The Science of Discworld IV: Judgement Day

The Science of Discworld IV: Judgement Day
AuthorsTerry Pratchett, Ian Stewart & Jack Cohen
Cover artistPaul Kidby
LanguageEnglish
SeriesDiscworld
4th science book
Subjectevolution theory
Scientific theories
Characters
Unseen University Staff, Marjorie Dawes, Rincewind, Havelock Vetinari
Locations
Roundworld, Discworld
GenreFantasy
Published2013 (Ebury Press)
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
ISBN978-0091949792
Preceded byThe Science of Discworld III: Darwin's Watch 

The Science of Discworld IV: Judgement Day is a book set on the Discworld, by Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen. It is the sequel to The Science of Discworld, The Science of Discworld II: The Globe and The Science of Discworld III: Darwin's Watch.

As with the first three volumes, the book alternates between a Discworld story and a serious scientific discussion.

"The Science of Discworld series is arguably unique in style: we call it fact/fantasy fusion. The scenario allows serious discussion of solid, current science, without distorting it into ‘yes, pigs really could fly given GM wings’ or whatever. All three books entered the Sunday Times bestseller lists, and the third made it to number one, so we managed to reach a significantly large audience. Perhaps the most gratifying comment came from a Times reviewer: ‘the hard science is as gripping as the fiction’. Which is just as it should be." (Prof. Ian Stewart)[1]

The title may sound apocalyptic, but the book does not reflect this. Rather, the Discworld Story details a trial before Lord Vetinari who will pass Judgement. The scientific sections of the book mostly deal with religious beliefs, especially around the creation of the earth and its peoples.