Following the passing of much-loved British author Terry Pratchett, we were pleased to learn that the writer’s first book was launched within our very own showrooms.
Having started his career writing children’s stories for his local newspaper, Pratchett developed a number of the characters that would feature in his first novel The Carpet People (1971).
Fittingly, the book was launched within Heal’s carpet department and, according to his publisher Colin Smythe, a special cocktail mix called ‘Essence of Underlay’ was created especially for the event. While the recipe has long since been forgotten the novel made a lasting impression gaining glowing reviews, all be they few in numbers.
Pratchett went on to write a number of science-fiction and fantasy books including the hugely popular Discworld series, which has sold more than 85 million copies worldwide.
Following his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, in recent years Pratchett has remained in the public conscious thanks to his staunch support for organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, and in 2009 was awarded a knighthood for both his services to literature and campaigning on health issues.
An enchanting writer who will undoubtedly be missed, what better way to honour the great man than to join his many fans across the globe and curl up to one of his brilliant books.
