Hatrack River Forum: Terry Pratchett Humor

This is topic Terry Pratchett Humor in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by HRE (Member # 6263) on :

For those of you who have read his books:

How would you classify his humor? Is there a proper term for his style (like slapstick, satire, etc.), or is it entirely unique?

I find his humour is very subtle, and usually involves great understatement or a play on words.

Can you think of any other writers who use a similar humor style?

[Edited] Other than Douglas Adams, of course.

[ March 26, 2004, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: HRE ]

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

Funny.

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

British.

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

Those aren't mutually exclusive anymore?

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

I guess it's all in the ear of the beholder.

Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :

Robert Rankin -- just found him recently, our local library has a couple of his books on tape read by Rankin himself ("Fandom of the Operator" and "Nostradamus Ate My Hamster"). He's had some books published in the US, looks like he's had a lot more published in the UK, where's he's got a much bigger following...

I liked the two books I listened to, very much recommended if you like Douglas Adams, not quite as many philosophy jokes as Adams.

Posted by Procrastination (Member # 4821) on :

I'd say he's borderline absurdist fantasy. Much like Doug Adams, Tom Holt, et al.

Maybe *british* borderline absurdist fantasy. [Big Grin]

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

I'd call it British absurdism -- most notable, I think, for its vocal stylings -- mixed with social satire. Oddly, I'd use almost the same description for Wodehouse, but the two are completely different while at the same time being very much the same. [Smile]

Posted by HonoreDB (Member # 1214) on :

A recurring Pratchett blurb-I forget from whom--"parodies everything in sight."

Panparodic?

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

Satirical, somewhat dry.