L-space
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- For the mathematical Lp and
spaces, see Lp space
L-space, short for library-space, is a fictional dimension described in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series of novels. It is the ultimate portrayal of his concept that the written word has powerful magical properties on the Discworld, and that in large quantities all books warp space and time around them. The principle of L-space revolves around a seemingly logical equation; it is an extension of the aphorism 'Knowledge is Power':
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[edit] Access and appearance
Large quantities of magical and mundane books create portals into L-space that can be accessed using innate powers of librarianship that are taught by the Librarians of Time and Space to those deemed worthy across the multiverse. Because libraries with enough books to open a portal are often large and sprawling, those venturing into L-space may not necessarily know that they have arrived. The floor and ceiling of L-space follow the floor and ceiling of the library used to access it; the best example of this is that the central dome of Unseen University's library is "always overhead" [1]. In every direction and as far as the eye can see bookshelves stretch off, meaning the nature of any walls are unknown.
Alternatively, it can be said that L-space manifests in our world in those obscure, hidden bookstores that, logic and the laws of physics insist, cannot possibly be as large on the outside as they appear on the inside. Somehow, after scraping one's shoulders against the improbably small door, one finds one's self turning one unseen corner after another, seemingly going on forever into further and more obscure sections as yet unobserved by human eyes. Essentially, all bookstores are potentially infinite in extent; gateways into literary hyperspace: "[a] good bookshop is just a genteel blackhole that knows how to read."
[edit] Properties and usages
Because l-space links every library, it is possible to reach any one of these throughout space, time and the multiverse. This means that there are potentially other forms of data storage other than books as it represents every library anywhere. Additionally, one can read any book ever written, any book that will be written at some point and books that were planned for writing that were not, as well as any book that could possibly be written. As this is a form of interdimensional and time travel, there are strict limits on its use, and the Librarians of Time and Space, that is those who have access to l-space have developed three simple rules to ensure abuse is kept to a minimum:
- Silence
- Books must be returned by the last date stamped
- Do not interfere with the nature of causality
Senior librarians are also taught how to deal with the dangers of navigating L-space, such as the "harmless kickstool crabs, large and heavy wandering thesauri, the .303 bookworm and the dreaded cliches, which must be avoided at all costs". Adventurers may find markings and scribbled notes on the shelves to help them navigate.
[edit] L-space in the novels
[edit] Guards! Guards!
The Librarian moves through l-space back in time to discover when the book on the summoning of noble dragons was stolen and to confirm that it was stolen by the Elucidated Brethren. During his journey he sees himself asleep at his desk and is tempted to communicate, but realises that this would be breaking the third rule and stops himself. He does however leave the library and follow the thief through the streets, demonstrating how l-space can be used for time travel outside of the library itself.
[edit] Lords and Ladies
The Librarian joins the Wizards in a Lancre adventure to stop naughty elves from ruining the wedding, and ending the lives, of the new royal family, which includes former witch Magrat Garlick. Within this we learn "the thaumic mathematics are complex, but boil down to the fact that all books, everywhere, affect all other books." From there the natural of bi-directionalism is revealed to demonstrate than any book ever to be written can be found in any book not yet written. This made possible the study of invisible writings (also based on a similar theory to do with the infinite nature of Pi, and the ways in which, if one was to transcribe alphabetical values to the numbers of Pi, one could hypothetically find the contents of every book ever written, for more information see Bloody Stupid Johnson and the New Pie, featured in Going Postal).
[edit] Small Gods
After Vorbis has ordered the soldiers and Brutha to burn down the Ephbian library, and the flames start to rise higher, there is perhaps a paragraph describing how the Librarian appears with a sack, and then describes how several scrolls appear in the Unseen University Library, which were thought to have been destroyed in the great fire.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- The L-Space Web, popular site with details of many Discworld aspects, including the Annotated Pratchett FAQ; annotations of all the Discworld books.
- "What is this L-Space thing?" at The L-Space web
- L-space for GURPS has additional, unofficial rules for l-space in GURPS.
[edit] References
- ^ Pratchett, T. Guards! Guards!, Corgi Books, 1989. ISBN 0-552-13462-7 (all quotes in this article come from this book)
