Pratchett Stricken With Disease

Terry Pratchett the 59 year old author is suffering from a rare form of early Alzheimer's disease.
Pratchett who has sold more than 55 million books worldwide had a phantom stroke earlier this year which is thought to be connected with his condition .

He said: "I would have liked to keep this one quiet for a little while, but because of upcoming conventions , it seems to me unfair to withhold the news."

The author said work was continuing on his latest book, "The colour of magic." Then he plans to write a series of books called "Discworld" about a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants which are in turn standing on the back of a giant turtle. He promises it will be unlike anything you have ever seen.

When asked what he thought about Harry Potter Mr Pratchett said "Harry who?" then he wet himself and stumbled off muttering about getting ready for school.

He told fans the statement should be interpreted as "I may not be able to remember what a thingy is called but I am not dead yet ".

Pratchett was made an OBE in 1998 for services to British literature.