Visual Library Catalogue: Johnny and the Dead

I’ve only read two non-Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett, and this is one of them. Probably an ex-library book, though I forget where I bought it.

Young Johnny Maxwell is importuned by the dead in his local cemetery when they discover it’s going to be redeveloped. This is a novel for young adults about friendship and tradition. Johnny has to convince his friends and get them on side, so they can help scare the shit out of the developers. The ghosts, who get pretty active when they’re riled, do most of the heavy lifting in this regard. They’re the tradition part, a past come to life that informs the present in a very direct way.

A lovely, funny story, particularly in Johnny’s growing friendship and respect for the ghosts. There is an earlier Johnny Maxwell novel, Only You Can Save Mankind, which I haven’t read yet. I’m keeping an eye out for it.

Sir Terry Pratchett: Shaking Hands with Death

This is the 2010 Richard Dimbleby Lecture, where much-loved fantasy writer, Terry Pratchett, argues the case for assisted dying as a human right in specific circumstances. Since being diagnosed in 2007 with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, he’s been the public face of the movement. While he gives the introduction, the lecture is given by actor Tony Robinson, since his disease makes it impossible to read the lecture. Writing it is another matter. Sir Terry makes a warm, witty, cogent, utterly unsentimental case for assisted dying, which manages at the same time to be immensely moving.

Daily Video: The Colour of Magic (Part 9)

If you enjoyed the Discworld Tourist Guide, which featured many clips from The Colour of Magic, you’ll like this tevision adaption of Terry Pratchett’s first novel in the Discworld series. David Jason is the inept wizard, Rincewind, and there’s another another chance to see the Librarian. Aficionados can also gather at the Terry Pratchett: Patchwork Pieces page on Google+.

Catch up here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Daily Video: The Colour of Magic (Part 8)

If you enjoyed the Discworld Tourist Guide, which featured many clips from The Colour of Magic, you’ll like this tevision adaption of Terry Pratchett’s first novel in the Discworld series. David Jason is the inept wizard, Rincewind, and there’s another another chance to see the Librarian. Aficionados can also gather at the Terry Pratchett: Patchwork Pieces page on Google+.

Catch up here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Daily Video: The Colour of Magic (Part 7)

If you enjoyed the Discworld Tourist Guide, which featured many clips from The Colour of Magic, you’ll like this tevision adaption of Terry Pratchett’s first novel in the Discworld series. David Jason is the inept wizard, Rincewind, and there’s another another chance to see the Librarian. Aficionados can also gather at the Terry Pratchett: Patchwork Pieces page on Google+.

Catch up here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Daily Video: The Colour of Magic (Part 6)

If you enjoyed the Discworld Tourist Guide, which featured many clips from The Colour of Magic, you’ll like this tevision adaption of Terry Pratchett’s first novel in the Discworld series. David Jason is the inept wizard, Rincewind, and there’s another another chance to see the Librarian. Aficionados can also gather at the Terry Pratchett: Patchwork Pieces page on Google+.

Catch up here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Daily Video: The Colour of Magic (Part 5)

If you enjoyed the Discworld Tourist Guide, which featured many clips from The Colour of Magic, you’ll like this tevision adaption of Terry Pratchett’s first novel in the Discworld series. David Jason is the inept wizard, Rincewind, and there’s another another chance to see the Librarian. Aficionados can also gather at the Terry Pratchett: Patchwork Pieces page on Google+.

Catch up here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4