Terry Pratchett v. J.K. Rowling

Rowling apparently has said that when she started writing the Harry Potter books she didn’t realize that she was writing fantasy.

Pratchett, in typical form, replies[*1] :

“I would have thought that the wizards, witches, trolls, unicorns, hidden worlds, jumping chocolate frogs, owl mail, magic food, ghosts, broomsticks and spells would have given her a clue?”

Over the long run, my money’s on Pratchett. The Potter books are mildly diverting at best. I have all of Pratchett’s books on my bookshelves, where they all get re-read every year or so. I sold off the first three Potter books at a garage sale, and I might someday go to the library to check out the newer ones. If you want more and better, read Pratchett’s Discworld books.