3) The Last Hero: A Discworld^® Fable, by Terry Pratchett, illustrated by Paul Kidby.

I think this is one of Pratchett’s best short books. Lots of humorous yet poignant meditating on heroism, age and death; but also lots of knowing references to everything: classical myth, Neil Armstrong, Catch-22; barbarians, gods, Lord Vetinari and the triumphant return of Rincewind. Paul Kidby’s illustrations are great as well; of course the characters end up as caricatures, because that’s what they are on the page as well, but he has really captured both Rincewind and Cohen the Barbarian beautifully; also his sketches as by Leonard of Quirm are a very nice touch. Recommended.

The Colour of Magic | The Light Fantastic | Equal Rites | Mort | Sourcery | Wyrd Sisters | Pyramids | Guards! Guards! | Eric | Moving Pictures | Reaper Man | Witches Abroad | Small Gods | Lords and Ladies | Men at Arms | Soul Music | Interesting Times | Maskerade | Feet of Clay | Hogfather | Jingo | The Last Continent | Carpe Jugulum | The Fifth Elephant | The Truth | Thief of Time | The Last Hero | The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents | Night Watch | The Wee Free Men | Monstrous Regiment | A Hat Full of Sky | Going Postal | Thud! | Wintersmith | Making Money | Unseen Academicals | I Shall Wear Midnight | Snuff | Raising Steam | The Shepherd’s Crown