Carpe Jugulum: A Novel of Discworld

Another brilliant installment in Terry Pratchett's acclaimed Discworld series, "The novel exudes the curious feel of old-fashioned vampire and Frankenstein legends. . . . Pratchett lampoons everything from Christian superstition to Swiss Army knives here, proving that the fantasy satire of Discworld 'still ate'nt dead.'" — Publishers Weekly

King Verence, in a fit of enlightened democracy and ebullient goodwill, invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But everyone knows you don't invite vampires into your house, even stylish, sophisticated ones with fancy waistcoats — unless you want permanent guests. Once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving . . . ever. Standing between the Magpyr family and Lancre are a coven of four: Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat, and young Agness. And as the Lancre living are about to discover, there's only one way to fight. Go for the throat, or as the vampyres themselves say . . . Carpe Jugulum!

The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Carpe Jugulum is the sixth in the Witches collection. The Witches includes:

• Equal Rites
• Wyrd Sisters
• Witches Abroad
• Lords and Ladies
• Maskerade
• Carpe Jugulum

It is rare and splendid event when an author is elevated from the underground into the international literary establishment. In the case of England's best-known and best-loved modern satirist, that event has been long overdue.

Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent Discworld novels satirize and celebrate every aspect of life, modern and ancient, sacred and profane. Consistent number-one bestsellers in England, they have garnered him a secure position in the pantheon of humor along with Mark Twain, Douglas Adams, Matt Groening, and Jonathan Swift.

Even so distinguished an author as A. S. Byatt has sung his praises, calling Pratchett's intricate and delightful fictional Discworld "more complicated and satisfying than Oz."

His latest satiric triumph, Carpe Jugulum, involves an exclusive royal snafu that leads to comic mayhem. In a fit of enlightenment democracy and ebullient goodwill, King Verence invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving. Ever.

Only an uneasy alliance between a nervous young priest and the argumentative local witches can save the country from being taken over by people with a cultivated bloodlust and bad taste in silk waistcoats. For them, there's only one way to fight.

Go for the throat, or as the vampyres themselves say...
Carpe Jugulum

“[An] elaborate confection.” - London Times

“Exudes the curious feel of old-fashioned vampire and Frankenstein legends. . . . Pratchett lampoons everything from Christain superstition to Swiss Army knives here, proving that the fantasy sire of Discworld ‘still ate’nt dead.’” - Publishers Weekly

“Fresh, inventive, and funny.” - Birmingham Post

“Smart and funny.” - Denver Post

“An enduring, endearing presence in comic literature.” - Guardian

“Incredibly funny . . . compulsively readable.” - Times (UK)