
A Slip of the Keyboard
Collected Nonfiction
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Narrated by:
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Michael Fenton Stevens
About this listen
A collection of essays and other nonfiction from Terry Pratchett, spanning the whole of his writing career from his early years to the present day.
Terry Pratchett has earned a place in the hearts of listeners the world over with his best-selling 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 nonfiction 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, orangutans and Dignity in Dying.
Snuff was the best-selling adult hardcover novel of 2011. A Blink of the Screen, Terry's short fiction collection, was also one of the best-selling hardcovers of 2012.
©2014 Terry Pratchett (P)2014 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Sir Terry Pratchett was a much-loved writer who gained international fame for his Discworld fantasy series. In this recording we hear—in his own words—about science-fantasy and comedy writing. He discusses his fans and followers, how he enjoys writing and the importance of the Discworld characters. We hear his thoughts on fame and isolation, his attitude to money and about his reaction to diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
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The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories is the second fabulously funny short story collection from the late acclaimed storyteller Terry Pratchett. A follow-up to Dragons at Crumbling Castle, this second batch of storytelling gems features stories written when Sir Terry was just 17 years old and working as a junior reporter. In this audiobook new Pratchett fans will find wonder, mayhem, sorcery, and delight - and loyal listeners will recognize the seeds of ideas that went on to influence his most beloved tales later in life.
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As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, Halloween approaches. Come, brave listener, pull up a chair, and spend some time with master storyteller Stephen Fry as he tells us some of his favourite ghost stories of all time, in truly terrifying spatial audio. From the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow to the tortured spirits of M.R. James, from Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying tale of a doppelganger to Charlotte Riddell’s Open Door that should definitely stay shut, join Stephen as he tells you some truly terrifying tales.
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Wonderful narration. Mediocre stories.
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“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.
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Who needs a print edition when King reads King?
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NPCs
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What happens when the haggling is done and the shops are closed? When the quest has been given, the steeds saddled, and the adventurers are off to their next encounter? They keep the world running, the food cooked, and the horses shoed, yet what adventurer has ever spared a thought or concern for the Non-Player Characters? In the town of Maplebark, four such NPCs settle in for a night of actively ignoring the adventurers drinking in the tavern when things go quickly and fatally awry.
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Enjoyable if you manage your expectations
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What listeners say about A Slip of the Keyboard
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- Rachel
- 12-15-14
Enjoyable Read, a little repetitive at the end
Having read all of Pratchett's Discworld books, collaborations and other stuff, like Nation and The Amazing Maurice... I was interested to hear more from this author.
This book isn't as good as Discworld or Good Omens or Nation, but it was still enjoyable and interesting. Pratchett has a type of early onset Alzheimer's which you probably know, but will certainly hear a good deal about in this book. The last few inclusions get a little repetitive, but overall the stories are varied and interesting.
Also, I learned that perhaps I've been saying Maurice (in my head) wrong all along, the narrator says Morris, I've always thought it was more like Maw-reece).
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1 person found this helpful
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- Becky
- 06-26-21
Enjoyable Listen
The narration captures Sir Pratchett's humor quite well. The information herein provides wonderful information, insight, and story.
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- Tim
- 12-13-15
Inspirational words from Terry
This book is a thought provoking and inspirational collection of works from Sir Pratchett. Full of noteworthy quotes and ideas to consider. It reads like a personal message from Terry to his fans.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Busy Mom 4
- 01-05-15
Great Book
The Slip of the Keyboard was humorous and heartwarming. It really made me want to read more books by Sir Terry. He is a great advocate for dying with dignity. Thank you.
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1 person found this helpful
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- C. Bettencourt
- 01-23-15
Not fiction but still amazing
Pratchett is amazing and the things he writes fantastic!! This is his non-fiction writing that show his wit and wisdom for life carries over no matter the subject!!!
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- Rosemary
- 08-02-15
Goodbye to a Brilliant Writer
Any additional comments?
Since this a compilation of his articles and speeches, there was some repetition, and more of the curmudgeon than came across in the books. But he was brilliant, and the world feels this loss.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Chris Lane
- 06-28-23
A great companion to A Life with Footnotes by Rob Wilikins
Hope I spelt that name right, but like the aforementioned book, this collection follows a path.
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- Carmen
- 09-02-21
like terry Pratchett?
then listen to his own views on life! a little repetitive but i enjoyed hearing his own words about life.
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- Lexy
- 07-28-24
Such a pleasure!
I only knew of Terry Pratchett as the friend of Neil Gaiman with whom he co-authored the amazing “Good Omens “. But his writing is so personable and intelligent that I really enjoyed listening to his views on life (and death) and the stories of his adventures as an author/human. I may even expand my reading scope and check out Disc World, even though fantasy is not typically my favorite genre. So glad I chose to give this a try!
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- C. Saladin
- 03-21-15
The Best
This is not the fun, escape from the daily stressed Terry Pratchett kind of read. It is more of a "tell me what you REALLY think" glimpse into his thoughts. I listened to this a few days after Sir Terry's death and for me was a fan's way of mourning. I found it painful in a grief kind of way but by getting to know and understand him better I feel I can honor and, yes, in the way of all his fans, love him more. And all feelings aside it is a truly thought provoking, perception enlarging, slightly skewed world view and like the comforting hand of DEATH on your shoulder Sir Terry Pratcett is still here to lead me into an alternate and unknown universe. I recommend this book.
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5 people found this helpful