Terry Pratchett 2: The Light Fantastic

We make our way chaotically through The Light Fantastic, the sequel to the Colour of Magic. We don’t concern ourselves too much with the plot, for what it is - a frenetic chase across the Discworld culminating in a special effects extravaganza in Ankh Morpork - and instead talk about Terry Pratchett’s philosophy.

Gender relations: are wizards to masculinity what witches are to femininity? Hierarchy, rituals, titles, institutions, ruthlessness, all these are present at Unseen University, but with a twinkle in their eye. Extreme competence worn very lightly, which is a masculine ideal of sorts. In fact is the librarian (an orangutan) peak masculinity? An ordered mind, bordering on autism, chilled but very strong and capable of extreme violence, motivated mostly by a desire for bananas.

The terror of the mob: Terry Pratchett really hates ...