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News A Stroke of the Pen: Terry Pratchett’s Lost Stories at the British Library

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Rachael Burnett

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Tue 10 Oct 2023, 19:00 - 20:30

This event takes place in the British Library and will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person, or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Viewing links will be sent out shortly before the event.

The arrival of new stories by the late, great Terry Pratchett, the award-winning author and creator of the phenomenally successful Discworld series, was thought to be an impossibility. As per his wishes to not have anything unpublished released, his hard drive was crushed with a steamroller after his death.

But now, 20 lost tales have been rediscovered - written by Pratchett under a pseudonym and printed in newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s. Whilst none are set in Discworld, they hint towards what he would go on to create, containing all of his trademark wit, satirical wisdom and fantastic imagination.

This unmissable event for Pratchett fans will be, for most, a first chance to discover these unearthed stories. We are joined by Pat and Jan Harkin, who went through decades’ worth of old newspapers to rediscover the lost treasures. Plus special guest readings and more. Hosted by Katy Guest.

Each story is a gem. 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 go on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork...

Doors and Bar open at 18:00. Followed by a book stall.

Half price tickets available for British Library Members, students, under 26s and other concession groups.

Pat and Jan Harkin are retired doctors living in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Pat has been a Pratchett fan for many years. He was dubbed “Lord of the Uber-fans” by Sir Terry, and has a large collection of Discworld books and Pratchett related memorabilia, along with an improbable number and variety of small rubber ducks. Sir Terry used him as a source of expert opinion in slightly obscure areas, such as how much earwax a person creates in a lifetime. Pat is one of the members of The Venerable Order of the Honeybee, a group Sir Terry had created to acknowledge those who had helped in his writing. Jan (aka Dr Jan Clarke) acts as travel organiser and supporter for Pat on many international Discworld conventions and tolerates his massive collection of books, prints and collectables. She worked alongside Pat on the Quest for The Quest for the Keys.
 
. Pat is one of the members of The Venerable Order of the Honeybee, a group Sir Terry had created to acknowledge those who had helped in his writing. Jan (aka Dr Jan Clarke) acts as travel organiser and supporter for Pat on many international Discworld conventions and tolerates his massive collection of books, prints and collectables. She worked alongside Pat on the Quest for The Quest for the Keys.
In his biography I learned Sir Terry was a beekeeper in the 70's. There was a picture of him in his white suit "Hells Beekeepers" emblazoned across the back. He's astride his sole mode of transportation a wannabe Harley small motorbike.
 
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