The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
Coming-of-Age Adventure Young Adult Fiction Fantasy Satire Comic Fantasy Talking-Animal Tale
Terry Pratchett’s Carnegie Medal–winning standalone, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, is the Discworld entry that proved fantasy could be both uproariously funny and fiercely intelligent. Marketed for young adults yet beloved by seasoned Pratchett fans, this hardcover first edition (ISBN 9780385601238) delivers a twist on the Pied Piper legend: a talking cat, a clan of self-aware rats, and a stupid-looking kid who hustle villagers—until they stumble on a town where someone else is already playing their game. Beneath the swift jokes and footnote wit lies a sharp meditation on morality, leadership, and what it means to be “educated.”
Collectors prize this U.K. first printing for its vivid dust-jacket art and the fact that it launched Pratchett’s YA sequence within the larger Discworld canon. The copy offered here remains in good condition from a smoke-free home, pages bright and binding tight, making it shelf-ready for both reading and display. Because the book stands alone, newcomers can jump straight in without prior knowledge of the 40-plus Discworld titles, while completists can slot it neatly into their numbered sets.
For gift buyers, this edition hits the sweet spot: a coming-of-age adventure that satisfies middle-grade readers yet rewards adults with layered satire on religion, commerce, and the power of stories. Pratchett’s trademark footnotes, sentient rodents grappling with ethics, and the scene-stealing cat Maurice ensure repeat readings uncover fresh gags and deeper questions. In the crowded field of fantasy hardcovers, this title retains strong resale value and reader demand, so securing a well-kept copy now is a hedge against tomorrow’s higher market prices.
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