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The Carpet People
From the beloved and bestselling Sir Terry Pratchett, creator of the Discworld fantasy series. "In the beginning, there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet." That’s the old story that every tiny citizen of the empire found in the Carpet knows. But now a new story isin the making. The story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet, of power-hungry villains wreaking havoc, and of two brothers on an adventure to end all adventures. It's a story that will come to a terrible end—if someone doesn't do something about it. If everyone doesn't do something about it... First published in 1971, this novel marked the debut of Sir Terry Pratchett, storyteller extraordinaire. Years later, Sir Terry revised his early work. This edition includes the updated text, his original illustrations, andthe original short story that was the forerunner to The Carpet People . Discover more of Sir Terry's fierce and funny tiny heroes in The Wee Free Men and The Bromeliad Trilogy !
296 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
557 people are currently reading
7,866 people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
616books44.9kfollowersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983�2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 888 reviews
July 1, 2023
“But the trouble about obeying orders is, it becomes a habit. And then everything depends on who’s giving the orders.�
According to the Author’s Note, “This book had two authors, and they were both the same person�. Young Terry Pratchett started writing this book when working on a children’s column in a provincial newspaper at the age 17 and published it at 24 as his first work. And then a seasoned writing veteran Terry Pratchett at 43 tweaked it a bit here and there, and that’s the version we have here. With Pratchett’s own illustrations because clearly there’s nothing that man couldn’t do.
“From the dust the Carpet wove us all. […]
The Carpet was full of life, but it did not know it was alive. It could be, but it could not think. It did not even know what it was.
And so from the dust came us, the Carpet People. We gave the Carpet its name, and named the creatures, and the weaving was complete. We were the first to give the Carpet a name. Now it knew about itself.[…]
Of course, this is all metaphorical, but I think it’s important, don’t you?�
It’s definitely an “early� Pratchett, still not quite at the height of his writing powers � but the seeds of genius are already there. The Carpet denizens are not quite yet at the Discworld quality, and the humor is gentler, and the fantasy part is more generic (although, and I can’t emphasize it enough, the sheer idea of Carpet People is pure delight), and the story has a somewhat disjointed episodic oddly paced feel � and yet it’s unmistakably still *the* Pratchett on his way to developing his signature wit and style.
“Oh, I know it’s useless to say all this,� he added, catching Bane’s grin, “but I wish that the people who sing about the deeds of heroes would think about the people who have to clear up after them.�
It’s a fun and quick read that, although written for children, does not talk down to the readers. Compared to what you’d expect from older Pratchett, it’s simple and superficial and kinda adorably earnest but with enough cleverness added to make it worthwhile.
Lovely for a Pratchett completist like yours truly, but perhaps not as an introduction to Sir Terry’s wit for a Pratchett newbie.
3 stars.
—ĔĔĔĔ�
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January 21, 2019
If Terry Pratchett's writing could be said to have an over-arching message, it is this:
1. There are better ways to do things than hitting people over the head.
2. Other people are still people, no matter how different their culture; we should respect them.
His agenda of peaceful toleration is more explicit in this early novel than in most (the first point above is almost a literal quotation from The Carpet People), but has formed the serious content of almost everything he has written.
1. There are better ways to do things than hitting people over the head.
2. Other people are still people, no matter how different their culture; we should respect them.
His agenda of peaceful toleration is more explicit in this early novel than in most (the first point above is almost a literal quotation from The Carpet People), but has formed the serious content of almost everything he has written.
June 8, 2012
I love this book. I've loved since I first read it 15 years ago. I love it for the way it tickled my imagination with the wonderful idea of entire civilisations living in the carpet. I love it for the standard fantasy adventure story that it is at its core but told in such a way and such a world that even I didn't yawn at the constant walking from one place to another of it all. I love that after all this time I still get excited by reading it and I love this shiny new illustrated edition complete with the authors own art from his teenage years. I love the introduction from the master storyteller slightly embarrassed by his early efforts yet not too big to realise the mistakes he made and fix some of them. And it is this that is most amazing to me at 29 as yet unpublished, that even the greats such as Terry Pratchett weren't masters instantly but kept on working at their craft even after being published.
Reading again after the journey through the Tiffany Aching stories and even his finest novel , which just so happened to be primarily a young adult novel, it is clear that he always had an extraordinary ability to write adult stories that were accessible to children, that taught them without treating them as if they were stupid or making it an obvious lesson (something that I've only ever noticed in a book outside of Mr Pratchetts work, but sure I don't make a habit of reading kids books, even as a kid) and his ability to create easily identifiable, conventional characters and play with the readers expectations and the genre character rules.
Snibril is the protagonist who undertakes a journey with his companions, losing everything but gaining something so much more valuable; realising along the way such universal truths as the importance of education and friendship and the value of property. And I'm happy to keep taking the journey with him, time and time again.
Reading again after the journey through the Tiffany Aching stories and even his finest novel , which just so happened to be primarily a young adult novel, it is clear that he always had an extraordinary ability to write adult stories that were accessible to children, that taught them without treating them as if they were stupid or making it an obvious lesson (something that I've only ever noticed in a book outside of Mr Pratchetts work, but sure I don't make a habit of reading kids books, even as a kid) and his ability to create easily identifiable, conventional characters and play with the readers expectations and the genre character rules.
Snibril is the protagonist who undertakes a journey with his companions, losing everything but gaining something so much more valuable; realising along the way such universal truths as the importance of education and friendship and the value of property. And I'm happy to keep taking the journey with him, time and time again.
April 5, 2021
“In the beginning, there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet…�
The Carpet People is a story about different tribes and people living in a carpet. This story follows the uprising of the mouls, snargs and two brothers who go on an adventure.
The Carpet People is Terry Pratchett first novel and was published 50 years ago. Unfortunately, you can tell that this is Pratchett’s first work. The characterisation is lacking, and I lost interest in the plot pretty quickly. Furthermore, the pacing is rough, and the reader is often left wondering what is going on. However, reading The Carpet People makes the reader appreciate how much Pratchett writing evolved over his career
Moreover, I appreciate that this book feels like a Pratchett novel. The Carpet People is filled with humour, absurdity and fantastic themes. This book displays better ways to handle conflicts than just hitting, belittling or mocking other people’s ideas. Furthermore, The Carpet People emphasises respecting other people’s culture and that all humans have an intrinsic value.
I read this book through the audiobook performed by David Tennant. Although I didn’t enjoy this book, David Tennant’s performance was phenomenal. Tennant makes each character feel distinct, making the narration enjoyable to listen to. Tennant displays a range of different accents, tones and voices, making each character personality come to life. Tennant masterfully switches between the characters and does an impressive job narrating this book. If you want to read this book, then I would highly recommend the audiobook by David Tennant.
In conclusion, The Carpet People is a fun, quick read with some great themes. Unfortunately, the plot and characterisation are lacking, and therefore I would only recommend this book to avid Terry Pratchett fans. If you want to read this book, then I am recommending the audiobook by David Tennant.
The Carpet People 2/5
The audiobook performance 5/5
Overall rating 3 / 5
Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The Carpet People is a story about different tribes and people living in a carpet. This story follows the uprising of the mouls, snargs and two brothers who go on an adventure.
The Carpet People is Terry Pratchett first novel and was published 50 years ago. Unfortunately, you can tell that this is Pratchett’s first work. The characterisation is lacking, and I lost interest in the plot pretty quickly. Furthermore, the pacing is rough, and the reader is often left wondering what is going on. However, reading The Carpet People makes the reader appreciate how much Pratchett writing evolved over his career
Moreover, I appreciate that this book feels like a Pratchett novel. The Carpet People is filled with humour, absurdity and fantastic themes. This book displays better ways to handle conflicts than just hitting, belittling or mocking other people’s ideas. Furthermore, The Carpet People emphasises respecting other people’s culture and that all humans have an intrinsic value.
I read this book through the audiobook performed by David Tennant. Although I didn’t enjoy this book, David Tennant’s performance was phenomenal. Tennant makes each character feel distinct, making the narration enjoyable to listen to. Tennant displays a range of different accents, tones and voices, making each character personality come to life. Tennant masterfully switches between the characters and does an impressive job narrating this book. If you want to read this book, then I would highly recommend the audiobook by David Tennant.
In conclusion, The Carpet People is a fun, quick read with some great themes. Unfortunately, the plot and characterisation are lacking, and therefore I would only recommend this book to avid Terry Pratchett fans. If you want to read this book, then I am recommending the audiobook by David Tennant.
The Carpet People 2/5
The audiobook performance 5/5
Overall rating 3 / 5
Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
I love that this was written by Terry & Pterry: first written by the 17yo Terry & published in 1971, then tweaked a little by 43yo Pterry for re-issue in 1992. It is a children's tale, simple & straightforward, but you can see a hint of the ingredients that make up the later Wizards, Witches & Watch. I first read it around 30 years ago, & my reading tastes have changed in that time, but I still loved it.
The Munrung tribe must travel to find a new life when their home is destroyed by Fray. They are vulnerable to the vicious Mouls & so unite with the Deftmenes & Dumii in order to survive. Snibril, Pismire, Bane, Glurk & Brocando are amusing, well-sketched characters, enjoyable in themselves & also hinting at wonderful Discworld people to come.
I must go now as it's time for me to commit a bit of Fray upon my own Carpet People :0)
The Munrung tribe must travel to find a new life when their home is destroyed by Fray. They are vulnerable to the vicious Mouls & so unite with the Deftmenes & Dumii in order to survive. Snibril, Pismire, Bane, Glurk & Brocando are amusing, well-sketched characters, enjoyable in themselves & also hinting at wonderful Discworld people to come.
I must go now as it's time for me to commit a bit of Fray upon my own Carpet People :0)
March 4, 2024
Typical Terry Pratchett and his creativity. 6 of 10 stars
May 27, 2012
The Carpet People is one of those novels that would read like imitation Terry Pratchett if it were not, in fact, written by Terry Pratchett. By which I mean, this is an early novel and it shows. Much of the trademark humor is present, but the characterization and plot are a little lacking.
Most troubling, though, is the lack of explanation for the carpet metaphor. Without it, the story is a basic story, one that has been told a thousand times, of a group of misfits who learn to work together to overthrow an evil guy and restore balance to the force, or something like that. The carpet metaphor is cute, and the descriptions of threads and what lies below the floor and, especially, the use of fray as a negative force in the world is appealing enough, but there's no compelling reason to have used it.
In short, it's a cute story, but unless you're a Pratchett completionist, you could easily skip this short novel without feeling badly about it.
Most troubling, though, is the lack of explanation for the carpet metaphor. Without it, the story is a basic story, one that has been told a thousand times, of a group of misfits who learn to work together to overthrow an evil guy and restore balance to the force, or something like that. The carpet metaphor is cute, and the descriptions of threads and what lies below the floor and, especially, the use of fray as a negative force in the world is appealing enough, but there's no compelling reason to have used it.
In short, it's a cute story, but unless you're a Pratchett completionist, you could easily skip this short novel without feeling badly about it.
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June 27, 2021
Before Discworld there were The Carpet People...
This was Terry's first novel and, well, you can sort of tell. It is still wonderfully written and there is the trademark humour he has so wonderfully carved out as his own, but it was definitely not his best. There were ideas and characters and the imagination that can all be found somewhere in Discworld, so if you've read those you'll feel like you're tucked up in a familiar duvet. And if you've read those, you'll be so in love with Terry you won't mind that at all.
It is written well, as previously said, and the pace was so quick I couldn't often keep up, but the humour is so forced sometimes it definitely brings you back down to the reality that this is not a Discworld and not a good one. The imagination of creating a tiny race of people that live in the deepest, darkest parts of a carpet is wonderful, but as with a lot of fantasy I had trouble with getting behind the mix of Real-World terms and Made-Up-World terms. Most fantasy places have some form of cow or horse and a lot of fantasy books will make up a new word for this animal, even though it's obviously a cow or a horse, because what you're actually reading is a (use your imagination) translation of this story from it's original language (the Made-Up-World language) in to English. So even if it's not called a horse there, it will be called a horse in the book. In terms of The Carpet People the mix of Real-World and Made-Up-World creature names was annoying and confusing.
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This was Terry's first novel and, well, you can sort of tell. It is still wonderfully written and there is the trademark humour he has so wonderfully carved out as his own, but it was definitely not his best. There were ideas and characters and the imagination that can all be found somewhere in Discworld, so if you've read those you'll feel like you're tucked up in a familiar duvet. And if you've read those, you'll be so in love with Terry you won't mind that at all.
It is written well, as previously said, and the pace was so quick I couldn't often keep up, but the humour is so forced sometimes it definitely brings you back down to the reality that this is not a Discworld and not a good one. The imagination of creating a tiny race of people that live in the deepest, darkest parts of a carpet is wonderful, but as with a lot of fantasy I had trouble with getting behind the mix of Real-World terms and Made-Up-World terms. Most fantasy places have some form of cow or horse and a lot of fantasy books will make up a new word for this animal, even though it's obviously a cow or a horse, because what you're actually reading is a (use your imagination) translation of this story from it's original language (the Made-Up-World language) in to English. So even if it's not called a horse there, it will be called a horse in the book. In terms of The Carpet People the mix of Real-World and Made-Up-World creature names was annoying and confusing.
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April 26, 2019
Прочетете тази книга преди да подхванете пролетното си почистване и тупането на килимите вече никога няма да е същото! За „Килименит� хора� тукаплака би била равносилна на апокалипсис. Класическото комично фентъзи за читатели от всяка възраст се завръщат с ново издание от изд. „Прозорец�, за радост на всички нови и стари фенове на незабравимия Тери Пратчет! Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":
February 19, 2020
Dopala mi se i originalna priča (koju je napisao sa samo sedamnaest godina) i ova prerađena, koja je baš pračetovska.
Nije petica, jer mi je malo pred kraj postalo konfuzno.
Omiljeni lik mi je Brokando, koji nikako da ukapira zašto ne može da baca neprijatelje sa stene 😂 i zašto nije dozvoljeno ubijati protivnike koji bace oružje. Realno, prelako je. 😂
Mnogo mi se dopala ova simpatična priča i odlična je i kao početak upoznavanja sa Pračetom.
Nije petica, jer mi je malo pred kraj postalo konfuzno.
Omiljeni lik mi je Brokando, koji nikako da ukapira zašto ne može da baca neprijatelje sa stene 😂 i zašto nije dozvoljeno ubijati protivnike koji bace oružje. Realno, prelako je. 😂
Mnogo mi se dopala ova simpatična priča i odlična je i kao početak upoznavanja sa Pračetom.
October 10, 2024
A fun romp. I enjoyed this lighthearted and witty story with descriptions such as the canopy woven from dust.
January 17, 2013
This is the book which started me on the steady path to reading science fiction. I was enthralled by the imagination which could capture the life and environment which may exist beneath our feet in a small carpet (or rug as suggested by the book) and the complex geo-politics and racial tensions which exist there. This is the original version of the book written by the then 17 year old Terry Pratchett and not the edition re-written by him when he was 43. This is the one I found in the children’s section of the Couper Institute Library and then had to get a copy of my own in 1979 when it was then out of print. I still have the treasured hardback copy in my library and re-read only 2 years ago. I love it for its simplicity and honest of storytelling. A good story, well told.
May 21, 2015
This one was pretty adorable.
I decided to buy a copy of The Carpet People after completing and the passing of Sir Pratchett (they happened at roughly the same time). Dragons at Crumbling Castle was simply adorable (recommended for young readers!) and I was very interested to see what changes were made when Sir Pratchett revised, fleshed out and (re) published The Carpet People which was initially written when he was 17 years old.
The Carpet People tells the story of the Munrong tribe as they try to locate a new home after their home was destroyed by Fray. I adored the adventures of the Munrongs - Snibril, Pismire, Glurk and Bane were all loads of fun. I could see the glimmers of what would become known as Sir Pratchett's brilliance: the social commentary rolled up into a huge ball of fun. As Sir Pratchett was barely out of childhood when this was originally written, I would love to see where the changes were made (from originally published manuscript to the final re-publish). I *think* I know where some of them were made.
Read the rest here:
October 21, 2016
Странно ми е да чета толкова мрънканици за тази книга. Не била оригинална, била прототип, била не знам какво си...
Самия факт, че Пратчет е измислил цяла една приказка за един проклет килим още на 17 е... смайващо доказателство за ненадминат талант. Разбира се, не знам какъв е бил оригиналния текст, но поне преработеното издание е една чудесна история.
Да, вярно е - много от героите са пресъздадени в Света на Диска. И идеята за плоския свят и прочие - да, и това го има. Но въпреки това идеята е просто адски добра.
И добре, че аз се отказах от моя килим... щеше да ми е много трудно да го гледам по този нов начин след тази книга xD
Самия факт, че Пратчет е измислил цяла една приказка за един проклет килим още на 17 е... смайващо доказателство за ненадминат талант. Разбира се, не знам какъв е бил оригиналния текст, но поне преработеното издание е една чудесна история.
Да, вярно е - много от героите са пресъздадени в Света на Диска. И идеята за плоския свят и прочие - да, и това го има. Но въпреки това идеята е просто адски добра.
И добре, че аз се отказах от моя килим... щеше да ми е много трудно да го гледам по този нов начин след тази книга xD
July 11, 2022
Ich hatte "Teppichvölker" bereits vor Jahren gelesen. Da kannte ich lediglich Terry Pratchetts Scheibenwelt-Geschichten. Diese hier spielt in einem völlig anderen Universum und die Figuren haben mich weniger an Mumm, Rincewind oder Feucht von Lipwig erinnert, nicht einmal an die Wir sind die Größten.
Vielmehr erinnerten sie mich an Charaktere von der Langen Erde. Aber 🤐
Es muss damals Spaß gemacht haben, auf die Fortsetzung der Abenteuer der Teppichvölker in der Zeitung zu warten. Denn so nahm alles seinen Anfang, mit Kurzgeschichten in einer Zeitung.
Vielmehr erinnerten sie mich an Charaktere von der Langen Erde. Aber 🤐
Es muss damals Spaß gemacht haben, auf die Fortsetzung der Abenteuer der Teppichvölker in der Zeitung zu warten. Denn so nahm alles seinen Anfang, mit Kurzgeschichten in einer Zeitung.
August 29, 2022
The Carpet People is a story about different tribes of little people living in a carpet. It’s a fascinating concept and a bit reminiscent of The Borrowers but Pratchett definitely makes it his own. It’s an early Pratchett book with a lot of potential. It feels a bit lacking in terms of plot and characters but it’s really cool to see Pratchett’s raw and undeveloped talent and skill. It’s interesting to see how much he grew as a writer since the first book he ever wrote. And it’s still a solid, imaginative and fun read.
May 16, 2021
4.25 Stars � Pratchett doing what he does, writing humour and enamouring literature for all ages. Combining fantasy with grand adventure, Carpet People has just the right amount of tender vs titillation.
This is a novel one can pick up and easily become lost and enchanted and within a couple of hours be hooked to TP for life. Characters with genuine humanity and fallability whilst remaining joyous and endearing, Pratchett creates a world to enjoy but moreover to bask in the silliness of. This is what enables such poetry in his deft touch of madness!
This is a novel one can pick up and easily become lost and enchanted and within a couple of hours be hooked to TP for life. Characters with genuine humanity and fallability whilst remaining joyous and endearing, Pratchett creates a world to enjoy but moreover to bask in the silliness of. This is what enables such poetry in his deft touch of madness!
January 26, 2022
Ovaj roman je prvijenac sir Teri Pračeta, pisca koji svojim djelima intrigira, preispituje moralne vrijednosti i otkriva nam univerzalne poruke.
U romanu "Narod iz tepiha" na zabavan i humorističan način propovijeda alegorijsku priču o raznim plemenima koji naseljavaju beskrajno prostranstvo Tepiha. Avanture u koje se upuštaju predstavnici plemena su urnebesne, protkane bistrim i žestokim narativnim naravučenijima. Kao npr.
"Istoriju pišu isključivo živi."
"Nakon borbe problemi počinju, nije bitno jesi li pobedio ili si gubitnik."
Roman je prilagođen svim generacijama i predstavlja uvod u bogat literarni opus Pračeta.
Likovi su maštoviti i psihološki okarakterisani; meni je omiljeni Brokando, koji se svojom glupošću izdiže iznad kolektiviteta; koji ne shvata zašto ne mogu napadati neprijatelje kad spuste oružje ili zašto se neprijatelji ne mogu bacati sa balkona 😂
Posebno mi se svidio feministički dio na samoj peripetiji romana koji daje značaj ženama u ratu. (I same utvare, kao bitni likovi su žene!)
Izdanje koje sam čitala sastoji se od izvorne priče koju je autor napisao kad je imao 17 godina i od romana koji je proširio nakon mnogo godina.
U romanu "Narod iz tepiha" na zabavan i humorističan način propovijeda alegorijsku priču o raznim plemenima koji naseljavaju beskrajno prostranstvo Tepiha. Avanture u koje se upuštaju predstavnici plemena su urnebesne, protkane bistrim i žestokim narativnim naravučenijima. Kao npr.
"Istoriju pišu isključivo živi."
"Nakon borbe problemi počinju, nije bitno jesi li pobedio ili si gubitnik."
Roman je prilagođen svim generacijama i predstavlja uvod u bogat literarni opus Pračeta.
Likovi su maštoviti i psihološki okarakterisani; meni je omiljeni Brokando, koji se svojom glupošću izdiže iznad kolektiviteta; koji ne shvata zašto ne mogu napadati neprijatelje kad spuste oružje ili zašto se neprijatelji ne mogu bacati sa balkona 😂
Posebno mi se svidio feministički dio na samoj peripetiji romana koji daje značaj ženama u ratu. (I same utvare, kao bitni likovi su žene!)
Izdanje koje sam čitala sastoji se od izvorne priče koju je autor napisao kad je imao 17 godina i od romana koji je proširio nakon mnogo godina.
February 12, 2015
I've read a number of other people's reviews of The Carpet People and I have to say that I think many of those that criticise it are missing the very valuable about it.
First of all this is not a great example for an introduction into Terry Pratchett. If you're a younger reader then I'd suggest Wee Free Men or the 'Johnny And The...' Series, although font let that put you off starting with The Colour of Magic. That is where I'd suggest any older readers start read a good few of Pratchett's novels and then read Strata and THEN read The Carpet People. That is how you'll get most from it.
Yes some of the characters seem to get forgotten about and disappear half way through only return when the plot requires. Yes occasionally you'll find yourself flicking back to check if you've missed something or which character is being references. Yes the themes are common and some metaphor aren't fully explained. But it's written by a 17 year old, for young readers. It's not supposed to have an elaborate plot full of twists, it's not perfect, but that's it's charm.
It has many funny moments in it and quite frankly, if you find it confusing you're either skim reading and so not doing justice or you missed an import stage of your development in reading.
There are two reasons why I think this book is fantastic and neither of them is that it was written by my favourite author of all time.
The first is, like many, it was an important book in my life. This wasn't just the first book that got me into the genre, this was the first book that got me reading. This was the first book I choose myself, read to myself and most importantly, finished.
To illustrate my second reason, imagine the Discworld series of novels as a progression through time of Pratchett's style that can be likened to the progression of Science and Technology* becoming more developed and complex. Carpet People is to Discworld what Neanderthals are to modern Science. This is by no means a criticism of The Carpet People. Neanderthal man were thought to be the first man to control fire and use tools - a necessary stage in the development in Science and Technology, without which the likes of the Internet and space travel would be impossible. Few authors do you get to see a development if this magnitude of their work and it's for this, that The Carpet People should be cherished and respected.
*For this example, Colour of Magic is post dark ages!
First of all this is not a great example for an introduction into Terry Pratchett. If you're a younger reader then I'd suggest Wee Free Men or the 'Johnny And The...' Series, although font let that put you off starting with The Colour of Magic. That is where I'd suggest any older readers start read a good few of Pratchett's novels and then read Strata and THEN read The Carpet People. That is how you'll get most from it.
Yes some of the characters seem to get forgotten about and disappear half way through only return when the plot requires. Yes occasionally you'll find yourself flicking back to check if you've missed something or which character is being references. Yes the themes are common and some metaphor aren't fully explained. But it's written by a 17 year old, for young readers. It's not supposed to have an elaborate plot full of twists, it's not perfect, but that's it's charm.
It has many funny moments in it and quite frankly, if you find it confusing you're either skim reading and so not doing justice or you missed an import stage of your development in reading.
There are two reasons why I think this book is fantastic and neither of them is that it was written by my favourite author of all time.
The first is, like many, it was an important book in my life. This wasn't just the first book that got me into the genre, this was the first book that got me reading. This was the first book I choose myself, read to myself and most importantly, finished.
To illustrate my second reason, imagine the Discworld series of novels as a progression through time of Pratchett's style that can be likened to the progression of Science and Technology* becoming more developed and complex. Carpet People is to Discworld what Neanderthals are to modern Science. This is by no means a criticism of The Carpet People. Neanderthal man were thought to be the first man to control fire and use tools - a necessary stage in the development in Science and Technology, without which the likes of the Internet and space travel would be impossible. Few authors do you get to see a development if this magnitude of their work and it's for this, that The Carpet People should be cherished and respected.
*For this example, Colour of Magic is post dark ages!
April 1, 2013
this book reminded me why I read, fundamentally.
I read for fun, not to analyse or to be critical for goodreads.
And this is one of those books that I can't find anything to complain about, because... well... I wasn't looking too hard. But if I had I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.
I would have missed the humour and been like this reading it
Rather than being like this
But suffice to say this book was HILARIOUS!
the characters were brilliantly fun, and larger than life and made me roll on the floor laughing MORE than a couple of times.
I never got bored during the duration of this, even though it was a simple A to B journey with a few little pitstops on the way.
there was nothing really groundbreaking or new in the plot, but the setting, inside a CARPET was pure genius.
I tore through this book in a flash, and was begging for more hilarity even after the final page.
I read for fun, not to analyse or to be critical for goodreads.
And this is one of those books that I can't find anything to complain about, because... well... I wasn't looking too hard. But if I had I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.
I would have missed the humour and been like this reading it
Rather than being like this
But suffice to say this book was HILARIOUS!
the characters were brilliantly fun, and larger than life and made me roll on the floor laughing MORE than a couple of times.
I never got bored during the duration of this, even though it was a simple A to B journey with a few little pitstops on the way.
there was nothing really groundbreaking or new in the plot, but the setting, inside a CARPET was pure genius.
I tore through this book in a flash, and was begging for more hilarity even after the final page.
April 8, 2021
Before Discworld, Terry Pratchett created a carpet planet. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this, a new audiobook version has been published.
It's narrated by the excellent David Tennant. I've said before that I love the range of voices he does when telling stories. This was no exception. We had everything here including his native Scots accent, his Tenth Doctor voice, Scrooge McDuck, West Country and I think I even heard him attempt a Yoda like voice. Truly brilliant!
David Tennant was the main reason I requested a copy from Netgalley so I went into The Carpet People without knowing much about it. It was such an engaging and enjoyable read. I found it so witty that I was smiling all the way through. I admire Terry Pratchett's imagination and creativity. It's very impressive considering that he wrote this book as a teenager and then returned to it years later. It will be perfect for readers who want an introduction to Terry Pratchett and also a great choice for Discworld fans. I will be recommending this to everyone because I loved it.
It's narrated by the excellent David Tennant. I've said before that I love the range of voices he does when telling stories. This was no exception. We had everything here including his native Scots accent, his Tenth Doctor voice, Scrooge McDuck, West Country and I think I even heard him attempt a Yoda like voice. Truly brilliant!
David Tennant was the main reason I requested a copy from Netgalley so I went into The Carpet People without knowing much about it. It was such an engaging and enjoyable read. I found it so witty that I was smiling all the way through. I admire Terry Pratchett's imagination and creativity. It's very impressive considering that he wrote this book as a teenager and then returned to it years later. It will be perfect for readers who want an introduction to Terry Pratchett and also a great choice for Discworld fans. I will be recommending this to everyone because I loved it.
February 7, 2018
I liked Terry Pratchett’s first book way more than I expected. The idea of people living in the carpet is simply delightful. I loved the colorful hairs and dust, the snargs, the pones, the adventures. There are clearly two Pratchett’s at work, and often I can see who wrote what. The story is all over the place but the imagination and the witty observations are vintage Pratchett. And Sir Terry’s own illustrations are a special treat!
December 3, 2021
It's the 50h anniversary of the publication of Terry Pratchett's first book, The Carpet People and my first time reading it. A lot of miniscule creatures live in the hairs on a carpet and their civilization is threatened by a thing called "Fray" which descends from above without warning and stamps on the villages and towns. After the destruction of their village one group sets out to go to a city on the carpet and along the way, they have all kinds adventures to save an empire. Terry Pratchett's signature humor and imagination, my edition also has some drawings that he did of the characters.
December 27, 2007
I was a young teenager when I first read The Carpet People. I loved it then and I still love it now. It’s a fantastically imaginative, funny tale, and it has some characters in it that are cherished by me to this day.
I’ve heard people complain that the book isn’t up to Terry Prachett’s Discworld standards. Well, in fairness, he was only seventeen when he imagined and wrote the original concept (as I think is quite well known by his fans (?), he rewrote it when he was forty-three, although I'm not sure how heavily it was revised). There might be a few little problems with the flow of the narrative, (occasionally you are told things, important things, before they've even been shown), but on the whole I have to disagree with the critics of the book.
Maybe I’m being sentimental and nostalgic, but it’s one of my favourite stories. It tackles huge issues in the tiniest of settings. At any rate, it can live safe and secure in the knowledge that there will always be a place for it on my bookshelf.
I’ve heard people complain that the book isn’t up to Terry Prachett’s Discworld standards. Well, in fairness, he was only seventeen when he imagined and wrote the original concept (as I think is quite well known by his fans (?), he rewrote it when he was forty-three, although I'm not sure how heavily it was revised). There might be a few little problems with the flow of the narrative, (occasionally you are told things, important things, before they've even been shown), but on the whole I have to disagree with the critics of the book.
Maybe I’m being sentimental and nostalgic, but it’s one of my favourite stories. It tackles huge issues in the tiniest of settings. At any rate, it can live safe and secure in the knowledge that there will always be a place for it on my bookshelf.
February 1, 2016
Ok, as you can tell this book was a little disappointing. I was told that this book should start me off and make it easier when I get to start the Discworld series.
I found that, with this book at least that Terry Pratchett's plot didn't make much sense. The simplicity of the writing makes sense, as it is a children's book. Though as a whole I found this book and Terry Pratchett so far to be disappointing.
I wanted to love the book, but unfortunately I didn't. I can only give this a 2 star review.
I found that, with this book at least that Terry Pratchett's plot didn't make much sense. The simplicity of the writing makes sense, as it is a children's book. Though as a whole I found this book and Terry Pratchett so far to be disappointing.
I wanted to love the book, but unfortunately I didn't. I can only give this a 2 star review.
January 8, 2018
This book is a great read for Terry Pratchett completionists, or for people who have enjoyed some of his writing and want a look at the place where it all began. 40-something-year-old Pratchett's editing is visible, and leaves the raw sections written by his younger self standing out in the cold.
On the plus side, this book did a lot to encourage me to write a novel myself. If the seventeen-year-old who piled this crap together became Terry Pratchett, the sky's the limit.
On the plus side, this book did a lot to encourage me to write a novel myself. If the seventeen-year-old who piled this crap together became Terry Pratchett, the sky's the limit.
August 15, 2020
Bogami, baš mi je nedostajao stari dobri Pračet. Knjiga je sasvim solidna, s obzirom da je ovo prvi Pračetov roman, i lepo se vidi humor i ideje koje će kasnije dalje razrađivati u serijalu o Disksvetu.
June 28, 2018
Anche se grazie alla Salani (avete il mio odio) non vedremo mai tutti i libri di Mondo Disco in Italia (e a questo punto credo neanche quelli de La Lunga Terra), grazie alla Kappalab potremmo vedere gli altri.
Il Popolo del Tappeto è l'opera prima di Terry Pratchett: lo scrisse nel 1971, per poi riscriverlo nel 1992, tant'è che nella postfazione Pratchett spiega come - ormai - lo si possa considerare scritto a quattro mani, quelle del ragazzino alle prime armi e quelle dell'adulto ormai più esperto.
È un'opera per bambini, visto che lui amava scrivere per i più piccoli (non a caso considerava il ciclo di Tiffany Aching uno dei suoi lavori migliori), dove è possibile vedere quanto in quest'uomo fosse evidente da subito il genio e, in seguito, come pensasse che non si è mai troppo piccoli per assimilare concetti profondi ed importanti e che i libri per bambini devono almeno provare ad aprire la mente, perché anche se dentro Il Popolo del Tappeto si possono trovare concetti abbastanza scontati per un adulto, credo sia possibile che un ragazzino li trovi lì scritti per la prima volta.
Ma andiamo con ordine: la trama di questo libretto breve breve è quella base dei fantasy vecchio stampo. Una calamità naturale, un popolo barbaro e crudele che arriva per invadere e distruggere i regni più civilizzati, una compagnia composta da guerrieri di popoli diversi deve unirsi per salvare il continente dal disastro e alla fine il più improbabile di loro si rivela il più importante.
Un'avventura epica piena di combattimenti, magia, imboscate, nemici storici che devono trovare il modo di collaborare e scoprire il reciproco rispetto.
Ed è ambientata in un tappeto.
Il titolo non scherza: è davvero il microcosmo di un tappeto, e sono sicura che la grande catastrofe che distrugge le città periodicamente sia l'aspirapolvere, o una scopa, o qualcuno che cammina (perché la distruzione segue una traiettoria ma non è continua, perciò compatibile con dei passi... ?), e voi dovete capire quanto sia assurdamente geniale avere un'avventura fantasy con magia, gente che vede il futuro, gente che vede il multi-universo, castelli, rovine, passaggi segreti, campi coltivati, razze estinte ed in via d'estinzione... in un tappeto.
È grazie ad idee come questa che ritengo i libri di Terry Pratchett più grandi all'interno: ho sempre ammirato la sua capacità di parlare di grandi cose in piccole storie, e il modo in cui riuscisse ad esprimere temi immensi con le parole necessarie, né troppe né troppe poche e qui si vede come questa abilità, questa mentalità, l'avesse avuta da sempre.
Beh, più o meno: stando alle sue parole una delle cose che ha cambiato dalla prima versione all'attuale è la gestione delle battaglie. Da ragazzo credeva che nel fantasy fosse necessario combattere, mentre da adulto pensava che fosse più interessante cercare di evitare le battaglia - e anche qui si possono vedere i semi che daranno poi i loro frutti in Tartarughe Divine.
È un libro assurdo e divertente, rilassante per gli adulti e probabilmente qualcosa di più per un bambino, con una voce strana, diversa dagli altri libri di Pratchett che ho letto perché... beh, perché è la voce combinata di due Pratchett diversi: "Non è esattamente il libro che ho scritto allora. Non è esattamente il libro che scriverei adesso. È frutto dello sforzo congiunto di due autori, ma almeno non mi tocca sganciare a quell'altro metà dei diritti d'autore".
E io non posso che inchinarmi di nuovo al talento di un genio, un genio che ha scritto libri fantasy e per bambini, storie assurde con personaggi folli, capace di dimostrarci che il mondo è più grande di come lo percepiamo, sempre.
Il Popolo del Tappeto è l'opera prima di Terry Pratchett: lo scrisse nel 1971, per poi riscriverlo nel 1992, tant'è che nella postfazione Pratchett spiega come - ormai - lo si possa considerare scritto a quattro mani, quelle del ragazzino alle prime armi e quelle dell'adulto ormai più esperto.
È un'opera per bambini, visto che lui amava scrivere per i più piccoli (non a caso considerava il ciclo di Tiffany Aching uno dei suoi lavori migliori), dove è possibile vedere quanto in quest'uomo fosse evidente da subito il genio e, in seguito, come pensasse che non si è mai troppo piccoli per assimilare concetti profondi ed importanti e che i libri per bambini devono almeno provare ad aprire la mente, perché anche se dentro Il Popolo del Tappeto si possono trovare concetti abbastanza scontati per un adulto, credo sia possibile che un ragazzino li trovi lì scritti per la prima volta.
Ma andiamo con ordine: la trama di questo libretto breve breve è quella base dei fantasy vecchio stampo. Una calamità naturale, un popolo barbaro e crudele che arriva per invadere e distruggere i regni più civilizzati, una compagnia composta da guerrieri di popoli diversi deve unirsi per salvare il continente dal disastro e alla fine il più improbabile di loro si rivela il più importante.
Un'avventura epica piena di combattimenti, magia, imboscate, nemici storici che devono trovare il modo di collaborare e scoprire il reciproco rispetto.
Ed è ambientata in un tappeto.
Il titolo non scherza: è davvero il microcosmo di un tappeto, e sono sicura che la grande catastrofe che distrugge le città periodicamente sia l'aspirapolvere, o una scopa, o qualcuno che cammina (perché la distruzione segue una traiettoria ma non è continua, perciò compatibile con dei passi... ?), e voi dovete capire quanto sia assurdamente geniale avere un'avventura fantasy con magia, gente che vede il futuro, gente che vede il multi-universo, castelli, rovine, passaggi segreti, campi coltivati, razze estinte ed in via d'estinzione... in un tappeto.
È grazie ad idee come questa che ritengo i libri di Terry Pratchett più grandi all'interno: ho sempre ammirato la sua capacità di parlare di grandi cose in piccole storie, e il modo in cui riuscisse ad esprimere temi immensi con le parole necessarie, né troppe né troppe poche e qui si vede come questa abilità, questa mentalità, l'avesse avuta da sempre.
Beh, più o meno: stando alle sue parole una delle cose che ha cambiato dalla prima versione all'attuale è la gestione delle battaglie. Da ragazzo credeva che nel fantasy fosse necessario combattere, mentre da adulto pensava che fosse più interessante cercare di evitare le battaglia - e anche qui si possono vedere i semi che daranno poi i loro frutti in Tartarughe Divine.
È un libro assurdo e divertente, rilassante per gli adulti e probabilmente qualcosa di più per un bambino, con una voce strana, diversa dagli altri libri di Pratchett che ho letto perché... beh, perché è la voce combinata di due Pratchett diversi: "Non è esattamente il libro che ho scritto allora. Non è esattamente il libro che scriverei adesso. È frutto dello sforzo congiunto di due autori, ma almeno non mi tocca sganciare a quell'altro metà dei diritti d'autore".
E io non posso che inchinarmi di nuovo al talento di un genio, un genio che ha scritto libri fantasy e per bambini, storie assurde con personaggi folli, capace di dimostrarci che il mondo è più grande di come lo percepiamo, sempre.
May 5, 2015
I was a bit trepidatious about this book, mostly because I read the Carpet People short stories in 'Crumbling Castle' and wasn't that wowed. (The second was better than the first but, overall, I wasn't really sure how the story would be sustained as a standalone novel.)
I was heartened, then, when I read the intro and discovered that this was not the story as originally written but, rather, a revised edition... a sort of collaborative effort, as Sir Terry puts it, between his 17 year-old self and his 43 year-old self.
All that said - it was much better than the short stories, and has glimmers of Pratchett as we know and love him, complete with his poignant penny-drops and biting satire delivered as only he can.
As you might guess from the rating, it's not my favorite Pratchett work ever, but it's a decent read and a good addition to his rather large compendium. And it's also a fun read.
It's interesting, having read the short stories beforehand, to see the sparks of those in this novel... and then to reread the first story (provided in the back of this edition as it was in the newpaper it was first published in), and to be reminded of how much has changed.
I especially liked this version of Pismire - practicioner of headology and forward thinking that he was.
I was heartened, then, when I read the intro and discovered that this was not the story as originally written but, rather, a revised edition... a sort of collaborative effort, as Sir Terry puts it, between his 17 year-old self and his 43 year-old self.
All that said - it was much better than the short stories, and has glimmers of Pratchett as we know and love him, complete with his poignant penny-drops and biting satire delivered as only he can.
As you might guess from the rating, it's not my favorite Pratchett work ever, but it's a decent read and a good addition to his rather large compendium. And it's also a fun read.
It's interesting, having read the short stories beforehand, to see the sparks of those in this novel... and then to reread the first story (provided in the back of this edition as it was in the newpaper it was first published in), and to be reminded of how much has changed.
I especially liked this version of Pismire - practicioner of headology and forward thinking that he was.
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