Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook

Discworld, Book 40.5

By: Terry Pratchett

Narrated by: Penelope Keith, Michael Fenton Stevens

Authorised by Mr Lipwig of the Ankh-Morpork and Sto Plains Hygienic Railway himself, Mrs Georgina Bradshaw’s invaluable guide to the destinations and diversions of the railway deserves a place in the luggage of any traveller, or indeed armchair traveller, upon the Disc.

• From the twine walk of Great Slack to the souks of Zemphis: edifying sights along the route.
• Ticketing, nostrums and transporting your swamp dragon: essential hints on the practicalities of travel.
• Elegant resorts and quaint inns: respectable and sanitary lodgings for all species and heights.
• From worm-herding to Fustic Cake: diverting trivia on the crafts, foods and brassica traditions of the many industrious people for whom the railway is now a vital link to the Century of the Anchovy.

Replete with useful titbits, Mrs Bradshaw’s Handbook offers a view of the Sto Plains like no other. Beautifully narrated by Penelope Keith with Michael Fenton Stevens.

©2014 Terry and Lyn Pratchett and The Discworld Emporium (P)2014 Random House Audiobooks

Railroaded

Charming, lively, witty travel guide by a Lady of Discworld on the travels on, and along, the new and flourishing Discworld train lines

The voice is a better fit to the many age of steam guide books I've read.

The voice is a better fit to the many age of steam guide books I've read from childhood forays into attics than I could have imagined.
it's a pratchett, of course, so the writing is fabulous.

I used to be a proof reader and manuscript editor, so I heard lots of scuttlebutt.

it was said that Terry wrote his books, and his wife fact checked it with the rest of the discord universe, and served as editor.

I kinda envied her.

Would have liked to travel there too.

I liked the descriptions and the atmosphere. In my opinion it sort of binds together Discworld physilcally. You get to know where places are and what they add to the economies all over the Disc. And adds bit of history and colour as well. Nice book!

Interesting

When I listened to the sample, I wasn’t sure about buying this title. Hadn’t heard Penelope Keith’s voice for years and wasn’t sure if it was the right one for this book.
Having purchased and listened to it, however, I’ve changed my mind and she is well suited to the role (as explained in the opening “memo”).
Did get a few chuckles out of it, especially having read the series several times over the years, thereby being able to recognise places and people mentioned. (At the moment, I can’t remember why Rincewind was in the Everglades. Must be time for another reread of the series.)
Did get a tad tedious towards the end when it seemed to be mainly a travelogue of accommodation, post offices, and pubs with not so many anecdotes.

funny

the narrator was perfect. Her descriptions of the various places perfect. The Disc World becomes full, alive with the people that live there.

A lovely addition to the world

zero mystery, drama, or excitement here, but if you love the Discworld, and would enjoy an imaginary matron's imaginary travelogue, plenty to entertain.

Not what I expected

This really is a travel guide, and while there are a few jokes here and there, it is not the normal Pratchett reading g experience.