Posted on 03/12/2015 9:19:32 AM PDT by Lorianne
Fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett has died aged 66, having had Alzheimer's disease for eight years.
"The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds," said Larry Finlay of his publishing company, Transworld.
Best known for the Discworld series, Sir Terry wrote more than 70 books over his lengthy career.
He was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007, but continued writing, completing his final book last summer.
The author died at home "with his cat sleeping on his bed, surrounded by his family," Mr Finlay said.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Wow, so he was stricken with Alzheimers rather early (to me) at the age of 58. That must have been frightening. Maybe this trait runs in his family, so perhaps he was not totally surprised. Looks like he made the most of his God given talents. R.I.P.
Looks like he was visited by Death, Susan, and Binky last night, perhapse SQUEAK too....
I’m not much for ‘fantasy’, prefer real sci-fi.
But this author made it interesting with his exceptional narrative skills and imagination.
“Wow, so he was stricken with Alzheimers rather early (to me) at the age of 58.”
==
If you haven’t read “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova,do so.It’s about early Alzheimers.
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I'd like to go in similar fashion...
I’ve been meaning to read his books and haven’t started a one of them. I learned of Pratchett thru his biggest fan, a guy I read on a blog, Lawdog Files. I just popped over there and the last posting on that blog was last November.
That is a terrible loss. Very glad he was such a prolific writer, very sad he’s gone.
My oldest sister died of AD at age 56, having been struck with it about age 40. You are correct in that it can run in families especially if there is a Maternal X link. All of us sister had boy children, so the link is now gone, thank God. The rest of us sisters are all over 55 yoa, so we know we won’t get the early onset if we get it at all.
You are seriously in for a treat. He reminds me a bit of Anthony Trollope (only with fantasy) and he’s been compared to Chaucer.
:)
Here is some breaking news on how uric acid may be part of the solution when it comes to Alzheimers Disease.
Oh dear. He was one of my favorites.
RIP, sir.
You will be missed.
Enjoyed many of his books. I am reading his last right now, and it seems a bit of a farewell tour. All the old favorites pop in, some seem tired and worn out.
He will be missed.
Was he visited by “death” or “DEATH”? Pratchett was the author whose Grim Reaper spoke in all caps, IIRC.
My DH and son will be saddened. My son just finished “Johnny and the Dead”.
So Alz. can be gender specific too, huh? Well, learn something new everyday. I guess it would be seen as a ‘recessive trait’ to be stored in the DNA. This exists in my family too, but ‘back then’ 1960-1980’s people in my family just didn’t talk much about it, and we kids were under orders not to ask. I think more people are ready to discuss it today, which is the healthier way.
Sir Pratchett was one of the best. RIP
BTW, I wonder if they’ll bury his sword with him? I have a feeling he’d have really liked that.
http://www.themarysue.com/terry-pratchett-sword/
We shall miss him.
His work on Good Omens was, to me, the best of the best. I still read it once a year when things seem too serious. He partnered with Neil Gaiman on that one. Absolutely hilarious.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Omens
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