Editions

A Slip of the Keyboard

A Slip of the Keyboard

  • Collected Non-fiction

With a foreword by Neil Gaiman

Terry Pratchett has earned a place in the hearts of readers the world over with his bestselling Discworld series – but in recent years he has become equally well-known and respected as an outspoken campaigner for causes including Alzheimer’s research and animal rights. A Slip of the Keyboard brings together for the first time the finest examples of Pratchett’s non fiction writing, both serious and surreal: from musings on mushrooms to what it means to be a writer (and why banana daiquiris are so important); from memories of Granny Pratchett to speculation about Gandalf’s love life, and passionate defences of the causes dear to him.

With all the humour and humanity that have made his novels so enduringly popular, this collection brings Pratchett out from behind the scenes of the Discworld to speak for himself – man and boy, bibliophile and computer geek, champion of hats, orang-utans and Dignity in Dying.

Reviews

  • Seriously funny about the weirdness of the world and humorously serious about the NHS, assisted dying and his urgent personal campaign for more research into Alzheimer’s disease

    Times

  • A wonderful collection...[Pratchett] emerges as, yes, likeable but also complex and angry

    Independent

  • His life and legacy will always be cause for celebration

    Guardian

  • Bright, funny, insightful, warm...a man who truly knew how to enjoy life...and books

    George R.R. Martin

  • Wise and funny...my unlikely hero

    A.S. Byatt

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About the Author

Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, as well as being awarded a knighthood for services to literature. He died in March 2015. terrypratchett.co.uk

Terry Pratchett

Read more

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Games & activities

Make a Terry Pratchett-inspired banana milkshake

Sir Terry Pratchett’s favourite drink was a banana daiquiri, so to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Carpet People and Pratchett’s birthday on 28 April, we’re making a terrific banana milkshake to toast the occasions!
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Quizzes

What job would you have in Dodger’s Victorian London?

Victorian London; a mysterious metropolis blanketed in fog, made up of an eclectic mix of people playing the part that life has assigned them...
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Extracts

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Tiffany wants to be a witch when she grows up. A proper one, with a pointy hat. And flying, she’s always dreamed of flying (though it’s cold up there, you have to wear really thick pants, two layers). Read an extract from The Wee Free Men, the first book in the Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett.

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