The Folklore of Discworld is a book written by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett

Sir Terence David John "Terry" Pratchett, OBE is an English novelist, known for his frequently comical work in the fantasy genre. He is best known for his popular and long-running Discworld series of comic fantasy novels...

 and Jacqueline Simpson

Jacqueline Simpson

Dr. Jacqueline Simpson is a United Kingdom researcher and author on folklore and legend.She studied English Literature and Medieval Icelandic at Bedford College, University of London. Dr. Simpson has been, at various times, Editor, Secretary, and President of the Folklore Society. She was awarded...

 as an ancillary to the Discworld series of novels. It details the folklore aspects of the Discworld novels and draws parallels with earth's folklore. It is divided into sections, each with an accompanying sketch by Paul Kidby

Paul Kidby

Paul Kidby is an English artist. He was born in Northolt and is currently living and working in Fordingbridge, New Forest. Many people know him best for his art based on Terry Pratchett's Discworld, which has been included as the sleeve covers since Josh Kirby died in 2001.He drew a lot during...

.

As the only Discworld book published in 2008 – 25 years after The Colour of Magic

The Colour of Magic

The Colour of Magic is a 1983 comic fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett, and is the first book of the Discworld series. Pratchett has described it as "an attempt to do for the classical fantasy universe what Blazing Saddles did for Westerns."...

– the hardback editions display a sticker stating "25 Years of Discworld".

Summary

The book is divided into 16 sections

• The Cosmos: Gods, Demons and Things - Discusses the known gods on the Discworld and their relationships with the gods of Earth.
• Dwarfs - Explores the customs of the dwarfs and the similarities between dwarf culture and mining cultures on Earth; also certain Earthly religious cultures.
• Elves - Considers the elven race and what is known about them both on Earth and the Disc.
• The Nac Mac Feegle - Discusses the Feegle and their 'Pictsies' equivalents on Earth.
• Trolls - Documents the customs and thoughts of the silicon based lifeform and our beliefs regarding them on Earth.
• Other Significant Races - Covers a variety of other races including Vampires and Igors and their equivalents on Earth.
• Beasties - Dragons, chimeras, the sphinx, etc, including the Luggage.
• The Witches of Lancre - Explores similarities and contrasts between the Lancre witches and the Wise Women and witches of Britain and Ireland.
• The Land of Lancre - The landscape legends, customs and beliefs in lancre set alongside their counterparts on earth (mainly British).
• The Witches of the Chalk - Compares material in the Tiffany trilogy with beliefs and customs of Earth.
• The Chalk - Explores the similar customs and way of life between Tiffany's home and the sheep-rearing areas of Southern England in past generations.
• Heroes! - Deals with the parallels of Mazda/Prometheus, Carrot as the Lost Heir, and Cohen in relation to Alexander the Great, Tamburlaine, the aged Ulysses, and heroic defiance.
• Lore, Legends and Truth - Concentrates on 'folklore' as recalled by inhabitants of Ankh-Morpork; includes sections on rat-charming, sinking islands, and wizardry.
• More Customs, Nautical Lore and Military Matters - More urban traditions, also ghost ships and female soldiers.
• Kids Stuff... You know, about 'Orrid Murder and Blood - Children's lore (e.g. Frighteners, and the Tooth Fairy); comparison of the Hogfather with father Christmas/Santa Claus.
• Death - Well, death, obviously.