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Fantasy· United Kingdom

The Colour of Magic

by Terry Pratchett
Aggregate Editorial Score42/100
BBC Big Read
Published 1983240 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1983, The Colour of Magic established Terry Pratchett as one of the defining voices in fantasy. The tourist Twoflower and his luggage arrive in the Discworld city of Ankh-Morpork, shepherded by the incompetent wizard Rincewind. Pratchett's debut Discworld novel launched one of the most beloved and prolific fantasy series ever written—a comedy machine that also illuminates every aspect of human society. Themes of comedy, satire, fantasy run through the work. The book has received recognition from BBC Big Read 1983.

Book Details

AuthorTerry Pratchett
Published1983
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages240
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN9780062225689
Editorial Score42/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

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Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Terry Pratchett published The Colour of Magic in 1983, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of fantasy from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of comedy, satire, fantasy, adventure accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Colour of Magic among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: BBC Big Read 1983. Our aggregate score of 42/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Colour of Magic is how it handles its central concerns — comedy, satire, fantasy, adventure — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Terry Pratchett's role in the literature of United Kingdom is well established. The Colour of Magic can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · national
198317
✍️
About the Author
Terry Pratchett
United Kingdom
View Author →

Terry Pratchett is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of fantasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Colour of Magic about?

The tourist Twoflower and his luggage arrive in the Discworld city of Ankh-Morpork, shepherded by the incompetent wizard Rincewind. Pratchett's debut Discworld novel launched one of the most beloved and prolific fantasy series ever written—a comedy machine that also illuminates every aspect of human society.

Who wrote The Colour of Magic?

The Colour of Magic was written by Terry Pratchett, from United Kingdom. First published in 1983.

What awards has The Colour of Magic won?

The Colour of Magic has received the following awards and honours: BBC Big Read 1983.

Is The Colour of Magic worth reading?

The Colour of Magic is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 17/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in comedy, satire, fantasy.

Where can I buy The Colour of Magic?

You can buy The Colour of Magic on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Colour of Magic?

The Colour of Magic is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is The Colour of Magic from?

The Colour of Magic originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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