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Discworld Maps
The Compleat Ankh-Morpork: City Guide
Greetings, adventurer! We lay before you this most comprehensive gazetteer encompassing all the streets of Ankh-Morpork, as well as information on its principal businesses, hotels, taverns, inns, and places of entertainment and refreshment, enhanced by the all-new and compleat map of our great city state.
Our city has grown well beyond its ancient walls, but the remit of this commission from the honourable Guild of Merchants was to 'map the city', the pulsing organ of commerce and culture, the heart as opposed to the body, and this we have done. In spades.
We ask that when you pore over this glorious work you spare some thought for the humble cartographers and surveyors who made journeys into the darker corners of our metropolis - no less dangerous than the wilds of Skund or Bhangbhangduc. To some the only memorial is the map you now possess. Others, in their quest for knowledge, paid the highest price that scholarship demands, which is to say, a day off in lieu.
And so we dedicate this map and these accompanying words to the officers, councilors and members of the Merchants' Guild and to all who will find in its pages paths yet to tread and places yet to explore within the magnificentbwonder that is the city of Ankh-Morpork.
Our city has grown well beyond its ancient walls, but the remit of this commission from the honourable Guild of Merchants was to 'map the city', the pulsing organ of commerce and culture, the heart as opposed to the body, and this we have done. In spades.
We ask that when you pore over this glorious work you spare some thought for the humble cartographers and surveyors who made journeys into the darker corners of our metropolis - no less dangerous than the wilds of Skund or Bhangbhangduc. To some the only memorial is the map you now possess. Others, in their quest for knowledge, paid the highest price that scholarship demands, which is to say, a day off in lieu.
And so we dedicate this map and these accompanying words to the officers, councilors and members of the Merchants' Guild and to all who will find in its pages paths yet to tread and places yet to explore within the magnificentbwonder that is the city of Ankh-Morpork.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2012
33 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
Terry Pratchett
675 books45.7k followersSir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author, humorist, and satirist, best known for the Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983–2015, and for the apocalyptic comedy novel Good Omens (1990), which he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
Pratchett's first novel, The Carpet People, was published in 1971. The first Discworld novel, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983, after which Pratchett wrote an average of two books a year. The final Discworld novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published in August 2015, five months after his death.
With more than 100 million books sold worldwide in 43 languages, Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the 1990s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. In 2001 he won the annual Carnegie Medal for The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, the first Discworld book marketed for children. He received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
In December 2007 Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He later made a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust (now Alzheimer's Research UK, ARUK), filmed three television programmes chronicling his experiences with the condition for the BBC, and became a patron of ARUK. Pratchett died on 12 March 2015, at the age of 66.
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June 30, 2023
Published in 2012, this Ankh-Morpork City Guide covers the greatest Discworld twin-city and encompasses all of the Discworld novels until the final two, Raising Steam and The Shepherd’s Crown, meaning it is an incredibly accurate and as up-to-date map and guide as is possible to get.
The contents range from a large, fall-in-to, unfolding map of every street of Ankh-Morpork-tucked away in the back like a lovely little secret-to a beautifully illustrated book that contains information about the inhabitants, the laws and a wonderful selection of advertisements.
It is an incredibly frivolous book that no-one except Discworld fans will appreciate (and perhaps cartographers). It is entirely unnecessary and yet, it is so completely necessary. I have taken to pulling it out whenever my re-read of the Discworld novels takes me in to the Big Wahoonie and following the little pitter-patter of Rincewind or the not-so-elegant footsteps of the witches. It adds so much dimension to reading that I almost wish I’d had it when I first read these books.
The contents range from a large, fall-in-to, unfolding map of every street of Ankh-Morpork-tucked away in the back like a lovely little secret-to a beautifully illustrated book that contains information about the inhabitants, the laws and a wonderful selection of advertisements.
It is an incredibly frivolous book that no-one except Discworld fans will appreciate (and perhaps cartographers). It is entirely unnecessary and yet, it is so completely necessary. I have taken to pulling it out whenever my re-read of the Discworld novels takes me in to the Big Wahoonie and following the little pitter-patter of Rincewind or the not-so-elegant footsteps of the witches. It adds so much dimension to reading that I almost wish I’d had it when I first read these books.
December 30, 2012
A city guide to an imaginary city? Who on earth would want that? Page after page of fictional adverts for non-existent businesses? What could possibly be the use of that?
Well, it turns out that I do for one.
While not being for one moment a necessary accompaniment for the Discworld reader, in which fictional work this particular city is deemed to exist, for the fan it is a delightful browse which adds depth to the oeuvre. Some of it is brand new, never previously mentioned. Other parts are formalised detail of characters or businesses or organisations that have cropped up to a greater or lesser extent within the many pages of the Discworld novels. All of it is meticulously crafted and composed with attention to artistic detail and, as one would hope, carrying that familiar Pratchett charm and humour.
And then there's the absurd quality of the enclosed map ...
So, no, I can't claim this is one of the 1001 books you really should have read before you die, but if you're a fan of Pratchett's Discworld series it's certainly a book worth having.
Well, it turns out that I do for one.
While not being for one moment a necessary accompaniment for the Discworld reader, in which fictional work this particular city is deemed to exist, for the fan it is a delightful browse which adds depth to the oeuvre. Some of it is brand new, never previously mentioned. Other parts are formalised detail of characters or businesses or organisations that have cropped up to a greater or lesser extent within the many pages of the Discworld novels. All of it is meticulously crafted and composed with attention to artistic detail and, as one would hope, carrying that familiar Pratchett charm and humour.
And then there's the absurd quality of the enclosed map ...
So, no, I can't claim this is one of the 1001 books you really should have read before you die, but if you're a fan of Pratchett's Discworld series it's certainly a book worth having.
March 3, 2021
Libro obligatorio para conocer sobre el día a día de la ciudad más civilizada del disco, por supuesto, esta ciudad es Ankh-Morpork. Reconozco que cuesta acostumbrarse a leer todos los sitios y nombres en inglés, tras estar acostumbrado a su forma en español, pero igualmente, es una lectura entretenida a la par que recomendable
January 5, 2015
For the truly dedicated Discworld fans only. If you belong to the group, you'll probably snicker along while reading.
I would give an arm and a leg to have been a fly on the wall while the Emporium and Pratchett wrote/drew the maps and the travel guide.
Well, and the other limbs too to actually see Ankh :)
I would give an arm and a leg to have been a fly on the wall while the Emporium and Pratchett wrote/drew the maps and the travel guide.
Well, and the other limbs too to actually see Ankh :)
October 24, 2019
So I absolutely adore Terry Pratchett books , and this one doesn’t disappoint, I love the world of Ankh Morpork I get totally enveloped in it in the books forgetting that it isn’t a real place (sorry!) , this is a must for any Terry Pratchett fan it is a beautiful book very well done !
August 17, 2015
This book is not only a really funny guide to the city of Ankh-Morpork it is also a beautiful addition to anyone's discworld collection.
This book includes a massive incredibly detailed and fascinating map of the city which I will be using as a reference while reading all the future discworld books.
This would also make a brilliant gift for anyone Pratchett fans.
This book includes a massive incredibly detailed and fascinating map of the city which I will be using as a reference while reading all the future discworld books.
This would also make a brilliant gift for anyone Pratchett fans.
January 24, 2020
This is definitely a book for fans rather than casual readers. The little nods to characters and plots inside this faux tourist book were heartwarming. It was a bit dry in places - the directory and walking tours - however overall entertaining. I look forward to framing the enclosed map one day!
August 25, 2015
Well, ok, I have not actually read this book from cover to cover, because it is not that kind of book. This is a book for disc world lovers to dip into and savour. Dipping into the city guide enables the reader to become an armchair traveller to Ankh-Morpork where you can wander and linger at will, rather than go only where a disc world character happens to take you. Here you can discover Toys Is Me in Wixons alley. Proprietor, surprise surprise, Joshua Isme. You can find out where to get some excellent same day tailoring (all clothing guaranteed uninhibited). You can find out how to book personal protection from Chrysoprase the Troll (82 per day plus walking around money). You can discover what Clacks boys do,find out where to pray and what time different animal sacrifices should be brought to the Temple of Seven-Handed Sek. You can read summaries of the nature and annual highlights of the various guilds including the Guild of Assassins, check out the city transport options and find a place to stay. The Mended Drum has, as one would expect, a particularly fulsome entry recommending that " the true connoisseur of Ankh-Morpork life goes elsewhere." !!! There are detailed maps of the Shades and Environs and helpful information and advice for anyone wishing to visit Unseen University. The presentation of the guide is a sheer delight with sepia thick paper pages gently toasted along the edges and a dust jacket embossed with faded gold and embellished with the city coat of arms and motto. In short there is everything and mor you could possibly wish to know if you wish to spend some time in Ankh-Morpork. If you have a Discworld fan in your family you may want to check this out.
February 7, 2018
This was so much fun to go through, I'm going to skim through it a couple more times to retain a bit more of the random info.
This book went into everything, bankers, guilds of all sorts, transporation. One of my favorite bits was about the restaurants - cut me own throat dibbler, "his culinary achievements are renowned in that he has the ability to use parts of the animal a tanner rejects and turn them into something almost edible with onions".
Thank Gods it's Octeday!
Little jokes like that are all throughout the book.
The map that comes with this book is surprisingly detailed. I went to the library to see if it was worth the money, and if nothing else it's worth it for this badass map.
This book went into everything, bankers, guilds of all sorts, transporation. One of my favorite bits was about the restaurants - cut me own throat dibbler, "his culinary achievements are renowned in that he has the ability to use parts of the animal a tanner rejects and turn them into something almost edible with onions".
Thank Gods it's Octeday!
Little jokes like that are all throughout the book.
The map that comes with this book is surprisingly detailed. I went to the library to see if it was worth the money, and if nothing else it's worth it for this badass map.
December 3, 2012
A significant and beautiful update to The Streets of Ankh-Morpork, this guide to the fictional Discworld city is more detailed (and much funnier) than many other city guides for real places. I haven't yet had a chance to pore over the map itself, which is huge, double-sided and incredibly detailed, but the guidebook had me laughing out loud many many times.
January 31, 2014
So now I've got the travel bug for a fictional city. Well done, P'Terry.
December 31, 2013
Not really a book but a very beautiful Discworld ephemera. A perfect gift for any Discworld buff.
June 4, 2020
This is a perfect guide for Discworld fans. It gives you every little detail of Ankh-Morpork, as a true guide would. It has places to stay, where to eat, fun things to do, information on currency, post, the Guilds, all of it in the traditional funny Pratchett manner. It gives you a very insightful look of life in the city far beyond what the books cover and it's really just fun to see all that has been thought through to build this amazing world. I'm impressed.
Plus, the art is just beautiful, it has that vintage feeling and I love it.
Plus, the art is just beautiful, it has that vintage feeling and I love it.
December 14, 2019
Once again a volume not necessarily for everyone since there's no story per se in this "gazetteer". However, I found it extremely detailed, and awfully hilarious on many topics (especially the fake "ads" in the directory section!!). Loved it :-)
June 24, 2017
Jeder Leser, dessen Herz für Terry Pratchetts Scheibenwelt schlägt, wird an diesem Stadtführer seine Freude haben. Liebevoll aufgemacht mit seinen tollen Illustrationen und natürlich einer Stadtkarte ist sie ein kleines Schätzchen im meinem Bücherschrank.
December 6, 2012
I got this today! Funny, detailed and with a huge map. Print is high quality, thick paper and full color. Beautiful book and a must have for every Discworld fan.
June 18, 2014
Really enjoyed going through this guide. The map is incredible and so detailed! Sat for hours exploring it.
Tho I don't have a copy of it it's worth the purchase. :)
Tho I don't have a copy of it it's worth the purchase. :)
December 2, 2014
Perfect vacation guide, though only one footnote. Watch all those names because there are quite a few references and jokes.
December 16, 2017
For those not familiar with the twin cities of Ankh Morpork,The Compleat Ankh-Morpork: City Guide is a very in-depth look at locations, religions, entertainment and more. This guide would possibly be a beneficial advance read to someone who has never opened one of Pratchett's Discworld novels, laying the groundwork and a touch of Pratchett's humor out before diving into a full-length tale. It is definitely a very illuminated look at the twin cities to give readers of the series a first-hand look at where things happened within a multitude of stories. Not only is there a very large map with every street and alleyway, there are plates that give details of The Shades (the worst part of town), where visitors who value their life should never venture.
What's really amazing is the amount of work it took to put this guide together. Characters and places must've been pored over in great detail to be put into such a comprehensive collection, complete with Pratchett's humor thrown in here and there so it reads more than just a long, tedious list. A bevy of in-jokes and references to various stories are made within the descriptions. Definitely a must-have for any Discworld fan.
What's really amazing is the amount of work it took to put this guide together. Characters and places must've been pored over in great detail to be put into such a comprehensive collection, complete with Pratchett's humor thrown in here and there so it reads more than just a long, tedious list. A bevy of in-jokes and references to various stories are made within the descriptions. Definitely a must-have for any Discworld fan.
January 13, 2018
Excuse me but why are you reading this? I presume you fall into one of two groups if you've found your way to this "review".
The first would be someone who has no idea about Discworld. If that applies to you then go away or I shall taunt you a second time (apologies for mixing).
This is not the book you are looking for (yeah, I did it again... shut it).
The second would be someone who does know about Discworld. If that applies to you then congratulations!
As others have written, this is not a book meant to be read cover-to-cover like a work of fiction.
Yes, I know it's a work of fiction. Shut it.
If one has any interest in visiting Ankh-Morpork then this would be a useful guide. It's also chock full of information about the city and if you are a Discworld enthusiast then this will add fun commentary to a place you've read about numerous times.
And the map... bloody heck. This map is a work of art and it's ginormous front-and-back.
To be serious once (and only once), I recommend this book to anyone who is a Discworld fan. I was able to find a new book at an excellent price.
The first would be someone who has no idea about Discworld. If that applies to you then go away or I shall taunt you a second time (apologies for mixing).
This is not the book you are looking for (yeah, I did it again... shut it).
The second would be someone who does know about Discworld. If that applies to you then congratulations!
As others have written, this is not a book meant to be read cover-to-cover like a work of fiction.
Yes, I know it's a work of fiction. Shut it.
If one has any interest in visiting Ankh-Morpork then this would be a useful guide. It's also chock full of information about the city and if you are a Discworld enthusiast then this will add fun commentary to a place you've read about numerous times.
And the map... bloody heck. This map is a work of art and it's ginormous front-and-back.
To be serious once (and only once), I recommend this book to anyone who is a Discworld fan. I was able to find a new book at an excellent price.
January 4, 2018
"Анкх — Морпорк!
Перла сред градовете!
Това не е съвсем точно описание, разбира се не е валчест и не блести — но дори и най-върлите му врагове биха се съгласили, че ако трябва да се оприличи Анкх-Морпорк на нещо, то това би могло да бъде и парче боклук, покрито със заразните секрети на умиращо мекотело."
Анкх-Морпорк (или Голямото уахуни) никога не е бил толкова жив. "The Compleat Ankh-Morpork" (128 стр.) е разкошно издание. Твърди корици, прекрасни илюстрации и всяка уличка, площад, дюкянче, странноприемница, хотел, институция, парк, бесилка..., съпроводени с любопитна информация и координати за ориентиране върху огромната и изключително детайлна карта, която идва с книгата. Най-много място е отделено за "Жълтите страници" на града, сред които може да намерите обяви за всичко, АБСОЛЮТНО всичко.
Перла сред градовете!
Това не е съвсем точно описание, разбира се не е валчест и не блести — но дори и най-върлите му врагове биха се съгласили, че ако трябва да се оприличи Анкх-Морпорк на нещо, то това би могло да бъде и парче боклук, покрито със заразните секрети на умиращо мекотело."
Анкх-Морпорк (или Голямото уахуни) никога не е бил толкова жив. "The Compleat Ankh-Morpork" (128 стр.) е разкошно издание. Твърди корици, прекрасни илюстрации и всяка уличка, площад, дюкянче, странноприемница, хотел, институция, парк, бесилка..., съпроводени с любопитна информация и координати за ориентиране върху огромната и изключително детайлна карта, която идва с книгата. Най-много място е отделено за "Жълтите страници" на града, сред които може да намерите обяви за всичко, АБСОЛЮТНО всичко.
March 15, 2018
The mere existence of this book, in itself, brings me great joy and satisfaction to my lust for a complete map of the city; but having gone through it found so many little gems of delight, I find myself imagining even more intensely a life in this magical metropolis. I kid you not when I tell you that I wish to scan the map and begin processing a GIS database of everything it contains.
The Yellow Pages-like section with wonderfully humorous an beautiful adverts drawn up in a largely Victorian style wowed me. Some very nice drawings of some of the Guild architecture as well, with many of their colorful members in attendance. The very pages themselves have edges that have a time-stained tone that looks very authentic, but are of quite a durable finish quality.
If you love the Discworld, you should get your hands on this truly beautifully bound and presented book and map.
The Yellow Pages-like section with wonderfully humorous an beautiful adverts drawn up in a largely Victorian style wowed me. Some very nice drawings of some of the Guild architecture as well, with many of their colorful members in attendance. The very pages themselves have edges that have a time-stained tone that looks very authentic, but are of quite a durable finish quality.
If you love the Discworld, you should get your hands on this truly beautifully bound and presented book and map.
October 17, 2021
You wouldn't think a travelers guide to a fictional city would be so entertaining, but it totally is. If you're a fan of Discworld there are many places and names you'll recognize, but it never feels out of place. The guide is written with the same tongue in cheek way that typifies Discworld, with amazing worldbuilding and wit. I chuckled many times while reading and it was nice to 'take a walk' around Ankh-Morpork. It lifted my spirits after the somewhat disappointing Raising Steam.
The only complaint I would have is that the physical edition is a bit awkwardly designed. The slipcover is flimsy and doesn't feel like it would hold up to much wear and tear. I ended up taking it off and just reading the book by itself, which was a very nice semi-hardback. The map is also large and fun to look through. Recommended for any Discworld fan.
The only complaint I would have is that the physical edition is a bit awkwardly designed. The slipcover is flimsy and doesn't feel like it would hold up to much wear and tear. I ended up taking it off and just reading the book by itself, which was a very nice semi-hardback. The map is also large and fun to look through. Recommended for any Discworld fan.
May 6, 2013
Avevo pensato di scrivere una semplice recensione, ma poi ho capito che non avrebbe mai reso giustizia a questo volume, che è quanto di definitivo un fan di Terry Pratchett possa trovare in vendita: una guida in 128 pagine alla città di Ankh-Morpork, ambientazione prediletta dall'autore inglese per la maggioranza dei sui romanzi della saga Mondo Disco. Quindi ho aggiunto le foto.
Contiene proprio tutto ciò che offre una guida a qualsiasi città reale: all'introduzione all'edizione, scritta dagli intrepidi che si sono avventurati nei più oscuri anditi della capitale, segue una sezione con informazioni essenziali quali indirizzi delle banche in cui effettuare il cambio di valuta (decisamente sconsigliati i generosi bureaux de change senza licenza agli angoli delle strade), numeri d'emergenza, indirizzi di Gilde e Ambasciate.
Il sistema legale di Ankh-Morpork è piuttosto semplice una volta che lo si conosce: ogni attività che contempli furti, rapine, assassinii, prostituzione, accattonaggio è di esclusivo appannaggio dell'apposita gilda, e qualunque trasgressore privo di licenza verrà arrestato dalla Guardia Cittadina o dalla gilda di pertinenza, che procederà all'esecuzione della pena prevista. Mimi e statue viventi sono banditi dalla città, pena l'immediata reclusione nella fossa degli scorpioni del Patrizio Vetinari. E naturalmente in ogni buona guida che si rispetti non possono mancare le informazioni sui mezzi di trasporto: Ankh-Morpork offre un'ampia varietà di soluzioni, dagli horse bus agli horse cab ai troll taxis. Necessitate di un alloggio? La guida ha una sezione apposita per alberghi, dormitori, taverne con stanze a disposizione, a seconda che siate gentiluomini, non-morti, nani o troll. Città notoriamente cosmopolita, Ankh-Morpork non manca di bettole, osterie, ristoranti, bar, caffetterie e fast-food, elencati dalla guida per ordine alfabetico con tanto di indirizzo e collocazione sulla mappa. Yo Rat!, per esempio, offre una gran varietà di piatti a base di topo, ma attenzione: è così affollato che i vostri genitori avranno fatto bene a prenotarvi una cena il giorno della vostra nascita. Il Gravedigger's Arms è ottimo per i party pre-morte, mentre sono assolutamente da provare i cocktail del Cellar (ex gilda degli Alchimisti riconvertita a bar). La sezione comunicazioni presenta i pratici servizi di clacks e poste, segue quella sulle gilde che informa il futuro turista di Ankh-Morpork sul gran numero di corporazioni attive in città. Tre immancabili pagine sull'Università Invisibile mettono in guardia i malcapitati che intendono visitarla: decisamente non è luogo per curiosi che hanno l'abitudine di prendere in mano oggetti sconosciuti chiedendo "E questo a cosa serve?".
Ogni grande metropoli, si sa, è anche un importante centro religioso, e Ankh-Morpork non fa differenza, tutt'altro: gli immigrati hanno portato con sé i più disparati culti e divinità, e la guida non manca di indicare i principali luoghi di culto che potrebbero risultare utili al viaggiatore: il centro ecclesiastico della città è Street of Small Gods, dove si trovano il tempio di Blind Io, quello di Sek dalle Sette Mani, quello di Om e quello di Offler il Dio Coccodrillo, nonché il cosmopolitissimo Tempio delle Divinità Minori, dotato di comodi spazi e accessori per adorare qualsiasi divinità, con la raccomandazione di non disturbare le pratiche altrui (a tal proposito: gli animali vivi vanno sacrificati di notte per proteggere la sensibilità dei vegetariani, e le fonti di acqua santa sono strettamente per uso religioso ergo il sapone è severamente vietato, a meno che non siate seguaci della dea Saponaria). Il futuro turista potrà anche trovare nella guida una ricca directory sui servizi, mercanti e commercianti della città, in stile Pagine Gialle, con indirizzi e spazi pubblicitari. Per chi è in cerca di divertimento, segue la sezione fun&games: se amate il foot-the-ball, durante la stagione si gioca all'Hippo Ground, appena fuori il centro cittadino; decisamente sconsigliato praticare il nuoto nel fiume Ankh, o anche pescarvi. Teatri, musei e... locali notturni sono altresì a vostra disposizione. Disponibile anche una sezione sui club e le società presenti in città, tra cui la Lega della Decenza e il Circolo delle Nane di Ankh-Morpork.
E' anche possibile ingaggiare un membro della Gilda degli Storici per un tour guidato della città: disponibili i pacchetti "Torri, templi e teatri", "Gilde, Uffici governativi e Panorama", "Medicamenti, Mercati di topi e Viste sul fiume". Seguono infine una mappa dettagliata in più pagine delle Ombre, il volto più oscuro e malfamato di Ankh-Morpork, e infine un elenco delle strade per orientarsi con l'enorme cartina inserita nel volume.
Si tratta ovviamente quasi di un pezzo da collezione, abbastanza costoso (i prezzi vanno dai 25$ in su, e probabilmente andrà presto a esaurimento), che testimonia la grande popolarità di cui gode Terry Pratchett nel suo paese - semmai ce ne fosse bisogno. Naturalmente ne esiste solo la versione inglese, e dubito che verrà mai tradotta in Italia, dal momento che l'autore non è abbastanza famoso da giustificare la pubblicazione di un simile prodotto di nicchia. Se però siete appassionati di Pratchett, avete qualche soldo da spendere e masticate abbastanza bene l'inglese, io ne consiglio senz'altro l'acquisto online: è un prodotto accurato, con bellissime illustrazioni. Potrebbe anche essere un graditissimo regalo per una persona con le caratteristiche di cui sopra.
Recensione con foto pubblicata anche su http://www.lastambergadeilettori.com/...
Contiene proprio tutto ciò che offre una guida a qualsiasi città reale: all'introduzione all'edizione, scritta dagli intrepidi che si sono avventurati nei più oscuri anditi della capitale, segue una sezione con informazioni essenziali quali indirizzi delle banche in cui effettuare il cambio di valuta (decisamente sconsigliati i generosi bureaux de change senza licenza agli angoli delle strade), numeri d'emergenza, indirizzi di Gilde e Ambasciate.
Il sistema legale di Ankh-Morpork è piuttosto semplice una volta che lo si conosce: ogni attività che contempli furti, rapine, assassinii, prostituzione, accattonaggio è di esclusivo appannaggio dell'apposita gilda, e qualunque trasgressore privo di licenza verrà arrestato dalla Guardia Cittadina o dalla gilda di pertinenza, che procederà all'esecuzione della pena prevista. Mimi e statue viventi sono banditi dalla città, pena l'immediata reclusione nella fossa degli scorpioni del Patrizio Vetinari. E naturalmente in ogni buona guida che si rispetti non possono mancare le informazioni sui mezzi di trasporto: Ankh-Morpork offre un'ampia varietà di soluzioni, dagli horse bus agli horse cab ai troll taxis. Necessitate di un alloggio? La guida ha una sezione apposita per alberghi, dormitori, taverne con stanze a disposizione, a seconda che siate gentiluomini, non-morti, nani o troll. Città notoriamente cosmopolita, Ankh-Morpork non manca di bettole, osterie, ristoranti, bar, caffetterie e fast-food, elencati dalla guida per ordine alfabetico con tanto di indirizzo e collocazione sulla mappa. Yo Rat!, per esempio, offre una gran varietà di piatti a base di topo, ma attenzione: è così affollato che i vostri genitori avranno fatto bene a prenotarvi una cena il giorno della vostra nascita. Il Gravedigger's Arms è ottimo per i party pre-morte, mentre sono assolutamente da provare i cocktail del Cellar (ex gilda degli Alchimisti riconvertita a bar). La sezione comunicazioni presenta i pratici servizi di clacks e poste, segue quella sulle gilde che informa il futuro turista di Ankh-Morpork sul gran numero di corporazioni attive in città. Tre immancabili pagine sull'Università Invisibile mettono in guardia i malcapitati che intendono visitarla: decisamente non è luogo per curiosi che hanno l'abitudine di prendere in mano oggetti sconosciuti chiedendo "E questo a cosa serve?".
Ogni grande metropoli, si sa, è anche un importante centro religioso, e Ankh-Morpork non fa differenza, tutt'altro: gli immigrati hanno portato con sé i più disparati culti e divinità, e la guida non manca di indicare i principali luoghi di culto che potrebbero risultare utili al viaggiatore: il centro ecclesiastico della città è Street of Small Gods, dove si trovano il tempio di Blind Io, quello di Sek dalle Sette Mani, quello di Om e quello di Offler il Dio Coccodrillo, nonché il cosmopolitissimo Tempio delle Divinità Minori, dotato di comodi spazi e accessori per adorare qualsiasi divinità, con la raccomandazione di non disturbare le pratiche altrui (a tal proposito: gli animali vivi vanno sacrificati di notte per proteggere la sensibilità dei vegetariani, e le fonti di acqua santa sono strettamente per uso religioso ergo il sapone è severamente vietato, a meno che non siate seguaci della dea Saponaria). Il futuro turista potrà anche trovare nella guida una ricca directory sui servizi, mercanti e commercianti della città, in stile Pagine Gialle, con indirizzi e spazi pubblicitari. Per chi è in cerca di divertimento, segue la sezione fun&games: se amate il foot-the-ball, durante la stagione si gioca all'Hippo Ground, appena fuori il centro cittadino; decisamente sconsigliato praticare il nuoto nel fiume Ankh, o anche pescarvi. Teatri, musei e... locali notturni sono altresì a vostra disposizione. Disponibile anche una sezione sui club e le società presenti in città, tra cui la Lega della Decenza e il Circolo delle Nane di Ankh-Morpork.
E' anche possibile ingaggiare un membro della Gilda degli Storici per un tour guidato della città: disponibili i pacchetti "Torri, templi e teatri", "Gilde, Uffici governativi e Panorama", "Medicamenti, Mercati di topi e Viste sul fiume". Seguono infine una mappa dettagliata in più pagine delle Ombre, il volto più oscuro e malfamato di Ankh-Morpork, e infine un elenco delle strade per orientarsi con l'enorme cartina inserita nel volume.
Si tratta ovviamente quasi di un pezzo da collezione, abbastanza costoso (i prezzi vanno dai 25$ in su, e probabilmente andrà presto a esaurimento), che testimonia la grande popolarità di cui gode Terry Pratchett nel suo paese - semmai ce ne fosse bisogno. Naturalmente ne esiste solo la versione inglese, e dubito che verrà mai tradotta in Italia, dal momento che l'autore non è abbastanza famoso da giustificare la pubblicazione di un simile prodotto di nicchia. Se però siete appassionati di Pratchett, avete qualche soldo da spendere e masticate abbastanza bene l'inglese, io ne consiglio senz'altro l'acquisto online: è un prodotto accurato, con bellissime illustrazioni. Potrebbe anche essere un graditissimo regalo per una persona con le caratteristiche di cui sopra.
Recensione con foto pubblicata anche su http://www.lastambergadeilettori.com/...
September 16, 2020
This hilarious take-off on early city directories is well worth a cover-to-cover read. It is fun to follow the walking tours on the included full map. It's also entertaining to read the advertisement/directory section carefully and find little gems - for instance, under Goldsmiths, Mrs Niebelungson and Mr Sauron provide gold rings, from Riverside and Doom Forge respectively. There are many other, more subtle, references to various things and people that well repay a close reading. It helps if you have a fairly extensive acquaintance with British fiction and get along with British humor. Altogether an entertaining read.
May 7, 2017
Such a fun little book for fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld and certainly written with those fans in mind as it is full of small references to those characters and places that often pop up in the novels. Loads of fun and love the map included at the back.
I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who is new to the Discworld, although they’d still find it fun there would be so many little jokes and references that would be missed. This book is best for someone who has read some or all of the books.
I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone who is new to the Discworld, although they’d still find it fun there would be so many little jokes and references that would be missed. This book is best for someone who has read some or all of the books.
August 15, 2018
The map is simply outstanding. I found every location that I had read about within ten minutes of browsing, and the detail on the artist's depiction is brilliant.
The book itself is like Ankh-Morpork's yellow pages, and also contains many different introductions to many different parts of the city.
The only thing I have to say against it is that the Yellow Pages section goes on, and on, and on, and it can get boring after a while.
Apart from that, though, it is a thoroughly amazing guide.
The book itself is like Ankh-Morpork's yellow pages, and also contains many different introductions to many different parts of the city.
The only thing I have to say against it is that the Yellow Pages section goes on, and on, and on, and it can get boring after a while.
Apart from that, though, it is a thoroughly amazing guide.
September 22, 2018
This is probably only of interest to real Discworld all fans. Those of us who read the novels (City Watch and Rincewind, specifically) multiple times. The main reason I’m getting it for instead of five stars is because it wasn’t as snicker inducing as I thought it would be. There are some nice touches and it’s well illustrated and looks good. If feels like a coffee table book more than a read straight through it book.
October 1, 2024
I distinctly remember buying this - splurging my pocket money on 'another' Discworld book just because it was...well...Discworld. But I don't think I actually ever read it. Yes, this may well only appeal to die-hard fans, but there is still the same sense of humour as in the novels and even non-fans will get the jokes. The design level on this is insane - from the actual map itself to all the 'adverts' and pictures throughout - I found it a real joy to flick through. A lovely thing to own.
December 26, 2018
A hilarious guide to Ankh-Morpork and its' many wonders and delights. This is not a book for a PTerry newbie, but established fans will adore reading through the ads and articles and poring over the map to find all their favourite spots. Just remember to pay your Guild fees and don't go into the Shades alone!
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