Hogfather: A Discworld Novel

Front Cover
Harper Collins, Oct 13, 2009 - Fiction - 416 pages

"Exceptionally amusing and enjoyable." —Michael Moorcock

'Twas the night before Hogswatch and all through the house . . . something was missing. Don't miss this hilarious and irreverent installment in the beloved Discworld series from New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Hogswatchnight, when the Hogfather himself dons his red suit and climbs in his sleigh pulled by—of course—eight hogs, to shower gifts across Discworld. But when the fat man goes missing, someone has to sit in. It’s up to Death to take up the reigns—otherwise the sun won’t shine tomorrow . . . or ever again.

Who would want to harm Discworld's most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless—and oddly familiar—universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly, old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there's something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins' Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork's rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld's entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drastic measures must be taken, which is why Death himself is taking up the reins of the fat man's vacated sleigh . . . which, in turn, has Death's level-headed granddaughter, Susan, racing to unravel the nasty, humbuggian mess before the holiday season goes straight to hell and takes everyone along with it.

The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Hogfather is the fourth book in the Death series. The collection includes:

  • Mort
  • The Reaper Man
  • Soul Music
  • Hogfather
  • Thief of Time
 

Contents

Section 1
76
Section 2
82
Section 3
125
Section 4
356
Section 5
357
Section 6
361
Section 7
362
Section 8
363
Section 10
365
Section 11
366
Section 12
367
Section 13
368
Section 14
371
Section 15
373
Section 16
374
Copyright

Section 9
364

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Common terms and phrases

Popular passages

Page 188 - It's amazing how good governments are, given their track record in almost every other field, at hushing up things like alien encounters. One reason may be that the aliens themselves are too embarrassed to talk about it. It's not known why most of the space-going races of the universe want to undertake rummaging in Earthling underwear as a prelude to formal contact.
Page 24 - Getting an education was a bit like a communicable sexual disease. It made you unsuitable for a lot of jobs and then you had the urge to pass it on. ~~ Terry Pratchett, Hogfather...
Page 188 - The truth may be out there, but lies are inside your head. do so. The wizards were sitting around the Uncommon Room table, which was piled high with books. "It is Hogswatch, Archchancellor," said the Dean reproachfully, thumbing through an ancient volume.
Page 236 - Stibbons . . . would you be so kind as to step over here for a moment?
Page 299 - And the ghosts of the past poured in, and he knew where he was. He was in the yard of Gammer Wimblestone's dame school.

About the author (2009)

Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) was the acclaimed creator of the globally revered Discworld series. In all, he authored more than fifty bestselling books, which have sold more than one hundred million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any.