Around it are those countries which, according to History, constitute the civilised world ie, a world that can support historians

No one thinks that young adults read hooks for YOUNG ADULTS, books for young adults are read by kids.

Death was standing behind a lectern, poring over a map. He looked at Mort as if he wasn’t entirely there. You haven't heard of the bayof mante, have you? He said. “No, sir,” said Mort. Famous shipwreck there. “Was there?” there will be, said Death, if I can find the damn place.

Noble dragons don't have friends. The nearest they can get to the idea is an enemy who is still alive.

Rumour is information distilled so finely that it can filter through anything. It does not need doors and windows -- sometimes it does not need people. It can exist free and wild, running from ear to ear without ever touching lips.

People don't like change. But make the change fast enough and you go from one type of normal to another.

We have been so successful in the past century at the art of living longer and staying alive that we have forgotten how to die. Too often we learn the hard way. As soon as the baby boomers pass pensionable age, their lesson will be harsher still.