The Carpet People / Terry Pratchett / 289 pages / Deceased Author Challenge

Originally published in 1971 when the author was 17, The Carpet People was revised and reissued when the author was 43, after his Discworld series became bestsellers.  Accompanied by the author's illustrations, including the cover of the original edition, this work features clever language and is the product of a wonderful, creative imagination.  The carpet isn't what it used to be.  This is the story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction, and two young borthers, members of the Munrung Tribe, who seek to defeat the villainous Mouls and the wild Snargs.  Mr. Pratchett's metaphorical retelling of the creation story in the prologue is just one example of his imaginative use of language and storytelling.  If you listen to the audio, be sure to check the book out, too.  It contains the original artwork by the author.  When first published in 1971, the illustrations were black and white but Terry hand-colored the art in a few limited editions and it is these rare colored illustrations that accompany the text.  A most enjoyable, clever treatment of a most mundane object....