Making money: a novel of Discworld

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Discworld volume 32
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Language
English

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The Ankh-Morpork Post Office is running like . . . well, not at all like a government office. The mail is delivered promptly; meetings start and end on time; five out of six letters relegated to the Blind Letter Office ultimately wend their way to the correct addresses. Postmaster General Moist von Lipwig, former arch-swindler and confidence man, has exceeded all expectations—including his own. So it's somewhat disconcerting when Lord Vetinari summons Moist to the palace and asks, "Tell me, Mr. Lipwig, would you like to make some real money?"

Vetinari isn't talking about wages, of course. He's referring, rather, to the Royal Mint of Ankh-Morpork, a venerable institution that haas run for centuries on the hereditary employment of the Men of the Sheds and their loyal outworkers, who do make money in their spare time. Unfortunately, it costs more than a penny to make a penny, so the whole process seems somewhat counterintuitive.

Next door, at the Royal Bank, the Glooper, an "analogy machine," has scientifically established that one never has quite as much money at the end of the week as one thinks one should, and the bank's chairman, one elderly Topsy (née Turvy) Lavish, keeps two loaded crossbows at her desk. Oh, and the chief clerk is probably a vampire.

But before Moist has time to fully consider Vetinari's question, fate answers it for him. Now he's not only making money, but enemies too; he's got to spring a prisoner from jail, break into his own bank vault, stop the new manager from licking his face, and, above all, find out where all the gold has gone—otherwise, his life in banking, while very exciting, is going to be really, really short. . . .

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ISBN
9780062334992
9780061161643
9780061795893
9780061554452

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Those who enjoy Discworld's word-play comedy, humorous social satire, and memorable characters will want to try the Myth Adventures series, which also features mythical, fairy-tale style creatures. -- Katherine Johnson
Each series creates what appears to be an outrageous fantasy world, but it is one which both skewers and comments on our current world in a way that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and a bit frightening. -- Becky Spratford
Readers who particularly enjoy Discworld books that feature the City Watch should try the Thursday Next series. Heroine Thursday works for the Literary Detective unit set in an alternative 1980s England. Both series are filled with wordplay and literary allusions. -- Krista Biggs
Religion, mythology, history and literature meet in science fiction and fantasy worlds ruled by magic. Riverworld is more thought-provoking and reflects on human nature, while the comic Discworld is more satirical. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Both are witty, humorous fantasy fiction series set in offbeat, semi-realistic, and vividly rendered magical worlds. Each employs oddball anthropomorphism, and features large casts of quirky (often recurring) characters whose stories loosely orbit one another from book to book. -- Kim Burton
These witty and fast-paced fantasy series offer a fresh spin on folklore and popular genre tropes through the stories of a queer warlock (Adam Binder) or the inhabitants of a world resting on the back of a spacefaring turtle (Discworld). -- CJ Connor
These satirical science fiction series feature funny antiheroes who go on wacky and offbeat adventures that poke fun at technology, politics, and culture. -- Andrienne Cruz
Those who enjoy word-play comedy, memorable, fairy-tale style creatures, and adventure will want to try both the Discworld and the Xanth series; Xanth's humor appeals more to younger readers, but teens enjoy Discworld, as well. -- Katherine Johnson
These series blend elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology to created detailed, imaginative worlds. Saga of the Well World is more idea-driven, often with a quest structure, and while both are humorous, Discworld is more broadly comic. -- Kaitlyn Moore

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors plot-driven, and they have the genre "adult books for young adults."
These books have the appeal factors funny and amusing, and they have the genre "adult books for young adults."
NoveList recommends "Thursday Next novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Zoey Ashe novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors funny and plot-driven, and they have the genres "humorous stories" and "adult books for young adults."
The downside - Cooper, Mike
These books have the appeal factors suspenseful and intricately plotted, and they have the genre "adult books for young adults"; and the subjects "former convicts" and "banks and banking."
These books have the appeal factors suspenseful, plot-driven, and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "adult books for young adults" and "epic fantasy."
NoveList recommends "Adam Binder novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors funny, amusing, and plot-driven, and they have the genres "adult books for young adults" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "magic" and "dragons."
These books have the genres "humorous stories" and "adult books for young adults"; and the subjects "postmasters," "postal service employees," and "postal service."
NoveList recommends "Chromatacia novels" for fans of "Discworld". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both Terry Pratchett and Piers Anthony create highly detailed worlds populated by a variety of well-developed characters that keep the pages turning through the use of humor and lots of dialogue. While Anthony's humor focuses on punning and wordplay, Pratchett parodies literature and elements of contemporary society. -- Krista Biggs
Fans of Spider Robinson's ability to infuse humor throughout unusual situations will enjoy Terry Pratchett, who takes on fantasy cliches and parodies them with aplomb. His willingness to play with genre standards will be welcome by Robinson readers. Both authors appeal to teen readers, as well. -- Katherine Johnson
Both Terry Pratchett and Robert Asprin use world-building fantasy/science fiction to comment on the real world in a witty, engaging style. Their novels and series are filled with quirky characters, bazaar settings, and offbeat adventures. Pratchett's writing is more descriptive and character-driven; Asprin's more fast-paced and plot-driven. -- Matthew Ransom
Eoin Colfer and Terry Pratchett both create fast-paced fantasy worlds laced with humor and populated with interesting characters. Colfer's characters tend to be sassy and comedic, while Terry Pratchett's characters provide a more satirical commentary. -- Kathy Stewart
Jack L. Chalker and Terry Pratchett both write fast-paced, imaginative books incorporating fantasy, science fiction, and elements of mythology. Readers who enjoy engaging, plot-driven series set in detailed worlds might enjoy both authors who share a witty tone. Pratchett's books are more comic and fantastic than Chalker's science fiction. -- Kaitlyn Moore
Although slightly more grounded than Terry Pratchett, K.J. Parker, a pseudonym of British author Tom Holt, shares the same penchant for mixing humor and philosophical insights about human existence. Both authors create thought-provoking stories populated by engaging characters, but Parker's work is a bit grittier and the humor more subtle. -- Ashley Lyons
Both authors write witty speculative fiction books that take the usual fantasy tropes into new and thought-provoking directions. Terry Pratchett writes for children and adults; David R. Slayton mainly writes for adults. -- CJ Connor
Although Terry Pratchett writes with a lighter, more humorous than Fritz Leiber, Leiber has his own dry wit, including coining the name of the genre in which they both write, "sword and sorcery." Pratchett also follows Leiber in frequent use of a vast city, Ankh-Morpuk, influenced by Leiber's Lankhmar. -- Michael Shumate
Terry Pratchett and Tom Holt both mix humor, fantasy, and satire. Their stories move quickly with lots of shifting between characters and locations. The novels are full of puns and other wordplay, and use fantastical settings to comment on contemporary society. -- Krista Biggs
These authors' works have the genre "humorous stories"; and the subjects "wizards" and "witches."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Moist von Lipwig, the savior of the Ankh-Morpork post office, has gotten settled into a routine. He's filling out forms, signing things, will probably get to be head of the Merchants Association next year, and he hasn't designed a stamp in months. He's so bored, in fact, that he's taken to climbing the walls of the post office and breaking into his own office. Lord Vetinari, always brilliant in his ruthlessness, recognizes an opportunity when he sees one, and offers Moist the job of running the royal mint. Moist tries to refuse, pretending that he's satisfied with the stable life, but he can't deny the urge for adventure and intrigue for long. The mint is, in the finest Ankh-Morpork tradition, a strange and oddly old-fashioned place, with bizarre traditions so ingrained the long-term employees can't imagine doing them any other way. Moist is the perfect innovator, with his wildly creative solutions to problems, for changing the way the entire city thinks about money. In the transition from the gold standard and old money, Pratchett brings up all the details that make Ankh-Morpork one of the most satisfying contemporary fantasy cities and continues in his trend of beautifully crafted, wickedly cutting satire on the underpinnings of modern human society. Making Money is smart, funny, and a thoroughly entertaining read.--Schroeder, Regina Copyright 2007 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Reprieved confidence trickster Moist von Lipwig, who reorganized the Ankh-Morpork Post Office in 2004's Going Postal, turns his attention to the Royal Mint in this splendid Discworld adventure. It seems that the aristocratic families who run the mint are running it into the ground, and benevolent despot Lord Vetinari thinks Moist can do better. Despite his fondness for money, Moist doesn't want the job, but since he has recently become the guardian of the mint's majority shareholder (an elderly terrier) and snubbing Vetinari's offer would activate an Assassins Guild contract, he reluctantly accepts. Pratchett throws in a mad scientist with a working economic model, disappearing gold reserves and an army of golems, once more using the Disc as an educational and entertaining mirror of human squabbles and flaws (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Discworld continues with ex-swindler Moist von Lipwig in charge of printing Ankh-Morpork's first paper currency. Watch out! (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Now that he's helped whip the post office into shape, what's a reformed criminal to do? Fans of Pratchett's Discworld series were handed a real treat a few years back in Going Postal, in which the author introduced Moist von Lipwig, an inveterate grifter who is almost hung before being picked by Vetinari, boss of the city of Ankh-Morpork, to reform the decrepit mail system, with hilarious and very satisfying results. In this sequel, we find Lipwig at the height of respectable success and bored out of his mind--not surprising given that Lipwig is what brainy types would call a "change agent," and others just a plain old thief. So it makes sense that Vetinari picks him for yet another impossible assignment, to help overhaul the city's financial system (the city is switching from gold to paper currency). After much spluttering about how he's more used to breaking into banks than working in them, Lipwig gets down to tearing up old traditions and forging new ones, creating new enemies with almost every passing page. Just as Going Postal somehow made the streamlining of mail delivery in a quasi-medieval fantasy world utterly riveting, so too here Pratchett (Wintersmith, 2006, etc.) creates fine entertainment out of the machinations of a dismal science. The book takes up too much time with tedious subplots and villains possibly necessary for the courtroom conclusion, but Lipwig is a brilliant scalawag of a hero, and Pratchett's taste for dry one-liners remains prodigious. Far from Pratchett's best, but entertaining nonetheless. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

Moist von Lipwig, the savior of the Ankh-Morpork post office, has gotten settled into a routine. He's filling out forms, signing things, will probably get to be head of the Merchants Association next year, and he hasn't designed a stamp in months. He's so bored, in fact, that he's taken to climbing the walls of the post office and breaking into his own office. Lord Vetinari, always brilliant in his ruthlessness, recognizes an opportunity when he sees one, and offers Moist the job of running the royal mint. Moist tries to refuse, pretending that he's satisfied with the stable life, but he can't deny the urge for adventure and intrigue for long. The mint is, in the finest Ankh-Morpork tradition, a strange and oddly old-fashioned place, with bizarre traditions so ingrained the long-term employees can't imagine doing them any other way. Moist is the perfect innovator, with his wildly creative solutions to problems, for changing the way the entire city thinks about money. In the transition from the gold standard and old money, Pratchett brings up all the details that make Ankh-Morpork one of the most satisfying contemporary fantasy cities and continues in his trend of beautifully crafted, wickedly cutting satire on the underpinnings of modern human society. Making Money is smart, funny, and a thoroughly entertaining read. Copyright 2007 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2007 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Discworld continues with ex-swindler Moist von Lipwig in charge of printing Ankh-Morpork's first paper currency. Watch out! Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
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Library Journal Reviews

After more than two dozen Discworld outings, Pratchett is finally writing in chapters! And what lovely chapters they are, fully reminiscent of those from a Victorian novel, with headings presaging the events following and illustrations at the beginning of each. Apart from this stylistic change, the book continues the laugh-out-loud Discworld series, reprising characters from the earlier Going Postal with cameos from some of the Ankh-Morpork regulars. The plot? Ankh-Morpork is moving away from gold (or "goldish") currency into the brave new world of paper money. Moist von Lipwig, Postmaster General, is serving as Master of the Mint, second only in command to the canine Mr. Fusspot, chairman of the Royal Bank. Meanwhile, Lord Vetinari is being "single white femaled" by a man with more money than sense, and Lipwig's main squeeze, Miss Dearheart, is not content to let sleeping golems lie. Highly enjoyable, fast-paced, and funny; recommended for all fiction and sf collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/07.]—Amy Watts, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens

[Page 60]. Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Reprieved confidence trickster Moist von Lipwig, who reorganized the Ankh-Morpork Post Office in 2004's Going Postal , turns his attention to the Royal Mint in this splendid Discworld adventure. It seems that the aristocratic families who run the mint are running it into the ground, and benevolent despot Lord Vetinari thinks Moist can do better. Despite his fondness for money, Moist doesn't want the job, but since he has recently become the guardian of the mint's majority shareholder (an elderly terrier) and snubbing Vetinari's offer would activate an Assassins Guild contract, he reluctantly accepts. Pratchett throws in a mad scientist with a working economic model, disappearing gold reserves and an army of golems, once more using the Disc as an educational and entertaining mirror of human squabbles and flaws (Oct.)

[Page 43]. Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
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