Who do you think is the better author, Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams?

Question

i love books and these are two of my favourite authors so i was wondering who was the best

Answer 1

douglas adam so long and thanks for all the fish just brilliant

Answer 2

This will sound like a stupid answer. I have read all of Terry Pratchett and all of Douglas Adams. Then at one time I was working at Borders in London and Terry Pratchett came in to do a signing. He is about the rudest, big-headed person I have ever met.
So Douglas Adams!

Answer 3

Terry Pratchett

Answer 4

It is difficult to compare as they were different in style. Adams suffered terribly from writers block which meant he wasn't prolific. Pratchett is remarkably prolific especially in his earlier years where he was in some cases releasing two or three books a year. Adams had a stronger writing style but Pratchett has matured in style and improved. Adams died tragically young whilst Pratchett carries on (even if he may drop any day due to his heart condition).

I would say Adams as he appeared on the scene and with Hitchhikers guide was instantly brilliant whilst the early discworld books whilst good are not a patch on Adams work. Pratchett also wrote the terrible characters of the witches which is a real negative for me.

Answer 5

Terry Pratchett without a doubt.

Douglas Adams only wrote on one theme. Unfortuantely he died before he could get out of the Hitch Hiker's rut. Had he lived then we might have had a better contest.

Pratchett writes stories of many different genres. Even though most (but not all) of them are set on Discworld he explores everything from comedy to tragedy, romance to military etc. Each one of them can stand as a novel in its owen right. That is not something which can be said for the Hitch Hiker's series.

Now go away and read some Tom Holt. I recommend 'Flying Dutch' or 'Falling Sideways' as a good introduction to his style of writing; but any of his will be a good read.

Answer 6

Wouldn't want to say who was better as they both have merits and I love them both.
Love Douglas Adams for the surrealism and ridiculousness.
Pratchett is extremely prolific and has written some truly memorable characters.
Nope, can't and won't choose. Am quite happy being a fan of both equally.

Answer 7

I have read both! They write in totally different styles so the honest answer from me is that they just as good as each other.
I resisted my Friends when they told me to read Terry Pratchett because I always told them to read Douglas Adams. Now I have all five books of the Hitchhikers trilogy and a growing collection of the Discworld.
If you like them both on their own merits you may want to read Tom Holt and Robert Rankin as well. Holt is similar to Adams, but Rankin is somewhat tapped and surreal in his books.

Answer 8

Douglas Adams - he produced far fewer books, but 'less is more'.

Some of Pratchett's books are good, and he has created some amazing characters EG Rincewind, Deat / Binky, Death of rats, The Night Watch, however, some books are REALLY BAD and worse unfunny (Moving Pictures).

There is also that 'mass produced' feel to them due to the fact he churns so many out.

Answer 9

def Terry Pratchett

Answer 10

If Adams had lived longer he may have reigned supreme, but as it is today I would have to say Pratchett. Or maybe Spider Robinson.

Answer 11

Adams hands down IMHO. Pratchett is funny, don't get me wrong, but he lacks Adams' biting satirical edge. Half of Pratchett's stuff is apparently written by his wife anyway.....