BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 10:46 AM

I'm sure there is a morris side that use 'a luggage' as a stick box.!?
Favourite character, so many to choose from but at the moment - Ponder Stibbens. I just love his rise through the wizardly ranks. Give him a book of his own, please, Terry.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 03:34 PM

I've tried reading Terry Pratchett but haven't been able to get into it at all. At first I thought it was because I didn't start with the first book but when I tried that I still didn't get past the first two or three chapters.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Gurney
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 02:40 AM

They are fantasies, pet. Perhaps you don't have a fantastic mind...er, perhaps I should refrase that...

Try two of the latest, 'The Wee Free Men' and 'A Hatfull of Sky." They are aimed at younger readers, which is probably why I like them. Second childhood, you see.    Regards.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 08:21 AM

I've read a lot of them & if I had the space would collect them. Recently I was seriously looking at the Art of Diskworld, but decided to just wait till I see it in the library (or maybe on sale, but where will I put it?)

I loved Maurice & the Time Monks & Sam & DEATH & the Patrician is an interesting character, too.

The Last Continent had me laughing continually, as did Maurice & his talking rats.

The most recent books I read were 'The Science of Diskworld'. I found Vol 2 in one of my local libraries, so looked for Vol 1 & found it in my other library, then read them in order. Strangely enough, one library classifed them as fiction, the other as non-fiction. I did like the Elves, but I was very pleased when the Wizards won!!

Unfortunately the both libraries seem to have run out of un-read Diskworld books. Tho I suppose I could borrow one I've already read.


sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,MattII
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 01:40 AM

I've read most of the books. No favourite characters or books. I tend to dislike the earlier books, but only because the characters are less developed. A book could be made about the earlier lives of Granny Weatherwax and Mustrum Ridcully (they did have an affair after all). I like the way he can tie in main characters (Vimes, Rincewind), major characters (Vetinari, D. of Rats), minor characters (Greebo, Constable Ping), and one timers (various wizards, heroes, etc.) into a seemless framework.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 02:09 PM

I should have mentioned Carrot earlier, if only for his appearance in the Radio4 version of "Guards Guards". Making him provincial was expected, after all, he is a dwarf (by upbringing), but to give him a Welsh accent, and make him appear simple.
Surely it is a coincidence that the Welsh for 'carrot' is 'moron'!

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 03:24 PM

Actually, having been thinking, I rather like Gaspode.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: My guru always said
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 04:20 PM

Have read all of them, loved all of them, though they seem a bit jaded now. Got all of them in pristine first edition hard back (apart from the first 2 discworld ones which I understand now command a very high price if they ever come on the market).

Also have a CD of Terry Pratchett songs (including Hedgehog song & the Wizards staff) which I have to say was a bit disappointing really. Now I can't find it, have probably lent it out - I wonder who to???

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Raedwulf
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 05:14 PM

Don't feel too bad, Nigel. Carrot being both Welsh (Pratchett has always tended to make the 'true' dwarves "Welsh", vice the 5th Elphant frex, they're miners & drunkards, 'nuff said... ;-) ) & simple is a coincidence. And the real joke, of course, is that Carrot isn't, & never has been, simple.

Unworldly originally, but not stupid. Strait-laced & inexperienced, but... Latterly, frequent asides & inferences show just what a nasty ticking, logical, copper's mind Carrot hides behind his "I'm just a dumb plod, honest" facade...

And if "the Welsh for 'carrot' is 'moron'", it only goes to prove the subtlety of Pratchett's humour!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: HuwG
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 06:22 PM

Oddly, the Welsh word, "moron" means "carrots", plural. A single carrot is "moronen" (n.f.).

This usage is not exactly standard, but logical in a country sense. One eats carrots, grows them, puts them in stew etc, all in a plural sense. It would be a rare country person (perhaps an obsessive champion vegetable grower) who would ever refer to a carrot in a singular sense.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 06:38 PM

Becky

Even if you're English you have to re-read to get some of the jokes!

Terry Pratchett presented one of last night's awards in the Radio 2 Folk Awards, and owned up to being a long-time folk fan.

I remember meeting him at a folkie wedding do in Saffron Walden in October 1992, and chatting about morris dancing stuff (because I was the squire of Flowers of May at the time), and then reading Lords and Ladies when it came out.....

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 04:09 AM

Re- Terry Pratchett at Chippenham. I believe he acts as adjudicator for the annual Stick and Bucket dance competition. Is Mick the grumpy landlord still behind the bar at the Old Road Tavern?
No problem with Terry taking the piss out of folk music - there is so much there to parody. He is obviously a great fan of the music and should be canonised!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 06:03 PM

Well, he was presenting stuff at the BBC folk awards. He's been in folk circles for a while...

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 07:01 AM

I love Terry Pratchett books.

Favourite book has to be Soul Music.

Favourite character would be Death (cos he loves cats). Death fo Rats is also very cool, although I think he should have a bigger part in the books as I love the little tiffs he has with death.

I also really like The Wee Free Men, but agree with many others about Monsterous Regiment, I wasn't that fussed. I found it a chore to read and had to force myself to finish it, whereas normally I can finish a discworld novel in a few hours, and god help anyone who tries to disturb me whilst doing so.

I love the discworld stuff that much that I also collect the official figurines (when I have the money cos they're so expensive), I also have books on the art of the discworld, and I also draw the pictures from the discworld and have them plastered around in various places.

PRATCHETT ROCKS!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 06:56 PM

Just finished Soul Music - underwhelmed. Quite a few nice variations of song titles, but the villainy of the music business generally understated and likewise the deviousness of the MU. The record industry escaped unscathed - and nothing about music lawyers!

Only a smidgeon of "too fast to live, too young to die" makes it, as well, not to mention the culture wars endemic in music fashions.

What about the deathwish of the Ramones, the Sex Pistols (yes, I got "Anarchy in the UK" thanks, but that's such a microcosm), Jan and Dean, and the Doors (or was the Librarian Little Richard or Rick Wakeman?), - not to mention Iggy Pop (not dead yet)

I think there were really two books, maybe three, in there fighting for space - one about music as sociopathy, one about DEATH'S psychology, and another about the psychology of death.

Casting Curt Cobain as Buddy Holly seemed a bit odd, too.

And where were the fakes like Alice Cooper, Tiny Tim, and Marilyn Manson?

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: coldjam
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 02:13 PM

So I heard through a very soggy grapevine that there has been a Disc World Film made in the UK...Is it true? Has anyone seen it? Review?

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Crane Driver
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 04:22 PM

'The Hogfather' was made into a live action TV series for Sky over Christmas 2006. I didn't see it as we don't have Sky. It's now out on video, but I haven't got it yet. Stars David Jason as Albert.

And yes, I've got most of the books. Hogfather is a great one for parodying folklore, mythology and all the 'Golden Bough' stuff.

And Vimes has returned in 'Thud!' which tells the true story of the battle of Koom Valley, where the Dwarves and Trolls were supposed to have ambushed each other.

Andrew

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 05:26 PM

My husband and one of my children are huge Terry Pratchett fans -- I have never been able to get into his books but after this thread, will try Mort and see if that works. I hope it contains Death riding his white horse Binky which reduces the aforesaid husband and child to tears of laughter........

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Tig
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 05:41 PM

Try the witch books Trubrit - Wyrd Sisters, Witches Abroad etc. They are by far my favourites. The Badger is a major Pratchett fan but there's quite a few I haven't managed to get through.

I also like Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky which I was told were children's books but, like Magic Roundabout, have LOTS for the young at heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 05:53 PM

Will do --- I feel really inspired to try them........the house is full of them and it seems I read everything but.......

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 07:54 PM

El Punkoid - was that wedding in Saffron Walden? If so, Herga Kitty and I were both there! The bride was an author and frequently had 'literary dinners' at which TP was a guest, with other authors. She appeared fleetingly as a minor character in (I think... may be wrong) Lords and Ladies which was published shortly after the wedding, in time for the Christmas market. The groom was a morris dancer, still performs in mumming plays and is one of the nicest guys ever born. He has a cute bum too.

I loved the animations but felt the recent 'Hogfather' relied on TV trickery a wee bit too much.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: coldjam
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 08:41 PM

So was it animated or do you just mean the FX? Liz were they true to the books? Did you get the feel of disc world?

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 10:37 PM

There have been a couple of animated series of Pratchett books.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: The Walrus
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:23 PM

LTS wrote:

"...I loved the animations but felt the recent 'Hogfather' relied on TV trickery a wee bit too much...."

Liz,

What did you think of the casting for 'Hogfather'?
I must say that I thought David Jason was wrong for Albert - he wasn't deep-down-nasty enough (maybe the 'spirit of Hogswatch' had got to him).
Unfortunately, the ideal actor for the part, IMHO, is long dead - Wilfred Bramble (although possibly, Richard Wilson could probably make a stab at it).

Tom (Walrus)

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:29 PM

In 1994 my (then) 12-year old son introduced me to the first Pratchett books I read (the Diggers etc trilogy, followed I think by Wyrd Sisters). He borrowed them from the school library - the British School in the Hague was very progressive! Needless to say, I was immediately hooked, as was the whole family, and we (all four) have read each and every one of his books. I just finished Wintersmith.

The man is pure genius, and I particularly love the way so many of his jokes work on two levels: one for the kids, and one for adults. I'd be hard pushed to tell you which is my level, I think one of the reason I love him is that he made it OK for me to be a kid again!

Like Jeri, my favourite book is the last one I read, though "Good Omens" does have a rather special place in my heart, and indeed I have used one of Terry's expressions there in one of the newer songs ("The thing about pollution is, the sunsets are so beautiful!"). And Mort, too. And - crivens! - I mustn't forget the Wee Free Men.

I had guessed he was a closet folkie - there is warmth in his digs at folk music and Morris. On the cover of Wintersmith he relates how, during a book signing, a bunch of guys turned up all dressed in black, with no bells and no music, and silently and solemnly danced the Dark Morris in front of his signing table!

Pratchet has affected (infected ?) our family vocabulary to a disturbing degree. Our suicidal pet tortoise in Greece was Om, of course, our daughter is an expert in headology, we all love things onna stick (bless you, CMOT!), and we love troll psychology (perpetrated with something big and heavy over the head).

At the day job I am a little like Lord Vetinari (I am by nature manipulative), though I try to be more like Sam Vimes. At home I try to be like Sam Vimes again, but Vanessa says I am more like the Librarian - especially first thing in the morning! And if truth be told, most of the time I feel that I am too much like Detritus for my own liking.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: JennyO
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:45 PM

I was introduced to Terry Pratchett via the witch books a few years ago - Wyrd Sisters was my first one. I think that is a good place to start. I love his stuff, and so does John.

I think I'm Nanny Ogg mainly, with a little bit of Granny Weatherwax thrown in.

I was reminded of Granny Weatherwax recently when there was a thread on here about being able to tell when a person is dead. When Granny Weatherwax went 'borrowing', her still appearance might have caused some confusion, so she always wore a small sign saying "I aten't dead".

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 04:58 AM

I thought David Jason was wrong too.. he wasn't horrible enough - whereas the animated version of Soul Music had him down to a T from the book descriptions, but did indeed look rather like Wilfred Bramble. Ever tried fried porridge? Ian Cuthbertson was fairly good as the voice of Death - it was a much more boney, chill and icy rendering than Christopher Lees, but lacked his subterranean undertones and commanding presence. When Christopher Lee appears at your bedside to take you to the underworld, you know there's no arguing!

We too have 'sausage inna bun', 'ook' (usually when de-lousing the child though) and my favourite 'buggrit, buggrit, millennium hand and fish'.

I personally know 'Foul ole Ron' - I've sat opposite him on the tube many times, many, many times! I have sailed along a canal that makes the river Ankh look liquid, I know someone who can understand the Mac Na Feegles and may herself be the Kelda and I used to work in a pub where Greebo reigned supreme. He had both his ears and was called Errol, but it was still Greebo.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Green Man
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 06:04 AM

As an ex murris mon I loved the idea of the Ank Morporkh Ninja morris men who could decapitate you with a flick of a stiffened hanky.

Also the idea that the stick and bucket dance, danced in a stone circle in the presence of a WOMAN could open a portal so that the cruel lords and ladies could enter our (his) world.

Yes I am a fan and would highly recommend looking at the wrld through pratchet goggles. I do and you are all funny. !! Ha Ha Ha

(Green Man rolls about clutching his sides then looks in the mirror and bursts into even greater paroxysms)

The beauty of his characterisations is that I know some of those people, maybe not with the same names but definitly with the same quirks.

GM

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,coldjam
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 01:42 PM

So before I start searching the web for videos or dvds of this stuff anything I should look for first?

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: The Walrus
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 03:19 PM

GUEST,coldjam,

"...So before I start searching the web for videos or dvds of this stuff anything I should look for first?..."

I'd recommend that you try the books, as with radio - the pictures* are better.

Walrus


* In your head

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:09 PM

What happened about the Stick and Bucket dance at Chippenham this year? - I battled with the elements from the Cause to the Old Road Tavern on Sunday, in the hope of meeting up with Manitas and HSA for a meal, but conditions didn't seem propitious for holding any kind of dance event outdoors.

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:20 AM

I don't know what happened about the stick and bucket dance but, in future, don't worry about the weather as it is always held in the barn.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: coldjam
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 01:45 PM

GUEST,coldjam,

"...So before I start searching the web for videos or dvds of this stuff anything I should look for first?..."

I'd recommend that you try the books, as with radio - the pictures* are better.

Walrus


* In your head

Thanks Walrus but I'm already a dyed in the wool Prachett fan...just wondered what would be the dvd or video I should go looking for???

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 06:10 PM

I'm not sure both the animated ones are available on DVD yet - Wyrd Sisters certainly is, but I couldn't find a reference to Soul Music.

It entirely depends on whether you like animation or not. I'd go for Soul Music, it's got some wonderful bits.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: coldjam
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 08:10 PM

Thanks Liz!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: The Walrus
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 04:06 AM

coldjam,

"...Thanks Walrus but I'm already a dyed in the wool Prachett fan...just wondered what would be the dvd or video I should go looking for???..."

Sorry, my mistake - I made an assumption (Okay, I admit it, I'm an idiot) [wanders off to beat head against wall]

Personally, I'm not a great fan of any if the animation or film pieces, mainly because they don't measure up to how I see things in my mind (doesn't mean I won't sit and watch them :-) ).

Good luck with your search.

Walrus.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 06:18 PM

Of course the pictures are always better in your head, but some people haven't had the experiences that will spark the "right" images... Never having tried LSD, I find the sparkly music bit in 'Soul Music' the closest to how I imagine it would be.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 07:17 PM

Walrus

Stop that!

Walls cost money to fix, you know!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Claire M
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 04:10 PM

Hiya,

Funnily enough was looking him up today ready for ensuing Steeleye album based on his books. I love fantasy, write myself, & I've had him recommended a daft amount of times. Just got the significance of one of the names: Tiffany Aching. It cracked me up. The sort of thing you've got to read twice to get, I think. Am I right ??

All I can remember from his stuff is this:

& "& if you ain't got a penny, Foul Ole Ron yodelled, solo, "then fff****_yer mmmfff......."

So either his books weren't/aren't very good, as in not to my taste; there's always one who thinks differently, & that one's usually me. Maybe I wasn't the right age for them or something ?? I'll try again.

I've known, & do know, quite a few men like Foul Ole Ron, & get/have got on really well with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: MMario
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 10:27 AM

I like "Where's my cow?"

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 11:21 AM

With "WIKIPEDIA" so readily available I suppose the words "Sshhh, Who is Terry Pratchett?" are totally redundant now, even if some of the info. may be a bit iffy.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: michaelr
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 08:54 PM

What's the joke on Tiffany Aching? Please enlighten me! And you say Steeleye Span are making an album based on TP? Tell me more!

The Color of Magic was made into a TV film, with Sean Astin (Samwise in LOTR) as Twoflower.

Am now reading the latest (final?) Discworld nover, Snuff. Very enjoyable.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Claire M
Date: 16 Mar 13 - 08:25 AM

Hiya,

Michaelr –- New cd seems to be called 'Wintersmith', & there's a song about a young witch heroine. That must be Tiffany (or it could be me – well, I can dream!)

Only found her name while looking Pratchett up because I like to know background for songs. My own luv of/obsession with Steeleye (friends would say obsession) coincided with a Robin Jarvis book about witches. I grew up both fascinated by & frightened of Maddy's voice, & to this day I still am. I take it you're seeing them; if so, where ??

Tiffany Aching (say it slowly) =/= something else aching, a certain part of your body, esp. if you're from the US. Perhaps I'm wrong & have heard far too many bawdy songs!

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: keberoxu
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:17 PM

Dear Moderators, would you please correct the thread title spelling of author Terry Pratchett?? Please?!

Terry Pratchett had only one child, his daughter Rhianna. In an interview shortly before her father succumbed to a condition like Alzheimer's, Rhianna Pratchett disclosed that there was one Discworld novel for which she wanted to write the script for an adaptation. It was The Wee Free Men, and she had admitted this to her father. (Polygon.com, September 3, 2014)

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Paul Burke
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:32 PM

The Wee Frees aren't Discworld- nor are the Carpet People. And as for the spelling, he'd only find it wyrd.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchett and folkies
From: Reinhard
Date: 08 May 16 - 04:18 PM

Huh? The Wee Free Men (aka Nac Mac Feegle) are Discworld. They appear for the first time in Carpe Jugulum. And Granny Weatherwax appears in the whole Tittany Aching / Wee Free Men subseries.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Thompson
Date: 09 May 16 - 05:32 AM

Fanny on this side of the Atlantic doesn't mean your bottom, it means your vagina.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Raggytash
Date: 09 May 16 - 05:48 AM

The Kelda of the Nac Mac Feegles (Jeanie) referred to Tiffany at Tir Far Thionn (Land Under Wave)



Incidentally Fanny was a forename in England, certainly in the late 19th and 20th century. My paternal Grandmother was called Fanny.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: keberoxu
Date: 09 May 16 - 05:10 PM

re: the Nac Mac Feegle: don't forget their newcomer, Wee Mad Arthur, brought up by gnomes (which always makes me think of The Full Monty). Wee Mad Arthur makes a star turn in one of the Discworld books about Vimes and the Watch. But I've forgotten which one it is. Vimes and Colon and Noddy, and the dauntless Carrot, are climbing upon and falling off a roof someplace, and Wee Mad Arthur, who has yet to be recruited to the Watch, turns up and is utterly without fear. Hilarious.

Subject: RE: BS: Terry Prattchet and folkies
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 10 May 16 - 02:23 AM

Fannies (any other meanings aside) were also a (volunteer) UK branch of the armed forces, tasked with logistics & communication in times of disruption.
They were known as the "Female Auxiliary Nursing Yeomanry" or "First Aid Nursing Yeomanry"


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