Pratchett, Terry (1986) ‘The Light Fantastic’, UK signed and inscribed first edition

Terry Pratchett (1986) ‘The Light Fantastic‘, UK first edition, first printing, published by Colin Smythe. Signed and inscribed by the author on the title page: “To Roger | with best wishes | Terry Pratchett | 2 April 88“. The second Discworld novel with only 1,034 first edition copies printed.

Provenance: From the collection of the late Roger Earnshaw, a SF and Fantasy collector who attended many conventions around the world (Novacons, Eastercons and Worldcons) where he would have ample opportunity to get his books signed.

Condition: a fine copy in like dust jacket. No previous owner’s scribbles, no bookplates, no stamps. No foxing. Boards are clean and bright with no fading whatsoever. The lettering is not rubbed. The book feels unread.  The correct dust jacket without any price on the flap (apart from an attached GBP 8.95 sticker) as called for is in fine condition with no fading and no tears.

This copy of The Light Fantastic is undoubtedly one of the best copies we have seen. It is in fine condition which is hard to find since back in 1986 nobody could have predicted how seminal and much loved the Discworld series would turn up to be. Of the 1,034 copies many would have received the usual library treatment, or copies would be “well loved” and much thumbed. In addition,  this copy was signed in April 1988 with Pratchett’s full signature rather than the characteristic squiggle which the author used in later years to speed up the signing process for queuing fans.

Only The Colour of Magic (1983) is scarcer with 506 printed first edition copies.

Adapted in 2008 as a TV film.