British fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett has died aged 66 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, his publisher said today.
He sold more than 85million books worldwide in 37 languages, but also waged a very public struggle with Alzheimer’s disease in recent years – and was a vocal campaigner of the right to die.
The author was best known for his satirical fantasy novels set in Discworld, a flat planet resting on the back of four elephants, themselves perched on the back of a vast turtle moving through space.
Prime Minister David Cameron said today he was ‘sad to hear’ of the death, adding: ‘His books fired the imagination of millions and he fearlessly campaigned for dementia awareness.’
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added: ‘Sad to learn of the death of Sir Terry Pratchett. A fabulous writer, a wonderful imagination and a brave campaigner for dementia awareness.’
Larry Finlay, managing director at Transworld Publishers, said he was ‘deeply saddened’, adding that Sir Terry ‘passed away in his home, with his cat sleeping on his bed, surrounded by his family’.
Sir Terry completed his last book – set like so many of his best-sellers in Discworld – last year.