Discworld Author Terry Pratchett Dies At 66

Terry Pratchett, the British science-fiction and fantasy author behind the long-running Discworld series, passed away on March 12 at the age of 66.

Pratchett was known for the satirical humor and sharp wit that could be found in the over 70 books that he wrote, including over 40 in the Discworld series and Good Omens, the religious satire he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman. Pratchett's work is frequently cited as a inspiration for many modern genre fiction writers.

Larry Finlay of Transworld Publishers had this to say, in an official statement:

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds.

In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention.

Terry faced his Alzheimer's disease (an 'embuggerance', as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come.

My sympathies go out to Terry's wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him."

Pratchett completed his final Discworld novel last year. After a long battle with PCA, and a public and defiant struggle against Alzheimer's disease, Pratchett passed away quietly, at home, surrounded by his family.