The Terry Pratchett Thread

[Pixel42]

Terry Pratchett is to give this year's Richard Dimbleby lecture:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8458971.stm

[Marduk]

I am currently halfway through his discworld homage to football "Unseen Academicals"
I have to say, either I have got a lot older and less fun lately or his alzheimer's is starting to show
:(

[Rasmus]

I am currently halfway through his discworld homage to football "Unseen Academicals"
I have to say, either I have got a lot older and less fun lately or his alzheimer's is starting to show
:(

It's you.

[brodski]

I am currently halfway through his discworld homage to football "Unseen Academicals"
I have to say, either I have got a lot older and less fun lately or his alzheimer's is starting to show
:(

I felt that is was one of his less funny and less well written books, but not his least funny nor his least well written by a long stretch- I think it's too early to put it down to the Alzheimer's.

[whatthebutlersaw]

Pratchett's most compelling main characters (in my opinion) Granny Weatherwax and Sam Vimes, both come off - to me - as very principled and moral (for their own value of moral).

Is Pratchett a moralist writer?

[Kell]

Is Pratchett a moralist writer?

More than anything, Pratchett is a humanist writer.

He cares about people; not personally I mean, but the value of people, without romanticisation or idealism. Among his defining abilities as a writer is his perceptiveness of the way people think and behave. Not special, dramatic people that make for great protagonists, but all people. Ordinary people living ordinary lives.

It's clear from enough Discworld that what grieves Pratchett most is wasted life. There are a number of speeches and rants to that effect from various characters.

So in the process of writing about the value of people, I think a certain kind of morality becomes clear. But I've never had the impression Pratchett is wagging his finger condescendingly and trying to tell people what to think; rather the uncompromising morality of Granny and Vimes emerges from his straining to convince people not to waste their lives.

I believe it is not a coincidence that Pratchett left school and joined a newspaper, seeing his first dead body ( as the old biography blurb on the early Discworld novels said ) at the age of seventeen and that the only one of his huge array of charcaters to appear in all the Discworld books is Death.

The upcoming Dimbleby lecture should be interesting for that.

[whatthebutlersaw]

I'm not talking about moralist as in "finger-wagger". I agree with a lot of what you are saying, but sans finger - the books still hold a lot of life lessons/advice, and - to my mind, a lot of discussions about responsibility.

I took to Unseen Academicals (although my absolute favourites remain Masquerade, Carpe Jugulum, Thud and The Fifth Elephant) more than I expected to. The crabs in a bucket visual is very prominent in my own life. I nearly forgot it was about football.

I spend a lot of time thinking about responsibility, so I may read more into Pratchett's view on responsibility than he ever intended. But I am often very touched bythe very real and very human situations that Pratchett's characters find themselves in.

The reason I raised the question is because I have realized, since some time, that I actually take my moral cues from Pratchett.

[JoeTheJuggler]

I'm not talking about moralist as in "finger-wagger". I agree with a lot of what you are saying, but sans finger - the books still hold a lot of life lessons/advice, and - to my mind, a lot of discussions about responsibility.

I took to Unseen Academicals (although my absolute favourites remain Masquerade, Carpe Jugulum, Thud and The Fifth Elephant) more than I expected to. The crabs in a bucket visual is very prominent in my own life. I nearly forgot it was about football.

I spend a lot of time thinking about responsibility, so I may read more into Pratchett's view on responsibility than he ever intended. But I am often very touched bythe very real and very human situations that Pratchett's characters find themselves in.

The reason I raised the question is because I have realized, since some time, that I actually take my moral cues from Pratchett.

I think I agree with your take. It's often been remarked that Pratchett has heroes that are regular characters, but the villains are all transient. I always have the feeling that he saves his condemnation for small-minded people that are too close to real-life people to be made into likable characters.

And even so, the condemnation is usually directed at the deplorable things they're doing rather than the person.

[Shrike]

I just finished reading Monstrous Regiment (again), and have to say that I think it's one of his darkest novels.
Not much puns, hardly any (homurous) footnotes, and a lot about mistreated women.
Good book though.

[whatthebutlersaw]

I think I agree with your take. It's often been remarked that Pratchett has heroes that are regular characters, but the villains are all transient. I always have the feeling that he saves his condemnation for small-minded people that are too close to real-life people to be made into likable characters.

And even so, the condemnation is usually directed at the deplorable things they're doing rather than the person.

And people whose actions would be condemned in "our" moralverse, are kind of forgiven in Pratchett-verse, if they are consistent within their own principles and have a sense of fair play. I.e. Cohen the Barbarian, The Patrician, The Assassins Guild.

The old count in Carpe Jugulum illustrates the idea of fair play very well, and the self constraint of the Black Ribboners is both funny and touching at the same time. Maybe a willingness to accept responsibility is what makes you "moral" in the Pratchett moral-verse?

[Giraffe107]

I really enjoyed the book. Not one of the absolute best all-time discworld books, but very enjoyable. Those who are thinking of not reading it because it's about football, don't let that put you off. It's really not much about sports per se. There's a lot of other things going on. It's sort of like not reading Going Postal because you aren't interested in the mail. If you're a Pratchett fan, don't skip this one.

Just finished reading this one, and I agree completely. There were some laugh-out-loud bits and I found it quite heartwarming.

[Pure Argent]

Okay, first of all, why did I never see this thread before? I mean, my avatar is Terry Pratchett. O_o

Just finished reading this one, and I agree completely. There were some laugh-out-loud bits and I found it quite heartwarming.

Yeah, I liked it too. Very enjoyable.

Though I do wish he would write another Watch book...

[MarkCorrigan]

Though I do wish he would write another Watch book...

Seconded. Followed by another Moist book. Then maybe a Death....

[dafydd]

I've tried my best with Terry Prachett,but I've never managed to finish one of his books.I don't see the attraction.

[Pure Argent]

I've tried my best with Terry Prachett,but I've never managed to finish one of his books.I don't see the attraction.

Blasphemy!

[H3LL]

Blasphemy!


Calm down. He was eating them, not reading them.





;)

[rwguinn]

Blasphemy!
"That's what people say when the voiceless are given a voice!" Commander Sam Vimes
(May not be an exact quote)

[tsig]

I've tried my best with Terry Prachett,but I've never managed to finish one of his books.I don't see the attraction.

Seconded. I just finished a TP book "The Light Fantastic" and I realized that I had read some of his books before but they didn't stick in my mind.

Other than a few good turns of phrase I saw nothing remarkable about it.

[Pure Argent]

Seconded. I just finished a TP book "The Light Fantastic" and I realized that I had read some of his books before but they didn't stick in my mind.

Other than a few good turns of phrase I saw nothing remarkable about it.

Oh, that would explain it.

The early books were mainly gag stories. He really didn't get into the serious storytelling until sometime around Reaper Man. Until then, he had his bright moments, but was for the most part just a fantasy-writer version of Douglas Adams.

[fleabeetle]

Seconded. I just finished a TP book "The Light Fantastic" and I realized that I had read some of his books before but they didn't stick in my mind.

Other than a few good turns of phrase I saw nothing remarkable about it.
Concur also, with you and dafydd. Have posted to this effect earlier in this thread -- Pratchett just does not "do it" for me; and I've tried him. Feel the same about Pratchett, and Monty Python -- many people whose taste and discernment I respect, are devotees of one or the other or (often) both; but I fail to "get" either, or to find them entertaining. Feel that most likely, it's me that's at fault; but what the heck -- so far nobody has (seriously) threatened me either with termination-with-extreme-prejudice in this life, or eternal torment in the next, for not liking them.

[Pure Argent]

Concur also, with you and dafydd. Have posted to this effect earlier in this thread -- Pratchett just does not "do it" for me; and I've tried him. Feel the same about Pratchett, and Monty Python -- many people whose taste and discernment I respect, are devotees of one or the other or (often) both; but I fail to "get" either, or to find them entertaining. Feel that most likely, it's me that's at fault; but what the heck -- so far nobody has (seriously) threatened me either with termination-with-extreme-prejudice in this life, or eternal torment in the next, for not liking them.

Consider yourself threatened.

[SusanB-M1]

I've tried my best with Terry Prachett,but I've never managed to finish one of his books.I don't see the attraction.
May I suggest:
Read 'Truckers' straight through, as recommended by a child, so suspend all criticism! I think you would find yourself laughing later in the book, even though you have started by thinking that the whole thing is completely daft.

Read several books in the Disc World straight through, one after the other, such as the ones containing the Disc World's version of wheel clamps and the other with the Disc World's version of mobile phones!!:) (I can't remember their particular titles.)

[Pure Argent]

Read several books in the Disc World straight through, one after the other, such as the ones containing the Disc World's version of wheel clamps

The Fifth Elephant.

and the other with the Disc World's version of mobile phones!

This is actually several books, but they're all from the City Watch arc.

[Gaspode]

Just saw the trailer for Going Postal on Sky 1. Looks really good.

There's a version of it on Youtube although I'm fairly sure the Sky 1 version was longer than this:

agQZiEesA8w

[Pure Argent]

Woohoo!

It really does look good. I can't wait!

[Pure Argent]

Anyone else notice this one? :D

PKJz7Tm5_rU

[whatthebutlersaw]

Anyone else notice this one? :D

PKJz7Tm5_rU

If this is a fan-project, then fine. I will simply just have to avoid it.

If someone has actually wasted the rights to Guards Guards! on this, so that it will be ages before someone else makes a _real_ Guards Guards! then I am sad beyond words.

Please tell me this is by fans, for fans (other than me).

[One Skunk Todd]

Not sure if anybody here would be interested but these:

http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/discworld-miniatures-c-48.html?language=en

are quite nice as gaming miniatures go. The characters look more "right" to me than other interpretations I've seen.

[Pure Argent]

If this is a fan-project, then fine. I will simply just have to avoid it.

If someone has actually wasted the rights to Guards Guards! on this, so that it will be ages before someone else makes a _real_ Guards Guards! then I am sad beyond words.

Please tell me this is by fans, for fans (other than me).

It certainly looks like it. But hey, it's always been one of my favorite Disc books, and I'm not complaining if someone wants to make it into a movie for me to watch. :D

[Verde]

Just saw the trailer for Going Postal on Sky 1. Looks really good.

There's a version of it on Youtube although I'm fairly sure the Sky 1 version was longer than this:



Is this an actual movie, or just something done for TV distribution? Asking as we on the west side of the Pond see little of Sky productions.

From the clip, the guy playing Moist is nothing like my mental image, even without the gold suit.

V.

[ejk]

If this is a fan-project, then fine. I will simply just have to avoid it.

If someone has actually wasted the rights to Guards Guards! on this, so that it will be ages before someone else makes a _real_ Guards Guards! then I am sad beyond words.

Please tell me this is by fans, for fans (other than me).

FWIW, IMDB doesn't show anything about this, though it indicates there's a Wee Free Men project in development, with details only available on IMDB Pro.

[Gaspode]

Is this an actual movie, or just something done for TV distribution? Asking as we on the west side of the Pond see little of Sky productions.

It's just for TV. I guess it will be a two part mini series like Colour of Magic and Hogfather. There should be a DVD release sometime after it's aired.

And they've now released the extended trailer online ...

http://sky1.sky.com/Going-Postal-new-trailer


From the clip, the guy playing Moist is nothing like my mental image, even without the gold suit.

V.I imagined him as younger than he is in the film.

[gumboot]

Seconded. I just finished a TP book "The Light Fantastic" and I realized that I had read some of his books before but they didn't stick in my mind.

Other than a few good turns of phrase I saw nothing remarkable about it.


To be fair, I'm a big TP fan, yet recently I re-read "The Colour Of Magic" and "The Light Fantastic" and didn't find either particularly funny. His later stuff is vastly superior - particular when he starts getting into parodies of aspects of human society. I was particularly impressed with the depth of his knowledge in Masquerade and Moving Pictures as I've been involved in film and theatre since I was 12. It made me consider how much he might be imparting about these other industries I was less familiar with.

[gumboot]

To be fair, I'm a big TP fan, yet recently I re-read "The Colour Of Magic" and "The Light Fantastic" and didn't find either particularly funny. His later stuff is vastly superior - particular when he starts getting into parodies of aspects of human society. I was particularly impressed with the depth of his knowledge in Masquerade and Moving Pictures as I've been involved in film and theatre since I was 12. It made me consider how much he might be imparting about these other industries I was less familiar with.


Wow, my last post in this thread stated the exact same thing I said above. Talk about having nothing to contribute... :eye-poppi

[Helen]

I
From the clip, the guy playing Moist is nothing like my mental image, even without the gold suit.
V.

I've only seen him in Coupling, but liked him, and after watching the trailer, I think he could be really good as Moist. In fact, all of it looks good!

Anyone know which date in May? I hope they'll release the dvd soon after they've shown it...

[Helen]

Wow, my last post in this thread stated the exact same thing I said above. Talk about having nothing to contribute... :eye-poppi

Or being admirably consistent:)

[Darat]

Given Sky's usual "we'll trial this until it bleeds from your ears" - probably the last bank holiday in May.

[Dave Rogers]

Or being admirably consistent:)

And right.

Dave

[Helen]

And right.

Dave

That too.

[catsmate1]

Given Sky's usual "we'll trial this until it bleeds from your ears" - probably the last bank holiday in May.
That appears to be the plan, http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/terry_pratchett_going_postal/

One think that struck me at the Sky site (http://sky1.sky.com/going-postal) was the relative sizes of Moist and Mr. Pump; the golem seems rather small to me. And am I the only one who's never heard of Ingrid Bolsø Berdal?

[rwguinn]

That appears to be the plan, http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/terry_pratchett_going_postal/

One think that struck me at the Sky site (http://sky1.sky.com/going-postal) was the relative sizes of Moist and Mr. Pump; the golem seems rather small to me. And am I the only one who's never heard of Ingrid Bolsø Berdal?
Waiddadamnminit! Third?
This is the third in a series of TV adaptations of the "Discword" novels by Sky One.
Hogfather was one. What was the other, and where can I get it?

[sts60]

The Colour of Magic. I saw it here in the U.S. but don't remember when or on what service.

Hey - David Suchet as Reacher Gilt! Excellent.

[Worm]

Colo(u)r of Magic is available on DVD (http://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-David-Jason/dp/B002436WFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1272626648&sr=8-1)

[rwguinn]

Colo(u)r of Magic is available on DVD (http://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-David-Jason/dp/B002436WFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1272626648&sr=8-1)
thanks!
are the animated ones any good?
Weird Sisters/Soul Music (http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Pratchetts-Discworld-Collection-Sisters/dp/B001ADXWYM/ref=pd_bxgy_d_img_c)

[Rincewind]

It's probably no surprise fo me to admit to being yet another a fan....

I've noted a couple of comments about me: keep checking over your shoulders - low down, of course - as the lugagge is tracking you down.....

:)

[Pure Argent]

It's probably no surprise fo me to admit to being yet another a fan....

I've noted a couple of comments about me: keep checking over your shoulders - low down, of course - as the lugagge is tracking you down.....

:)

Welcome to the forums, Rincewind! There are quite a few Pratchett fans around here, as you can see. A lot of people have his quotes in our signatures.

[Rincewind]

He is pretty quoteworthy :)

And I feel for his family - I lost my mother a few years ago with Alzheimers

[Filippo Lippi]

I don't really like the adaptations for TV, much prefer the version in my head when I'm reading.

[SusanB-M1]

It's probably no surprise fo me to admit to being yet another a fan....

I've noted a couple of comments about me: keep checking over your shoulders - low down, of course - as the lugagge is tracking you down.....

:)
Have you seen the thumbnail sketch of Rincewind's football character?! Carole(nextdoor) ordered on my computer the set of 20 'Jolly Sailr' Cigarette Cards that go with 'Unseen Academicals', but it hasn't arrived yet. The four cards I have I think I referred to in an earlier post.

If you like, I'll type out the Rincewind paragraph.

[Rincewind]

Have you seen the thumbnail sketch of Rincewind's football character?! Carole(nextdoor) ordered on my computer the set of 20 'Jolly Sailr' Cigarette Cards that go with 'Unseen Academicals', but it hasn't arrived yet. The four cards I have I think I referred to in an earlier post.

If you like, I'll type out the Rincewind paragraph.
Thank you kindly, Susan.

I actually bought the UA book last weekend, but haven't had time to even open it.

Still it's a bank holiday in the UK, so maybe.....

[catsmate1]

thanks!
are the animated ones any good?
Weird Sisters/Soul Music (http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Pratchetts-Discworld-Collection-Sisters/dp/B001ADXWYM/ref=pd_bxgy_d_img_c)
Yes. Personally I think they're as good as the live action shows. Very good characterisation.

[SusanB-M1]

I hope that posting the following is not some strange breach of copyright or something.

Rincewind
Professor Rincewind Egregious Professor of Cruel and Unusual Geography (UU), Chief of Experimental Serendipidity (UU), Reader in Slood Dynamics (UU), Chair for the Public Misunderstanding of Magic (UU), Chair of Approximate Accuracy (UU)
Player No. 7b
Rincewind, the Egregious Professor of Cruel and Unusual Geography,is probably the fastest man on any field. Unfortunately, he frequently forgets to take the ball with him. Interestingly, the verve in which he speeds away clouds the perception of the opponents who find it difficult to believe that the ball is actually behind them now and is heading in the opposite direction.

Then there's The Luggage - not allowed to play - too many feet
The Goalkeeper - the Librarian, who can reach most parts of the goal while standing in the middle...

ETA The cost of the whole pack is £8.99, and the album £4 more.
http://www.discworldemporium.com/catalog.php?item=545

[Helen]

Professor Rincewind Egregious Professor of Cruel and Unusual Geography (UU), Chief of Experimental Serendipidity (UU), Reader in Slood Dynamics (UU), Chair for the Public Misunderstanding of Magic (UU), Chair of Approximate Accuracy (UU)

I'm beginning to think I need to get those cards. Are all as good as this, do you think, Susan? For some reason I especially loved Chair of Approximate Accuracy...

[H3LL]

Chair for the Public Misunderstanding of Magic (UU)


Heh! PTerry's nod to Dawkins one thinks. :D





.

[Rincewind]

Thanks!

I won't be prosecuting.....

Of course Slood Dynamics is the most fascinating subject, but sadly I can't tell you anything due to security.

If I did tell you anything, I'd have to shoot you. :)

[Damien Evans]

I started reading them about a month ago. Got through 12 so far...

[Pure Argent]

I started reading them about a month ago. Got through 12 so far...

It ends too soon. :(

[SusanB-M1]

I'm beginning to think I need to get those cards. Are all as good as this, do you think, Susan? For some reason I especially loved Chair of Approximate Accuracy...
As soon as they arrive, I'll read them (on my CCTV) and report back.
Heh! PTerry's nod to Dawkins one thinks. :D.
From the Jolly Sailor web site, it looks as if the ideas were the result of a group think!
Thanks!

I won't be prosecuting.....

Of course Slood Dynamics is the most fascinating subject, but sadly I can't tell you anything due to security.

If I did tell you anything, I'd have to shoot you. :)
:D:D

It ends too soon. :(
When I used to read the books, I used to try to read them slowly, but found this almost impossible; so having a reader once a week is extending the book quite a lot!

[rwguinn]

Yes. Personally I think they're as good as the live action shows. Very good characterisation.
ok, the whole shootin' match arrived today. We shall see how it goes. I have a banana and a bag of banged grains handy...

[tim]

I so envy those who have not read any of Sir Terry's books - because they have them all to look forward to...............

[Yogzotot]

Pterry was the first author I read in English original on my own, outside school (I am German). I was into fantasy and RPGs then (still are, 20 years on), and a book review suggested reading the originals as they were so funny, and the English easy enough to cope. Never looked back and still get any new novel as soon as it is published.

Good Omens is brilliant, I love Granny, Vetinari, Death, the golems and the Igors. Fingers crossed Pterry manages a few more books despite his condition.

[SusanB-M1]

A friend e-mailed me to day to say she has ordered her copy of the new TP book, 'I Shall Wear Midnight', the last in the Tiffany series, published yesterday. So of course I shall be buying a copy asap.

[Pixel42]

Interview with PTerry in yesterday's Guardian. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/01/terry-pratchett-alzheimers-assisted-suicide)

(Minor spoilers for I Shall Wear Midnight).

[PhantomWolf]

I made the mistake of lending my TPs :( I still haven't been able to replace Reaper Man (probably my favourite if forced to choose) or Eric. I have yet to get Unseen Academicals and will definately have to keep a watch out for I shall wear midnight to complete my Tiffany set. I'm currently reading The Light Fantastic to my Fiancee.

[Rincewind]

Pterry was the first author I read in English original on my own, outside school (I am German). I was into fantasy and RPGs then (still are, 20 years on), and a book review suggested reading the originals as they were so funny, and the English easy enough to cope. Never looked back and still get any new novel as soon as it is published.

Good Omens is brilliant, I love Granny, Vetinari, Death, the golems and the Igors. Fingers crossed Pterry manages a few more books despite his condition.

You really know how to hurt a poor wizzard....

I too, obviously, have my fingers crossed - but I'm looking for another starring role.....

:)

[bit_pattern]

I'm currently reading The Light Fantastic to my Fiancee.

You read to your fiancee?! That's so sweet... :o

[Helen]

I Shall Wear Midnight is on its way to me from Amazon right now. It will take a few more days, more's the pity though, what with Sweden being such a long way from England, and all;) I'm looking forward to it a great deal; I think the Tiffany books are among his best.

[SusanB-M1]

Interview with PTerry in yesterday's Guardian. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/01/terry-pratchett-alzheimers-assisted-suicide)

(Minor spoilers for I Shall Wear Midnight).
Thank you for posting this ink - I have just been reading it.

[Helen]

Nice and wise.

[whatthebutlersaw]

Soo, we bought Going Postal (the DVD). It's one of the books I have really enjoyed. And it started out good. The casting and acting was excellent, the conflation of characters dropping of sideplots is to be expected when cramming a complex story into film format. The first part gave me nothing to worry about.

But in the second part? Oy Vey! And I really wanted to love it. The scenography and costume ought to be knighted. Despite being a huge Rickman-fan and always having envisioned him as Vetinari, casting Charles Dance was definitely inspired and I think I may even consider him _the_ Vetinari from now on. (Well, Rickman is succesful enough, surely? He's Severus Snape for cripesakes, he already has fangirls enough.)

But...

There are a few points that break my heart.

Firstly: making Reacher Gilt too cartoony and hands on evil. It made him less frightening and didn't add anything. The scary bit about Gilt in the book i that he is very nearly brilliant. Almost as brilliant as Vetinari, and he doesn't like to get his own hands dirty.

Second: Making Princess Mr Pony's niece and putting her in peril (Oh, poor Pauline). It did not add anything to the suspense, but it annoyed anyone who had read the book.

Third: Shoving Adora and Moist on the same horse over and over again. Having Adora along for scenes where she really wasn't needed.

Fourth: The complete shambles of the race. Completely losing the point about the pictures slowing the clacks down. Having Groat delivering the book instead of Moist (wtf?)

Fifth: putting Moist in peril over the race. It did not add any suspense and pissed me off no end. It also is completely out of character for Vetinari who is never capricious or sadistic.

Sixth: Angua. Good choice for likeness, not the actresses fault that all she got to do was frown her nose and look menacing.

Seventh: the motherloving schmalz. Wtf? If there is one thing to say about Pratchett, it is that he is unsentimental. The "hanging from the clacks tower in the same rope"? The "saved by the Golem" :puke:

Generally - that things are removed, conflated or added for flow of the story - fine. Understandable. But there was too much painting in loud colours. We don't need to see Gilt hold Princess from the tower to know he's evil. Moist's previous scheming lost Adora her job, not her company and her father - people don't have to die to make a normal person remorseful once the repercussions of their bad actions are known to them. And the yucky, sticky, toffee-apple romance. Gah! I'm so verklemmt, I think I'm gonna plotz. Talk amongst yourselves.

Did get I Shall Wear Midnight for birthday and read it in two sittings. I would go as far as saying Pratchett in good old form. I loved it. But I am really partial to the witches.

[Pure Argent]

Did get I Shall Wear Midnight for birthday and read it in two sittings. I would go as far as saying Pratchett in good old form. I loved it. But I am really partial to the witches.

Wait, that's out?

*rushes off*

[Yithmas]

Got I shall wear Midnight three weeks ago from my favourite bookstore and read it in two days (that is, evenings).
Best Tiffany Aching novel so far. She is right on track towards replacing The Watch as my favourite character(s).

I just hope Sir Terry keeps his mind in one piece for a very long time to come. Why could his early-onset Alzheimer's not have afflicted someone else? Pat Robertson and Terry Jones come to mind.

[zooterkin]

Got I shall wear Midnight three weeks ago from my favourite bookstore and read it in two days (that is, evenings).
Best Tiffany Aching novel so far. She is right on track towards replacing The Watch as my favourite character(s).
I tend to travel at paperback pace; I'm currently reading Unseen Academicals.

I just hope Sir Terry keeps his mind in one piece for a very long time to come. Why could his early-onset Alzheimer's not have afflicted someone else? Pat Robertson and Terry Jones come to mind.

Not the Terry Jones I'm thinking of, I hope!

[Helen]

Just saw Going Postal, and I agree, it started out so well, and then went downwards. I also agree about Charles Dance as Vetinari; perfect! Quite liked Richard Coyle as Moist, and adored Stanley. One small change I just cannot understand: Why did they make Antimony Parker young? The whole idea was to deliver a letter ages too late, wasn't it?

The Tiffany books are among his best, to my mind, and although my favourite is A Hat Full of Sky, I really enjoyed I Shall Wear Midnight. A bit short on Feegles, though...

[Yithmas]

Not the Terry Jones I'm thinking of, I hope!


Oh my! Of course not. I was talking about the Florida gasbag, not the Python crew member!
I apologize, I should have statet that straight away.

[SusanB-M1]

I got my copy of 'I Shall Wear Midnight' yesterday.

[ShadowSot]

I've been to both of the book stores in my area that have new books, neither of them have the new book. :(

I've been a big Terry Pratchett fan since I was a kid, when I first started reading fantasy. Got two books of his, Mort and Sorcery. I really liked the art on the old books versus the new ones.

Ah, that'd be because it's not been released in the States yet.

Man that annoys the heck out of me.

[Gilmar]

Midnight is to be released Sept. 28 here in the USA.

[Floyt]

Best Tiffany Aching novel so far. She is right on track towards replacing The Watch as my favourite character(s).

That's it for Tiff though - this is supposed to be the last of her books. Which is just fine, let a good thing end on a high point.

[Rincewind]

Personally, I think it's time for another Rincewind story.

But I probably would, wouldn't I?

:)

[Damien Evans]

I wouldn't mind another one about The Ankh-Morpork Times.

[bit_pattern]

Terry Pratchett creates a sword with meteorites (http://www.news.com.au/technology/terry-pratchett-creates-a-sword-with-meteorites/story-e6frfro0-1225926584339)

ENGLISH fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett says he was so excited after being knighted by the Queen that he decided to make his own sword to equip himself for his new status.

It was not enough, however, simply to find some metal and get a blacksmith to bash it into shape.

Pratchett, believing the sword would not truly be his own unless it was made from metal he had produced, found a field with deposits of iron ore near his home in Wiltshire, west of London.

He gathered the deposits and smelted the iron ore himself.

See Sir Terry's meteorite sword here (http://www.paulkidby.com/news/apr2010.html)


Read more: http://www.news.com.au/technology/terry-pratchett-creates-a-sword-with-meteorites/story-e6frfro0-1225926584339#ixzz104bOdObl

[zooterkin]

Also from the comments to the story, of interest to Australian readers, Pterry will be attending the Australian Discworld Convention (http://ausdwcon.org/) next year.

[Damien Evans]

Also from the comments to the story, of interest to Australian readers, Pterry will be attending the Australian Discworld Convention (http://ausdwcon.org/) next year.

Stupid Sydney stealing it.

[Pure Argent]

Also from the comments to the story, of interest to Australian readers, Pterry will be attending the Australian Discworld Convention (http://ausdwcon.org/) next year.

Why does nothing cool ever happen in America?

[quadraginta]

Why does nothing cool ever happen in America?


Hey. We had a Comic-Con that counter-protested Fred Phelps into abject humiliation. How cool is that?

[CriticalSock]

Have I told the story of going to a Sir Terry book signing?

It was way back in the day, in my local library. I handed my dogearred copy of Wyrd Sisters to him which he looked at in horror. "Why is it partially burnt?" He asked (or words to that effect) "Because I was trying to read it by a campfire." I said. Terry P gave me a grin and signed the book with a flourish. "Can you sign my copy of Mort as well?" I asked. He took it out of my hand and noticed the hole right through the middle of it, he merely looked the question at me with his eyebrows. "I was testing whether my crossbow could fire a bic biro pen." I said. "It can. Really well."

He took the book and drew a huge toothy grin with the hole as the nose and signed it. Then he turned to my dad (yep, it was that long ago!) and said "I think you should buy him a new set of books, grin grin!"

Magical memory.... :)

[Ethan Thane Athen]

I've been to both of the book stores in my area that have new books, neither of them have the new book. :(

I've been a big Terry Pratchett fan since I was a kid, when I first started reading fantasy. Got two books of his, Mort and Sorcery. I really liked the art on the old books versus the new ones.

Ah, that'd be because it's not been released in the States yet.

Man that annoys the heck out of me.

Just consider it revenge for when we used to have to wait months for videos to be released in Europe after they'd been released in the States.;)

[Pure Argent]

Hey. We had a Comic-Con that counter-protested Fred Phelps into abject humiliation. How cool is that?

I'll be honest. I had never heard about this. But this man on the right...

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.comicsalliance.com/media/2010/07/img0992-1279832686.jpg

...he is my new favorite person.

[Craig4]

"Small Gods" has to be one of my favorite books of all time. I love the portrayal of the God Om as a tortoise and Brutha's character arch. It's also a good conversation starter about religion.

[Pure Argent]

I went out to buy I Shall Wear Midnight, but got stopped by my parents. Apparently, they were paying attention, and thought it would be a good birthday present. So now I have to wait thirteen friggin' days to read that thing.

I'MMA GO CRAAAZY

[Madalch]

I went out to buy I Shall Wear Midnight, but got stopped by my parents. Apparently, they were paying attention, and thought it would be a good birthday present. So now I have to wait thirteen friggin' days to read that thing.

I'MMA GO CRAAAZY

Play Ravenloft to keep yourself occupied until you can read it.

[Pure Argent]

Play Ravenloft to keep yourself occupied until you can read it.

:D

Actually, right now I'm into Deadlands: Reloaded. If you haven't played it, I have five words for you:

Wild West horror fantasy steampunk.

My friends and I have been getting together every other week or so to play.

[Susheel]

I have been a fan of Terry Pratchett for close on 15 years now and got a lot of friends and family hooked on to him. I recently got myself a Kindle and even before it was shipped had bought a kindle edition of Wee Free Men. i wanted my first Kindle experience to be special and what better way than to begin a TP series I hadn't read so far on it.
It's a great read and Tiffany is fast becoming one of my favourite characters along with Vimes and the witches. While reading today a little quote struck me when she comments on the death (killing?) of a character early in the novel:
"The stories weren't real. But Mrs Snapperly had died because of the stories..."
There's so much said in that one line that holds true of the real world isn't there?

[Alice Shortcake]

I loved "Unseen Academicals" and thought it was one of the strongest Discworld novels for some time. Alzheimer's doesn't seem to have got a grip on Sir Terry yet!

[Pixel42]

http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html

Snuff

According to the writer of the best selling crime novel ever to have been published in the city of Ankh-Morpork, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a policeman taking a holiday would barely have had time to open his suitcase before he finds his first corpse.

And Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch is on holiday in the pleasant and innocent countryside, but not for him a mere body in the wardrobe, but many, many bodies and an ancient crime more terrible than murder.

He is out of his jurisdiction, out of his depth, out of bacon sandwiches, occasionally snookered and occasionally out of his mind, but not out of guile. Where there is a crime there must be a finding, there must be a chase and there must be a punishment.

They say that in the end all sins are forgiven.

But not quite all…

Published 13th October 2011

:)

[Dave Rogers]

http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html



:)

The stamps at the bottom are... interesting. From right to left, we've got Aslan and the White Witch, representing good and evil; Merlin and Morgana le Fay, r. g. &e.; Dumbledore and Voldemort representing homosexuality and repression good and evil; and Rincewind and Nanny Ogg, representing... ?

Dave

[H3LL]

.... and Rincewind and Nanny Ogg, representing... ?

Fear and fortitude?



.

[Filippo Lippi]

I like the figurines on that website, good detailing and a nice paint job

[Pure Argent]

I can't wait for this book to come out. The Watch books have always been my favorites.

[whatthebutlersaw]

Is it October yet?

[brodski]

Is it October yet?

Not yet, no.

Ask me later.

[Darat]

Is it October yet?

[Helen]

I've ordered it.

Is it October yet?

[Dave Rogers]

Are we there yet?

[TjW]

Are we there yet?

No. Why don't you argue with your sister? That should pass the time.

[brodski]

Is it October yet?

I've ordered it.

Is it October yet?


Almost, but not yet.

Ask me later.

[Helen]

Is it later yet?

[brodski]

Is it later yet?
yes.

[Dave Rogers]

Is it later yet?

Always.

Dave

[One Skunk Todd]

I like the figurines on that website, good detailing and a nice paint job

The figures are produced by Micro Art Studio:

http://www.shop.microartstudio.com/discworld-miniatures-c-48.html

For some reason the website is running terribly slow today.

I have most of them except Detritus.

[brodski]

Always.

Dave


On the contrary. As Miss Susan says “it’s always ‘now’ everywhere.”

[Pixel42]

Apparently Mob Films, who make the Sky adaptations, have confirmed they're going to do Unseen Academicals next. They start filming later this year.

It'll be interesting to see who they cast as Vimes. Pity PTerry's own first choice, Pete Postlethwaite, is no longer a possibility.

[Shrike]

I have most of them except Detritus.

Speciest!

[whatthebutlersaw]

I've actually always envisioned Clint Eastwood, long before Paul Kidby drew him that way. I admit, Vimes is quite hansom, albeit in a ragged way, in my head, but despite this I can kind of envision Alun Armstrong taking the character in a different, but equally enjoyable, way.

It's actually a character whose casting I feel strongly about.

[Ethan Thane Athen]

Didn't the guy who played Avon in Blakes 7 star as Vimes in the stage play of 'Guards! Guards!'?

[One Skunk Todd]

Speciest!

Most of the figures ~9 Euros. (Steep, but ok, I like Discworld)
Detritus ~40 Euros (Ack! And it's not like he's made out of one of Mr. Shine's teeth!)

[Shrike]

Most of the figures ~9 Euros. (Steep, but ok, I like Discworld)
Detritus ~40 Euros (Ack! And it's not like he's made out of one of Mr. Shine's teeth!)
Those are actually pretty cool. Death with a guitar! http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/36464c113236a94f8.gif (http://forums.randi.org/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=20117)

[Susheel]

"The wizards said that the University stood on magical ground and was therefore exempt from taxation and anyway you couldn't put a tax on knowledge.
The Patrician said you could. It was two hundred dollars per capita; if per capita was a problem, decapita could be arranged.
The wizards said that the University had never paid taxes to the civil authority.
The Patrician said he was not proposing to remain civil for long.
The wizards said, what about easy terms?
The Patrician said he was talking about easy terms. They wouldn't want to know about the hard terms.
The wizards said that there was a ruler back in, oh, it would be the Century of the Dragonfly, who had tried to tell the University what to do. The Patrician could come and have a look at him if he liked.
The Patrician said that he would. He truly would.
In the end it was agreed that while the wizards of course paid no taxes, they would nevertheless make an entirely voluntary donation of, oh, let's say two hundred dollars per head, without prejudice, mutatis mutandis, no strings attached, to be used strictly for non-militaristic and environmentally-acceptable purposes."

This bit manages to crack me up everytime i read it.

[River Song]

Didn't the guy who played Avon in Blakes 7 star as Vimes in the stage play of 'Guards! Guards!'?

That would be Paul Darrow. I would love to see him play Vimes.

[Pixel42]

Two interesting announcements from PTerry: (http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html)

There has been one hell of a lot of rumours regarding a Good Omens adaptation over the past few weeks, mostly started by me at the SFX Weekender. So, ladies and gentleman, I can hereby exclusively reveal that - YES - Neil and myself have shaken hands and received groats from Rod Brown sealing a TV deal. An official announcement from Prime Focus will follow in a couple of weeks time. However, I can reveal right now that Terry Jones (yes, the Python) and Gavin Scott (not a Python, but he gets it) are already on the job. It's been a long time coming, but it's looking good.

Sir Terry Pratchett and Rod Brown, Managing Director of Prime Focus Productions, announce that they have come to an agreement for the unprecedented and exclusive worldwide television rights to create brand new storylines for the iconic characters of Pratchett’s phenomenally successful Discworld series. [...]

The main focus of the series will be set in the bustling, highly mercantile, largely untrustworthy and always vibrant city of Ankh-Morpork and will follow the day-to-day activities of the men, women, trolls, dwarves, vampires and several other species who daily pound its ancient cobbles (and, of course, Igor in the forensics department).

[Darat]

CSI: Ankh-Morpork!

I like it - a fantasy version of the science fiction show CSI would/could* be fun.



*Would if it is done as I think it should be, could if they don't do it as I know it should be done.

[Darat]

Oh - and is it October yet?

[H3LL]

Oh - and is it October yet?

If you followed the instructions and folded February correctly you should get October from the #754 Procrastinator.

If you need more help the answer is "A fish!".


.

[Pixel42]

There's a seven minute video of the team who are putting the new Watch TV series together (including PTerry himself) discussing it on the SFX site:

http://www.sfx.co.uk/2011/03/21/pratchett-exclusive/

[SusanB-M1]

Could you tell me, please, how to make the video play?

[H3LL]

Could you tell me, please, how to make the video play?

Here it is for you Susan:

OKtfgf1TVQg

It occasionally seems to stick for some reason. Move the slider anywhere, wait for something to play then move the slider back to the beginning.


.

[SusanB-M1]

Many thanks, H3LL. And it ran without stopping too.

[JoeTheJuggler]

CSI: Ankh-Morpork!

I like it - a fantasy version of the science fiction show CSI would/could* be fun.


Of course you know Vimes' attitudes toward clues (i.e. physical evidence)?

"And I shouldn't think we'll be able to find any Clues on this," he said. "There's too many greasy fingermarks all over it."

from Feet of Clay

[Hawk one]

On the contrary. As Miss Susan says “it’s always ‘now’ everywhere.”

To be precise, it was one of Miss Susan's students who said this, as a response to a question. Of course, that was pretty much the answer Miss Susan was looking for.

I bought three books at the airport when going to Barcelona:

Nation - This was a very different book from Pratchett. I understand why he chose to make it a non-Discworld book. More philosophical than would've suited that setting. It was also pretty decent, though not the greatest.

Unseen Academicals - This book was... messy. I know that Pratchett's later books have used the coming of some steampunk (Discworld-style) technology as a setup for the plot (The Truth, Going Postal, Making Money, etc. etc.), but in all those other books, the technology/social upheaval change was just that, a set-up. I mean, in The Truth, as soon as it's established that newspapers are now a part of Discworld, Vetinari's being framed for attempted murder. This time, the introduction of football -is- the entire story, and with all those changes of perspectives, hard to follow too. Then again, having an over-arching conflict every time may make it a bit simplistic? Benefits some from the re-reading I'm currently doing, though still not my favourite discworld book by a long shot.

I Shall Wear Midnight - The last book I read, and without a doubt the best I've read of Pratchett for some time now. Tiffany Aching is proving to be a great character, and I sometimes wonder why he suggests these books for younger readers, because the Aching books often contains sections that are more mature than many of the other Discworld books (the most serious way Pratchett's ever handled death was undoubtedly in The Wee Free Men). In any case, I couldn't stop reading this once I'd started, which meant I didn't get much sleep the last night at the hotel.

[H3LL]

I bought three books at the airport when going to Barcelona:

Nation - This was a very different book from Pratchett. .....

Unseen Academicals - This book was... messy......

I Shall Wear Midnight - The last book I read, and without a doubt the best I've read of Pratchett for some time now. ......

Nice reviews and I agree entirely.

On Unseen Academicals, as I'm, apparently, missing the tribal gene, I have absolutely no interest in sports in general and football (soccer) in particular. The book plot, from quite early, was building to the introduction of a more familiar game format - and I just couldn't care less.

I enjoyed the other aspects very much.

[steenkh]

I think that you two have made to little out of the character of Mr. Nutts, who in my opinion was the main thread of the story for most of the book, whereas the football plot takes over at the end. The secondary story (or tertiary if want) of Glenda and Juliet's rise to fame in the fashion world was also hilarious. My interest in football is also very low, but there is so much else in the book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Only the deciding football match was a disappointment, because the solution was far too easy and contrived. That, however, was soon forgotten.

[Hawk one]

Yeah, I did get Nutt's story better on my second read-through, as well as a generally less confused experience. Pretty much just as I suspected.

But I think that one of my main problems with how this book felt messy - and it still did to me second time around - was because there wasn't just one, or even two, but three main plots mingling and unmingling throughout the book (Glenda&Juliet being about as prominent overall as the other two plots, and thus not deserving to be called tertiary). It did feel easier the second time around, but it was still somehow feeling a bit like the ending of Making Money, except going on through the whole book. The book in short, didn't feel focused in the same way that I Shall Wear Midnight did.

Of course, I readily admit that I have a soft spot for the Mac Nac Feegle. ;)

[SusanB-M1]

I Shall Wear Midnight - The last book I read, and without a doubt the best I've read of Pratchett for some time now. Tiffany Aching is proving to be a great character, and I sometimes wonder why he suggests these books for younger readers, ...
I agree with all you say in your post, and regarding the age of the reader, I found when I was a teacher and enjoying reading what the children were reading that, of course, a good book is for all ages.

I wonder when there will be another book out.

[Rasmus]

The book in short, didn't feel focused in the same way that I Shall Wear Midnight did.

Of course, I readily admit that I have a soft spot for the Mac Nac Feegle. ;)

Because the Feegles are in every way good for focus and not at all messy ;)

[megaresp]

I've been to both of the book stores in my area...neither of them have the new book...because it's not been released in the States yet...Man that annoys the heck out of me.

If you have a Kindle there's no need to wait. It's available on Amazon UK for Kindle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shall-Wear-Midnight-Discworld-Novels/dp/B003T0G9XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A3TVV12T0I6NSM&qid=1304066162&sr=1-1).

[megaresp]

Personally, I think it's time for another Rincewind story. But I probably would, wouldn't I? :)

Me too. I'm currently rereading "The Last Continent". I love that book.

[rwguinn]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?

[Nogbad]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?

It is on my Santa list - no spoilers now :)

[rwguinn]

It is on my Santa list - no spoilers now :)
I pre-ordered it, and got it on Tuesday. Since I have gotten a job now, with a commute to Dallas, I don't have a lot of reading time, so I am savoring it...

[zooterkin]

There's an interview with Pterry in the Guardian - http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/oct/14/terry-pratchett-life-writing

[catsmate1]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?
Nope. I scored an ARC and finished it a week ago. Good. Rather darker than his norm I'd say.

[Darat]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?

Probably - we've all already read it*!

:)

*Thanks to the miracle that is Kindle.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?
I just got it yesterday.

[Worm]

I got it twice because I got excited and forgot that I had pre-ordered it.

Enjoying it, though it's a bit too like Thud in my opinion. Still very well done.

[Worm]

Hmm.

Will try and do this without spoilers.

Finished 'Snuff' and I'm a little disappointed, but impressed as well.

First off, this isn't as comic as much of Pterry's earlier work. His books have been getting more and more 'serious', and in the case of 'Snuff' he's almost gone all the way. It's quite a dark book, although it certainly has it's lighter moments. What impressed me is that he managed to cover the 'dark' stuff while keeping the light stuff there and not making it clash.

My earlier comment certainly stands, for my taste it's a little too like 'Thud' in places. Some of the characterisations seem a bit flat, and some seem a little overdone, but the core is still solid. The plot is a good one, and I was engaged all the way through, but I did think that there were some extraneous elements that didn't really seem to fit in, or go anywhere.

Another good book from Mr P, but I'm not sure it matches the heights of some of his other work.

[H3LL]

I have some free Amazon vouchers winging their way to me. They are already partly allocated to Snuff.

I still have Nation sitting ¾ read on my bedside table (Thingy has just exited the cave with Whatsername and Grumpy-gramps IIRC).

I'm really struggling to enjoy it. Is it worth completing?

I reach for Nation but end up on a continued re-read of the Ancestor's Tale instead. Maybe they are not safe to be together.



.

[Dave Rogers]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?

I bought a copy last week and handed it over to my wife, who will duly wrap it and give it back to me for Hogswatchnight. In a remarkable and uncharacteristic exercise of self-control, I managed not to even open it between those two events.

Dave

[Skepticemea]

I refuse to purchase Pratchett hardbacks as a tatty, over-read hardback is more expensive to replace than a tatty, over-read paperback. :D

I hope to A'Tuin it's better than Unseen Academicals.

[Darat]

Hardback is a fiver at Tesco!

[Dave Rogers]

Hardback is a fiver at Tesco!

And Sainsburys, which is where I got mine.

Dave

[Soapy Sam]

You just reminded me. I need to go shopping.

[Skepticemea]

hardback is a fiver at tesco!

whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

[SusanB-M1]

I bought mine from W's last week, where it was on half price, although I shall not bestarting it for a while. While there I had a look at RD's book (Age of Reality I think it's called) and it looks lovely. I don't know a oungster to give a copy to though!

[Pure Argent]

Just got my own copy of Snuff. So excited.

[bjornart]

My Pratchett library just got his book, but a friend of ours managed to get dibs on borrowing it, so it'll be a few weeks for me.

[Flo]

My Pratchett library just got his book, but a friend of ours managed to get dibs on borrowing it, so it'll be a few weeks for me.


You call that being a friend ? :rolleyes:

[H3LL]

Hardback is a fiver at Tesco!

Yay!

A fiver is not too hard to find. My amazon vouchers can go towards the new Kindle* instead ... probably.

* Must remember to start yet another Kindle thread.

[wobs]

I've used forums for many years, and this is the first time TP has come up in discussion in any of them, let alone in such depth.

My sister (who calls herself Ook on occasion, as she is a librarian) and myself usually buy the latest Discworld book in hardback and swap at Christmas. However, this Chrimbo, for the first time in about 20years, she doesn't want one! I think she needs the cash or something.

Anyway, I'm somewhat dropping behind on the Pratchett novels, as:
a. I'm quite slow reader
b. Life keeps getting in the way
c. I have other books to read (currently Subtle Knife).

I don't think this a bad thing, as given TP's output looks set to drop off/stop at some foreseeable time in the future, I will have much to read and enjoy long after he stops.

Oh, and I've met the only real life Discworld character: Hodgesaaargh, when he was selling forges at Beard Theory.

I probably have too much Discworld related items in the house, although I'm not aware of what the limit should be.

[Dave Rogers]

I probably have too much Discworld related items in the house, although I'm not aware of what the limit should be.

Can you still open the door?

Dave

[wobs]

Can you still open the door?

Dave

Just about.
But when one has computer games, Thud board game, all the hardback books, maps, diaries, guides, and rather a lot of figurines (many of the old Clarecraft range). And videos (enjoyed Sould Music), DVDs.... one must wonder where merchandising is going to end at Wobs acres.

[whatthebutlersaw]

Am I the only one who is reading "Snuff"?

Nope. Readin' it now. At the mo, thinking "Busman's Holiday". Return with more once done and spoilers aren't an issue.

[Pixel42]

A S Byatt reviews Snuff in today's Guardian. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/oct/21/snuff-terry-pratchett-review)

I'd advise not reading the review until after you've read the book as it contains spoilers, but I'll quote the concluding paragraph which I think is spot on:

Pratchett is a master storyteller. He is endlessly inventive, even when telling a routine kind of tale. He gives you more information and more story than you need, just because he can, and this is completely satisfying. He is a master of complex jokes, good bad jokes, good dreadful jokes and a kind of insidious wisdom about human nature (and other forms of alien nature). I think his mad footnotes are there because he can't stop his mind whirring, and our whirring minds go with him. I read his books at a gallop and then reread them every time I am ill or exhausted.

[JoeTheJuggler]

hardback is a fiver at tesco!

whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Publishers often do a deep discount on early release (for potential bestsellers) so that the book will be that much more likely to be listed as a bestseller, or at least reach that status more quickly. Remember, they've already printed their first run, so the incremental costs of books isn't so great. They want big publicity and big sales, not a warehouse full of books a year or two hence.

[zooterkin]

Hardback is a fiver at Tesco!

Not any more. :( I forgot to look yesterday, and this morning it was nearly a tenner. So, I got it on the Kindle instead,for £5.99. (It really is criminal how easy that is!) So, it works out slightly more for the two of us to read it, but it's more convenient (and we don't have another book to dispose of or find a space for).

[JoeTheJuggler]

I just finished Snuff.

I agree with the general comments I've read: not Pratchett's best plot, but it's still some mighty fine writing.

_______

ETA:

This is the sort of thing that happens when Sgt. Colon misses a day or two of work:

http://gizmodo.com/5847651/how-does-an-entire-bridge-go-missing

[don't worry--no spoiler]

[Hershele Ostropoler]

Almost finished Snuff. On the boat, as soon as Brassbound appeared, I knew he was Stratford. That probably does not make me clever.

[Gawdzilla]

Just read my first Discworld book, Hogfather. So, my question. Are they all like that?

[H3LL]

Just read my first Discworld book, Hogfather. So, my question. Are they all like that?

Like what?

None of his other novels have a storyline focusing on anthropomorphic porcine gift givers, carnassial collectors and psychotic hit men.

;)



.

[catsmate1]

Just read my first Discworld book, Hogfather. So, my question. Are they all like that?
Not exactly.
There are several sequences or groups of books in the Discworld series.
The Rincewind/wizards/UU books: CoM, LF,........., UA
The Witches books: ER, WS, WA et cetera and including the Tiffany Aching books
The Death books: Hogfather was the fourth of these
The Watch/Vimes/AM books: GG, MAA, FoC,..... including Snuff
Others: Pyramids, Small Gods.

ETA: here (http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-20.jpg) is the suggested reading order.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Just read my first Discworld book, Hogfather. So, my question. Are they all like that?

They're all unique, but I'd have to say Hogfather is one of the more atypical of them.

They do stand alone all right, but some of them form sequences (as noted), and the more of them you read, the richer the experience.

If you're used to straightforward, Harry Potter-style writing, you should know that Pratchett is a lot more arch and clever. I know I miss out on quite a few references by not knowing the British social referents. (The Annotated Pratchet File (http://www.lspace.org/books/apf/) is helpful, as far as it goes.)

[Zax63]

I'm listening to Snuff right now thanks to an Audible subscription.

[Verde]

Just read my first Discworld book, Hogfather. So, my question. Are they all like that?

No.

I didn't particularly care for Hogfather, although that could be considered sacrilege for the Susan fans out there.

My favorite so far is Small Gods, which is stand-alone, and also Thud! and Fifth Elephant that are aided by knowing something about the Watch, but don't really depend on it.

Oh, and the Tiffany Aching trilogy is absolutely wonderful.

Then get Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust' for a sense of deja vue.

V.

[Gawdzilla]

Like what?

None of his other novels have a storyline focusing on anthropomorphic porcine gift givers, carnassial collectors and psychotic hit men.

;)



.

Who was the psychotic hit man?





:D

[Gawdzilla]

They're all unique, but I'd have to say Hogfather is one of the more atypical of them.

They do stand alone all right, but some of them form sequences (as noted), and the more of them you read, the richer the experience.

If you're used to straightforward, Harry Potter-style writing, you should know that Pratchett is a lot more arch and clever. I know I miss out on quite a few references by not knowing the British social referents. (The Annotated Pratchet File (http://www.lspace.org/books/apf/) is helpful, as far as it goes.)

Actually, I'm a fan of Zelazny and Graham Chapman, as well as Heinlein. I just found Hogfather a bit of slog.

[H3LL]

Who was the psychotic hit man?

I'll tell you at lunch. No, wait, make that teatime.

;)

.

[Dave Rogers]

Oh, and the Tiffany Aching trilogy is absolutely wonderful.

The fourth one's not bad either :p.

Dave

[Pure Argent]

Actually, I'm a fan of Zelazny and Graham Chapman, as well as Heinlein. I just found Hogfather a bit of slog.

Really? Hogfather is one of my all-time favorites, along with Night Watch, Thud!, and The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. But then, Death has always been one of my favorite characters, and Hogfather works a lot better if you know something about him already. It helps to flesh him out a lot.

I'd suggest Guards! Guards! as a jumping-on point for the series. It introduces the Watch, which is my favorite group of characters. It was how I got introduced to it.

[Verde]

The fourth one's not bad either :p.

Dave

What! When did he sneak Wintersmith in there? I've got to go hunting now.

V.

[JoeTheJuggler]

I'd suggest Guards! Guards! as a jumping-on point for the series. It introduces the Watch, which is my favorite group of characters. It was how I got introduced to it.

Funny, I say that right after I've read or re-read one of that series. If I read one of the witch series, those are my favorite. Ditto the wizards.

Basically my favorite series seems to be whichever I've read most recently.

I stumbled upon Discworld starting with Jingo! It meant that I was sort of in medias res wrt to some of the characters, and I know that resulted in me getting a less than full appreciation of the novel, but in the long run, it didn't seem to matter.

[Skeptic Ginger]

OK, so for newbie who keeps hearing this name, which book should I read first? Also is this anything like the Steampunk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk) phenom?

[H3LL]

What! When did he sneak Wintersmith in there? I've got to go hunting now.

V.

If there is a rally, really nice mod about with a little bit of spare time they might consider updating my very first post - Just the bibliography.

Wintersmith is there but a few others are missing.


;)

[Beelzebuddy]

OK, so for newbie who keeps hearing this name, which book should I read first?
Small Gods, hands down.

Then it depends on what you want to read. The official guide someone linked there is good, though I would classify some thematically. [/i]Monstrous Regiment[/i] has a very similar feel to Unseen Academicals, for instance, despite only having one character in common. Fifth Elephant and Thud follow each other tremendously well because of the mutual focus on dwarf culture.

Pratchett's biggest weakness is his books that share protagonists always come out the same. Pick one book from each of the main arcs in that reading guide. Assume they're all going to be like that, and just go with the one you like most.

[Zax63]

OK, so for newbie who keeps hearing this name, which book should I read first? Also is this anything like the Steampunk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk) phenom?

I found this reading order guide (http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/). Like others have said I'd probably start someone off with either the Watch or the Witches books.

[Beelzebuddy]

Also is this anything like the Steampunk phenom?
Oh yeah, this. Dunno quite what you mean by that, but Pratchett enjoys a kind of similar style of anachronistic technology, mostly in the Watch and Industry books.

Instead of cameras, say, his characters use boxes with imps that paint pictures very, very quickly. The wife of one protagonist perpetually buys him newfangled "personal daemon assistants" like the Gooseberry mk 5, which can remember and hum up to a thousand of his favorite tunes but still calls him "Insert Name Here" because he threw away the manual with the setup incantations.

That and a good dose of clockpunk.

[Gawdzilla]

OK, so for newbie who keeps hearing this name, which book should I read first? Also is this anything like the Steampunk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk) phenom?

http://www.ie.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-colour-1-25.gif

[Worm]

http://www.ie.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-colour-1-25.gif

That's a pretty good layout. Certainly it picks up the three mainstays that I tend to recommend as starting points - Equal Rites, Mort and Guards! Guards!

[NobbyNobbs]

I haven't read the thread or have anything particular to say. I just feel obligated to post here.

:D

[Darat]

I haven't read the thread or have anything particular to say. I just feel obligated to post here.

:D


Meant to ask you - how are you and the new ..er.. girlfriend doing? Is that the sound of wedding bells I hear?

[SusanB-M1]

OK, so for newbie who keeps hearing this name, which book should I read first? Also is this anything like the Steampunk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk) phenom?
(This is a story I've posted before ages ago, I think.)
I was teaching Year 6children; one asked me if I'd read 'Truckers' and when I asked what that was, he was amazed and insisted that I read it. Bought it; was on a train with it; read halfway wondering what on earth this was all about and why it was good; nothing else to do so continued as children are always to be relied on I found; Shortly after that, I was creased up with laughter. from then on I read every TP book!

[Gawdzilla]

That's a pretty good layout. Certainly it picks up the three mainstays that I tend to recommend as starting points - Equal Rites, Mort and Guards! Guards!

So which path would you start down first? (Hindsight allowed, of course.)

[catsmate1]

So which path would you start down first? (Hindsight allowed, of course.)
Equal Rites is set somewhat earlier than Guards, Guards or Mort, if I recall correctly so I'd go ER/M/GG and then along each path in turn.

[Gawdzilla]

Equal Rites is set somewhat earlier than Guards, Guards or Mort, if I recall correctly so I'd go ER/M/GG and then along each path in turn.

I'll give it a shot then. Thanks.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Equal Rites is set somewhat earlier than Guards, Guards or Mort, if I recall correctly so I'd go ER/M/GG and then along each path in turn.
Equal Rites is one of the witch series, and Guards, Guards is one of the the watch series. Either one (or both) are fine for starting.

[catsmate1]

Equal Rites is one of the witch series, and Guards, Guards is one of the the watch series. Either one (or both) are fine for starting.
But Equal Rites is mostly set in Ankh Morpork.

[Skeptic Ginger]

Oh yeah, this. Dunno quite what you mean by that, but Pratchett enjoys a kind of similar style of anachronistic technology, mostly in the Watch and Industry books.

Instead of cameras, say, his characters use boxes with imps that paint pictures very, very quickly. The wife of one protagonist perpetually buys him newfangled "personal daemon assistants" like the Gooseberry mk 5, which can remember and hum up to a thousand of his favorite tunes but still calls him "Insert Name Here" because he threw away the manual with the setup incantations.

That and a good dose of clockpunk.
I never heard of SteamPunk until a week or so ago when they held a convention here in Bellevue. It's a fiction genre with some kind of Victorian era steam powered fantastic vehicles and beyond that I know little except the convention was large, the people mostly in costumes that were all over the map, and beyond that I know as much as a quick Google search reveals.

"Clockpunk"...that's cute. :D

[Skeptic Ginger]

http://www.ie.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-colour-1-25.gif

That's helpful.

[Skeptic Ginger]

I found this reading order guide (http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/). Like others have said I'd probably start someone off with either the Watch or the Witches books.Same as Gawd's link, you win for posting first. ;)

I'll put a hold in at the library and read whichever of the starter novels is available first.

[Worm]

I think Equal Rites is a good start. It eases you in, although Mort does that as well. Guards! Guards! is a bit more immersive (IMO) - though I think it is the best book of the three.

[catsmate1]

Same as Gawd's link, you win for posting first. ;)

I'll put a hold in at the library and read whichever of the starter novels is available first.
Ahem (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?postid=7700631#post7700631).:D

[Mojo]

Oh yeah, this. Dunno quite what you mean by that, but Pratchett enjoys a kind of similar style of anachronistic technology, mostly in the Watch and Industry books.

Instead of cameras, say, his characters use boxes with imps that paint pictures very, very quickly. The wife of one protagonist perpetually buys him newfangled "personal daemon assistants" like the Gooseberry mk 5, which can remember and hum up to a thousand of his favorite tunes but still calls him "Insert Name Here" because he threw away the manual with the setup incantations.


And there's Hex, of course.

[Skepticemea]

Would you consider the economic modelling thingummy in "Making Money" to be a computer or a mechanical program?

[Dave Rogers]

Would you consider the economic modelling thingummy in "Making Money" to be a computer or a mechanical program?

Neither; it's an analog computer. The concept of a program isn't applicable to analog computers, because the functionality is built into the hardware, so that an analog computer can only solve a single problem or class of problem, but can solve it extremely efficiently. The device in "Making Money" is clearly based on MONIAC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MONIAC_Computer), which was originally used to model the British economy in 1949.

Dave

[JoeTheJuggler]

Same as Gawd's link,

You mean the L-space site that I posted in answering Gawdzilla's queries?

:D

I think both catsmate and I beat Gawdzilla to mentioning a very well-known (though not recently updated) Pratchett site.

[Beelzebuddy]

I never heard of SteamPunk until a week or so ago when they held a convention here in Bellevue. It's a fiction genre with some kind of Victorian era steam powered fantastic vehicles and beyond that I know little except the convention was large, the people mostly in costumes that were all over the map, and beyond that I know as much as a quick Google search reveals.

"Clockpunk"...that's cute. :D

No, I'm familiar with steampunk. (http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=266) I didn't know if Gawdzilla was using it in the "hooray steampunk" sense or the "I am so sick of damn steampunk" sense.

You have it in a nutshell, though. The term descended from "cyberpunk," and while it originally carried over the implication that the protagonists were punks, now it's a purely aesthetic term, there's very little else beyond that.

The -punk suffix is occasionally applied to any fashion/tech period taken to fantastic extremes and named after its power source. I'm quite fond of dieselpunk. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A8eiA1jhXc)

[Skeptic Ginger]

Sigh. I've started 2 Pratchett books (Jingo and The Thief of Time) and put them both down. I still have the starter books on hold at the library but they aren't available yet. The other two were on the shelf. Reminds me of Hitchhiker's Guide the the Galaxy. Creative imagination but I must be missing whatever else you all find there. I will still try the ones I have on hold but I doubt they will be my current kind of fantasy.

[Gawdzilla]

You mean the L-space site that I posted in answering Gawdzilla's queries?

:D

I think both catsmate and I beat Gawdzilla to mentioning a very well-known (though not recently updated) Pratchett site.

And I will never forgive you for that! http://rationalia.com/forum/images/smilies/cranky.gif

[Susheel]

I usually recommend Pyramids and then Equal Rites to those who wish to start reading Pratchett.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Reminds me of Hitchhiker's Guide the the Galaxy. Creative imagination but I must be missing whatever else you all find there. I will still try the ones I have on hold but I doubt they will be my current kind of fantasy.

Yes, it's very similar to Douglas Adams in writing style. I suspect that's the matter of taste you don't care for: the wry (dry) British humor.

It might be that it's an acquired taste too. And Pratchett definitely grows on you. (See again the annotated Pratchett files also on the L-space site for a sampling of the many often very obscure references made without explanation in the text.)

[JoeTheJuggler]

He got the forms yesterday for assisted suicide.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/12/pratchett-starts-process-to-end-his-life

[whatthebutlersaw]

He got the forms yesterday for assisted suicide.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jun/12/pratchett-starts-process-to-end-his-life

I respect his choice but I really, really don't want to live in a world without Terry Pratchett. It seems so wrong that someone whose writing has stopped at least one planned - method, means, time and place picked out - serious suicide attempt that I know of (there are likely more such stories, but this is the one I know for sure was 100% real and serious) should be put in a position to have to consider that option. It makes me generally angry at life, universe and everything.

I know several people who have been carried through rough times by the promise of a new Pratchett release within the next few months. If he had been equally good but less prolific, someone I know would have been dead today.

This blows. **** Alzheimer's.

[JoeTheJuggler]

I respect his choice but I really, really don't want to live in a world without Terry Pratchett. It seems so wrong that someone whose writing has stopped at least one planned - method, means, time and place picked out - serious suicide attempt that I know of (there are likely more such stories, but this is the one I know for sure was 100% real and serious) should be put in a position to have to consider that option. It makes me generally angry at life, universe and everything.

I know several people who have been carried through rough times by the promise of a new Pratchett release within the next few months. If he had been equally good but less prolific, someone I know would have been dead today.

This blows. **** Alzheimer's.

I couldn't agree any more strongly.

As much as I really really really dislike physical pain, I'm far more frightened of Alzheimer's.

And the prospect of no more new Discworld novels is truly depressing.

[Dave Rogers]

And the prospect of no more new Discworld novels is truly depressing.

He said in the article that one of the reasons he's not ready to die yet is that he's still working on the next Discworld book. So it seems to me that, since he's always working on the next Discworld book...

Dave

[Captain Obvious]

Hopefully he'll keep putting it off until he's forgotten he's got Alzheimers.

[epepke]

Yes, it's very similar to Douglas Adams in writing style. I suspect that's the matter of taste you don't care for: the wry (dry) British humor.

Yes, it's a particular style. One can see a bit of it in Tom Brown's Schooldays, but the master of the style was P.G. Wodehouse. I happen to love that style. A lot of people don't. De gustibus non disputandum est.

[Pixel42]

The forthcoming novel by Pratchett and Stephen Baxter looks intriguing. (http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html)

[bjornart]

The forthcoming novel by Pratchett and Stephen Baxter looks intriguing. (http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html)

*Nhff* Some of the later Baxter novels I've read falls off intriguing into annoying, and infinite parallel worlds has been done before. I'm ufortunately biased against this book, but hope to be pleasantly surprised.

[catsmate1]

The forthcoming novel by Pratchett and Stephen Baxter looks intriguing. (http://www.pjsmprints.com/news/index.html)
Indeed and parallel worlds are an obsession interest of mine.


I wonder if the differences between the publicity blurbs are accidental or deliberate?

1916: the Western Front. Private Percy Blakeney wakes up. He is lying on fresh spring grass. He can hear birdsong, and the wind in the leaves in the trees. Where has the mud, blood and blasted landcape of No Man's Land gone?
2015: Madison, Wisconsin. Cop Monica Jansson is exploring the burned-out home of Willis Linsay, a reclusive - some said mad, others dangerous - scientist. It appears to be arson but the firemen to have caused more damage than the fire itself. There's no sign of any human remains in the wrecked house, but on a mantlepiece Monica finds a curious gadget - a box containing some wiring, a three-way switch and a...potato. It is the prototype of an invention that Linsay called a 'stepper'; an invention he put up on the web for all the world to see - and use - an invention that would change the way Mankind viewed his world for ever. And that's an understatement if ever there was one...


2015: Madison, Wisconsin. Junior cop Sally Jansson is called out to the house of Willis Lynsey, a reclusive scientist, for an animal-cruelty complaint: the man was seen forcing a horse in through the door of his home. Inside there is no horse. But Sally finds a kind of home-made utility belt. She straps this on -- and 'steps' sideways into an America covered with virgin forest. Willis came here with equipment and animals, meaning to explore and colonise. And when Sally gets back, she finds Willis has put the secret of the belt on the internet. The great migration has begun...