Who Is The Illustrator For The Discworld Novels?

Josh Kirby produced illustrations for the UK editions of the first 26 Discworld novels. The 26th novel was Thief of Time, published in 2001. Kirby died that same year at the age of 72, and Paul Kidby took over.

Josh Kirby was born 27th November 1928, and worked mainly with oils. He produced work for Return of the Jedi and Monty Python's Life of Brian. Kirby died in his sleep unexpectedly on October 23rd 2001.

The recent illustrator, Paul Kidby is often confused with Josh Kirby, possibly because of the similarity in surname. Kidby's illustrations have appeared in The Pratchett Portfolio and The Art of Discworld.  

Both illustrators are British. The American editions had their own cover Art.

Kirby's work was distinctive and bright, and well-recognisable, whereas Kidby uses a more realistic style with less bright colours. Kirby adapted a more old fashioned style whereas Kidby's art is more modernised.