Going Postal

Story

Former conman Moist von Lipwig is given a choice by Lord Vetinari, ruler of Ankh-Morpork. He can try to save the city’s failing Postal Service, or be executed. Moist becomes the new Postmaster, and finds himself grappling with golems, tech wars, and a truly ruthless villain.

Why we chose it

Although this is the 33rd book in Terry Pratchett’s best-selling Discworld series, Going Postal is an excellent way into Pratchett’s much-loved fantasy world. With its memorable characters, lively plot, wise observations, and laugh-out-loud humour, it has become an enduring favourite.

Where it came from

Born in 1948, Terry Pratchett started his career as a journalist, but soon became a successful fantasy author.

While Going Postal features some characters from earlier books, such as the wizard Ridcully, it also introduces a new hero in Moist. The golems, living clay statues, first appeared in Feet of Clay. In Going Postal Pratchett continues exploring the subject of human rights through the way the citizens of Ankh-Morpork treat the golems.

Pratchett had a deep interest in technology and history. Going Postal features The Clacks, Discworld’s answer to the Worldwide Web and borrows from the real history of the Royal Mail.

Where it went next

Going Postal proved a popular addition to the Discworld series – fans loved this new side of Ankh-Morpork, the city in which many of the stories are set. It was shortlisted for the Nebula and Locus Awards, and adapted into a film by Sky One in 2010, starring Richard Coyle, David Suchet and Claire Foy. A board game, Clacks, was created in 2015.

Pratchett followed Going Postal with Making Money, in which Moist has to fix Ankh-Morpork’s bank system by taking over the city Mint.

Associated stories

Sir Terry Pratchett wrote over 50 best-selling books of which 41 are set in Discworld.

In the museum

See the photograph of Terry Pratchett dressed as Just William for our 26 Characters exhibition. The 26 Characters photographs are on display in the theatre lobby.