Author Terry Pratchett is suffering from a rare form of early Alzheimer's disease, it has been revealed.
In a letter published on the website of artist Paul Kidby, the writer said the condition was behind a "phantom stroke" he had earlier this year.
Pratchett said his statement should be interpreted as "I am not dead" and that he had taken the news "philosophically" and "possibly with a mild optimism".
The Discworld author, 59, has sold more than 55 million books worldwide.
Let's hope there is plenty to be optimistic about, although I've not read his books (my son has just started to), how sad is it that the brain that created a whole alternative universe could be in jeopardy.
Like Beethoven becoming deaf, this just seems so cruel.
Best wishes to Mr Pratchett.
Read more. 
12-15-2007, 03:00 PM
The mind that created Discworld. 
