for his phenomenally successful Discworld series. These rediscovered gems were pseudonymously written by Pratchett for British regional newspapers during the 1970s and ’80s. Until now, they have never been attributed to him, and—were it not for the efforts of a few dedicated fans—they may never have been brought to light.

While none of the short works are set in the Discworld, all are infused with Pratchett’s trademark wit, satirical wisdom, and brilliant imagination, hinting at the magical universe he would go on to create.

Meet Og the inventor, the first caveman to cultivate fire, as he discovers the highs and lows of progress; haunt the Ministry of Nuisances with the defiant evicted ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers; visit Blackbury, a small market town with weird weather and an otherworldly visitor; and embark on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork.

A trove of irresistibly entertaining stories, and featuring enchanting woodcut illustrations, A Stroke of the Pen is an essential collection for Pratchett fans of all ages.