Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook

Discworld #40.5

by Terry Pratchett

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

Fully illustrated and replete with useful titbits, Mrs Bradshaw’s Handbook offers a view of the Sto Plains like no other.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Comedy, Travel, Short Stories

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2014

About the author

Sir 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.

Reviews

[[ J o ] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much akin to previous ride-along books to the Discworld series, this one focuses on the Sto Plain, a place not previously covered much by the novels or companion books, and the newly founded railway. It must be noted that this was not written by Terry Pratchett himself-or at least, not explicitly written by him- but by those delightful owners of the Discworld Emporium. One may argue that fans of something very often know more about the thing than its creator and this is a curious mix of original canon and fandom creation.

It is a delightful little cameo book that features plenty of quotes, characters and locations we know and love from the series, but also includes some new little tidbits about places rarely visited before and is a delightfully little story to fill in all the little gaps the novels can't possibly enter.

Like most of Discworld, it is heavily inspired by our own Roundworld, and takes its inspiration by the creation and boom of the railways in the Victorian age, following the tradition of traveller's handbooks. Because it isn't uniquely written by Terry (mostly, I imagine, to do with his unfortunate onset of alzheimers at the time this book was written and published) it does lack the humour we know and love from Discworld.

[Tom Loock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be perfectly clear about it: this book has not been written by Terry Pratchett (it does not say "Terry Pratchett presents' for nothing). Instead it is by group of people associated with TP, who run a company called 'Discworld Emporium' that is licensed to sell everything Pratchett - very nice stuff, for a price. I have found some great items there over the years.

I did enjoy the latest Dicworld novel Raising Steam an awful lot and Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook is like an afterthought, an amusing one, nicely illustrated with a good layout. Occasionally it is even funny.

BUT. The extra information on the railway and the Discworld is minimal at best: Just how many (very similar) descriptions of guesthouses and hotels in the Sto Plains do you really want to read - even more so when a large part of the two sentence descriptions tell you if the rooms have en suite bathrooms or not? Same for those of towns and villages. Do you really need to know if and where they have a Clacks tower and what day the market is held? Instead of this - frankly - useless and boring (most likely included for bulk) detail, a lot of informative detail could have been included.

All the new info that might enlighten you about your favourite fantasy world would easily fit on 3-4 hardcover pages. Even if you read every page, you'll most likely finish the little book in an hour.

As they say - only recommended for those who have every other DW book.

[Melindam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 stars

I recommend this short read only to Discworld fans and only after reading Raising Steam as it is connected to it, even though loosely.

It was not written by Pratchett, but "by" the Discworld Emporium and it shows. It is no more and no less than a Discworld train baedekker, listing touristy-travel info mostly related to the Sto Plains, but despite some humorous references familiar to fans, it is mostly a list and neither original, nor riveting. Learning about the number of dwellers of various cities or which accommodations offer what amenities can hardly be called engaging and there's a limited potential for laughs about the various ways cabbage may be used.

As for the book format, I do recommend the audiobook with Penelope Keith as possibly the best way to wring out as much enjoyment as possible from this not very enjoyable book.

[Shreyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mrs. Bradshaw's Handbook" (Moist von Lipwig #3.5; Discworld #40.5) by Terry Pratchett.

Indeed they add, I suspect more in hope than fear, the assertion that this same vibration inflames the male traveler, leading to unwanted advances to any woman in the vicinity. I met one poor young woman who had been frightened by her grandmother into holding a pin between her lips when going through tunnels in case someone tried to kiss her.

Rating: 5/5.



Review:
In the Roundworld (that is, our world), George Bradshaw was a railway fan in the 1800s. He made a living by writing several traveler's guides, even meticulously collating timetables so that, ultimately, a traveler using Bradshaw guides could plot a railway journey, together with stays in recommended cities and local hotels, to confidently craft a journey from Waverley Station, Edinburgh, to Kursky station in Moscow - within five minutes of accuracy all along the way. In the Discworld, this task falls upon Mrs. Georgina Bradshaw, who has been asked to chronicle her railway travels by Moist von Lipwig so that it may help travelers entering territories previously unknown to them.

"Mrs. Bradshaw's Handbook" is a wonderful illustrated companion novel that adds multiple layers to the Discworld. It is a visual guide that helps us to understand certain travels that happen in the previous novel ('Raising Steam') – especially the long railway travel that happens in the third act of that novel. As such I would recommend reading this companion book immediately after finishing 'Raising Steam' when the events of the book are fresh in the reader's mind.

Lastly, I would like to mention that since 'Raising Steam' feels like an end of an era (at least concerning the characters that prominently feature in the arcs set in the twin city of Ankh-Morpork), reading this companion book was a bittersweet affair. There is no plot as such; it is merely an informational booklet that gives us information about the various destinations in the Discworld that are connected by the railway. But still, for a book series that began with Twoflowers (the first tourist on the Discworld) visiting Discworld, it seems like a poetic ending to the saga seeing that the railways have caused a sudden boom in the tourism industry within the Discworld.

[Tim Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was about what I expected - a pleasant addition to the Ankh-Morpork library. It's not big on jokes and cleverness, although there is some. It radiates a nice sense of almost-reality, and just makes Discworld a little more complete. There are some thoughtful notes about how a railway system would have to be designed for troll and dwarf passengers, and even a section about shipping medical packages Igor-to-Igor.
Just as in our world, the authors have obviously struggled to find something to say about some of the stops.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I tried. I've wanted to try Discworld again after reading some as a young adult,
but this just wasn't the book I needed.
I struggled to concentrate with this. DNF at 30%.

[Daniel Griliopoulos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christmas cash-in. None of the humour of the earlier books and the world is losing its magic. If you're going to pastiche a Victorian travelogue, then it has to be funny!

[Brok3n · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mrs Bradshaw is boring

Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook is a novella (#40.5 in the Goodreads numbering) in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. In genesis it is similar to The World of Poo. Each book plays a small role in a Discworld novel: The World of Poo in Snuff and Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook in Raising Steam. In each case the purported author of the book is a character in the corresponding novel. And Pratchett has gone to the length of writing us the book.

The purported author of Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook is widow Georgina Bradshaw. When he meets her, Moist von Lipwig (who, along with one or two others, is in charge of the new railroad) thinks he can make use of her to promote the railroad. He writes his money man, Harry King, the following note,

Please allow Mrs Georgina Bradshaw to travel anywhere she wants, even those little branch lines we haven’t fully opened yet. She went to one of the best girls’ schools I know of and understands language, and she is writing notes on all our destinations which may come in very useful. My instincts say that she will do us proud. I have an inkling that she will be either meticulous or humorous or, hopefully, both. And a widow who wears the kind of gold and diamond ring that she is wearing to travel through Ankh-Morpork and is still wearing it when she leaves is not going to be a fool. She speaks as well as Lady Sybil; that’s Quirm College for you. Up School! Isn’t this what we’re after? We want people to widen their horizons on the train, of course, but why not day trips? You know what, there are people in Ankh-Morpork who haven’t even got as far as Sto Lat yet. Travel broadens the mind, and also railway revenue.

I am sorry to say that, in my opinion, Moist's hopes are not fully realized. Mrs Bradshaw is not humorous. She tries, but she is fundamentally a stiff. (I get that her stiffness is part of the gag. It's still not very funny.) I found her boring.

Blog review.

[Colin Forbes · Rating 2 out of 5]

A triumph ... of style over substance.

A companion book to the discworld novel 'Raising Steam' which I read last year. This is written in the style of a travel guide to the new Ankh Morpork railway system. I don't think anyone who has not read that novel should even attempt this book.

As is the case with previous 'add-ons' to the discworld series, this is a beautifully presented book. The illustrations are excellent, the cover has the 'distressed' appearance of a well-used travel reference. Unfortunately, there is little to recommend about the actual content of the book.

The initial chapter or two are, I suppose, a novelty - but after that it all becomes very samey. A list of place names and invented establishments, most without even a comical description or story to accompany them.

I was left wondering how a project like this might have turned out had Mr Pratchett, at the height of his powers, been fully involved in producing it. As it is, it appears to be a largely ghost-written affair, with little of the charm and humour that we have come to expect from the Discworld books.

Sad.

One only for hardcore fans of the discworld books, but even then I would suggest you save your money and your time and give this a miss.

[Sorcha]

This is a "Terry Pratchett Presents" book, which indicates that it's one of the Discworld offshoots (from the book "Raising Steam") and written by others in the Discworld Emporium collective. It's no bad thing for all that, and presents a nice little addendum that is actually more absorbing than such a slim book could usually warrant.

Written by one Mrs Bradshaw, this is a traveliing guide a la Bradshaws, Lonely Planet etc, which gives a description of the various stops along the line and a brief summary of the guest houses, primary local events etc. I have seen some complaints about how boring it is to get the same repatitive style of 2 line entries for each stop across the line, but this is a throwback to the types of travel guides I was brought up with, long before the internet allowed to you to compile your own travel guide!

This has maps and pictures galore! It's easy to skim pages, but you run the risk of missing the odd fabulous joke lurking in the middle of the page - the Effing Great Tit, an inhabitant of Effing Forest, being one such example.

You will either love this book or think "why did I spend my time"?

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written along with the Discworld Emporium this is an amusing little travel guide to acompany Raising Steam. Now it's not a bad at all, beautifully illustrated in black and white and amusing if you have kept up with the Discworld books.
On the whole an enjoyable romp.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 2020: still as wonderfully whimsical as the first time I read it.

2014: A lovely little travel guide to accompany Raising Steam. Great humour, play on words, and illogical local customs.

[K. Morral · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, not quite what I expected.

I am used to – and thoroughly enjoy – Terry Practchett’s sarcastic humour, which was not as forthcoming in this book as I had hoped. It reads as an actual travel guide, clearly understood and experienced by the narrating character. But because of this, there is a dry observational writing style appropriate with a non-fiction book, rather than a humorous fiction.

That said, or perhaps because, it gives an in depth understanding to the geography and culture of DiscWorld. Much of which is touched upon in the novels is explored in greater detail here. For example, the characters Buddy, Cliff and Glod journey by road through Scrote, staying at the Jolly Cabbage, to Quirm and we see their experiences. Whereas the information in Bradshaws handbook summaries the ‘facts’ of the place.

I am considering – or I would if/ when I obtain my own copy of this book, currently on load from my local library - taking a moment to cross referencing this handbook with books in the Discworld series. Whilst I have mixed feelings on writing in books, I think that a personalised copy of a guide book – where our own experiences are noted against the original text – is appropriate, and therefore being able to cross reference the novels will help guide me back to future re-reading.

It reads as though written originally by Pratchett as part of his own preparation and research. To develop the background and understanding of the world and evolving technologies (the introduction of the railway) which are essential for accurate portrayal in the novels. It is therefore interesting to see it developed for publication. I wonder if the Discworld Emporium (who aided and abetted Pratchett in the publication of this work) used his original source material? It is a delightfully illustrated guide, with images of the scenes that are passed as well as example railway notices and tickets which would be seen on route.

There are some beautiful descriptions of the activity at the stations, the different provision available for different passengers (first, second, third class; dwarfs; vampires; trolls; pets). Some mildly off-putting sounding meals (rat wraps and cabbage-heavy diets), and some fascinating accurate or ironic observations ( such as ‘People do behave in a different way at the sea-side…There must be a residual magic in that strand [beach] between land and sea.’)

So, although this is not the light-hearted book I expected, prompting my smiles and giggles like T. Pratchett’s novels, it was still an enjoyable read and certainly a book I would like to return to. Preferably as part of a wider re-read of the catalogue of Discworld books.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an okay, if wanting, trip through some of the DiscWorld lands and places. It is not Pratchett but there are a few clever moments.

"The iron maiden, which would normally be part of the instruments of torture collection designed by Lorenzo the Kind, has been removed and in a modified form serves as a most efficient apple crusher."

"There must be a residual magic in that strand between land and sea."

[Rose Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful companion to Raising Steam, zipped through this in an afternoon. I miss Terry Pratchett.

[an2586 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chyba powinnam była przeczytać tą książkę dopiero po przeczytaniu cyklu o kolei. Ilustracje ładne.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing in a quiet snort of appreciation way but a little too faux factual in places.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses kleine Büchlein mit seinem Witz erschließt sich einem erst, wenn man schon mit der Welt von Terry Pratchett vertraut ist. So ist Mrs Bradshaw eine Figur aus dem Roman "Raising Steam" ("Toller Dampf voraus"), dem 40. Band der Scheibenwelt. Sehr originell bekommt der Leser durch das Handbuch nützliche Hintergrundinformationen - WENN er ein Scheibenweltbewohner wäre. Man erfährt von Spezialitäten die man wohl lieber nicht essen möchte und Sehenswürdigkeiten von zweifelhaftem Unterhaltungswert. Alles in Allem ist das Buch wunderbar kurios, skurril und sehr lustig.

[Kyla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize that this wasn't actually written by Terry Pratchett, until I was reading it and found it to completely lack his witty style. It was boring enough that I looked it up and discovered that. Disappointed, to say the least.

[Koen Crolla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a companion to Raising Steam, which I haven't read yet. Like most Discworld companion books it's an in-universe artefact (I'm sure there's a more specific term for this sort of thing; I spent a long time trying—unsuccessfully—to find it after I read World of Poo as well), and like all Discworld companion books, it both tries way too hard and not nearly hard enough.
The conceit is that this is a travel guide, except when—for some reason—it's a scrapbook. Most of the illustrations, though lovely and clearly representing a ton of effort, are the wrong style for either genre.

It's also a book that is written by Pratchett's entourage (``The Discworld Emporium'', according to the copyright notice) more than by Terry Pratchett himself (if at all), and as before, they don't quite pull off the tone and too often consider referencing an old joke to be as good as making a new one. The only noteworthy thing about it is that it gives population figures for a lot of established settlements, which is nice if you're into that kind of world-building. If not, skip it.

[Kiril Valchev · Rating 4 out of 5]

В "Под пара", Мокр фон Ментебрад среща г-жа Джорджина Брадшоу, която благодарение на Железницата (и кончината на съпруга си), е решила да види малко свят. Води си дневник, в който описва "далечни места с чудати имена... като Дверизи или Ибъната гора", които посещава. Съзрял възможност за допълнителна печалба, Мокр склонява г-жа Брадшоу, да изпраща копие от записките си, в замяна на прилично възнаграждение и възможността да пътува безплатно. Така се появява "Mrs Bradshaw's Handbook" - (ако не се лъжа) първият туристически справочник в Света на Диска. От лазурното море и изисканите блюда на Куирм на запад, към зелените поля и не толкова изисканите аромати на равнините Сто на изток, където си дават среща всички растения с родово име Brassica, та чак до варовиковите скали на Овнерог, Кредище и кралство Ланкър, на север (там, река Анкх, бидейки в горното си течение, най-после може да се нарече река).

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Pratchett. Taking a page, literally, from the famous English Bradshaw's Guide, this book is a guide to the railways of the Discworld authorized by Moist Lipwig & compiled by Mrs. Georgina Bradshaw, a widow, who takes you on a detailed tour of the many railway lines throughout the various lands of the Discworld. She provides timetables, available accommodations for every species (Dwarf, Vampire, Troll, & Human, etc.), station amenities & recommendations, travel tips, costs, etc. She also details the information on each station stop along every line with population, local points of interest, offered accommodation for every pocketbook, restaurant guide, local industry, souvenier availability, & helpful hints & historical tidbits. I found myself laughing aloud, admiring the clever plays on words, & wishing (as I often do after reading a Discworld book) I lived there so I could travel the Discworld by train. Delightful!

[aredhela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Książka jest napisana w formie XIX-wiecznego przewodnika turystycznego po Świecie Dysku, z uwzględnieniem budowy stacji kolejowych, możliwości noclegu i wyżywienia, atrakcji dla przyjezdnych i ogólnego klimatu miejsca, które jest opisywane. „Autorką” przewodnika jest stateczna wdowa, więc całość jest subiektywno-obiektywna ;) Doskonale oddaje okolice Ankh-Morpork, przybliża Quirm i wędruje przez rubieże w stronę Überwaldu, uzupełniając tym samym nie tylko sam cykl, ale także „Kompendium i Atlas Świata Dysku”.

Czytałam tę krótką pozycję z pewną nostalgią, bo dostrzegałam głównie potencjał, który już nigdy nie zostanie wykorzystany. Dla fana nie ma tu zbyt wielu niespodzianek, ale kilka informacji było dla mnie nowych i ciekawych. Lektura była jak zanurzenie się w znane, przyjazne wody. Polecam fanom autora :)

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun, quick and easy little read is a Discworld spin on the real life Bradshaw Guides, which were guides to the railways.

Railways came to the Discworld relatively late, long after the point at which I binged through all of the books to date, but I kind of like that. They’re perhaps the newest and most important innovation on the Discworld since the deployment of the Clacks, and they basically make fast travel possible within the novels.

In Mrs Bradshaw’s Handbook, the titular Mrs Bradshaw takes us through all of the different towns and villages that the Disc’s trains stop at, giving us a little information on what’s on offer at each location. It’s a lot of fun, like taking a holiday.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who’ve read Raising Steam might recall the conversation between Moist von Lipwig and Georgina Bradshaw, where Moist suggests: “Mrs Bradshaw, if you were to go everywhere the trains go and write about all those places, perhaps you could send me a copy of your notes? They could be useful to other intrepid passengers…” Mrs Bradshaw’s Handbook is the delightful result of that exchange.

Georgina Bradshaw might not be in the same league as Paul Theroux or the Michaels — Palin and Portillo — but this whimsical railway travel guide is a charming little companion to the Discworld series. It expands Pratchett’s world in a fun and imaginative way, offering readers a peek into the lives and landscapes of the burgeoning Age of Steam. A lovely addition for any Discworld fan.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quaint little addition to the Discworld series that pulls together the descriptions and customs of all the little towns and villages found along the lines of Discworld. While this is clearly not written by Pratchett itself it does manage to retain some of the feel of his writing, making sure those extra little details are covered including whether the various accomodations have en suites or when the town market day is (I'm sorted should I ever visit Discworld and ride the rails). It does lack his dry wit and cutting humour though but it passed a pleasant hour. And I did like the various additional illustrations, tickets, cuttings etc.

[Charles Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to get your context right with this one. It is not one of TP's final works but an amusing piece of toilet reading put together by a team. I imagine during the writing process there was lots of sniggering but the level of thought is commendable. Very much true to the 'lore' of the Disc with mentions of septdays and octdays which got quite rare in the main novels. Only one thing bugged me and that was the size of the towns; given that AM is around 1M they just seem too small for the major Sto Plains settlements. Minor gripe aside it gave me a few chuckles but otherwise very much one for the fans rather than the casual reader.

[Himanish Prabhakar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of fantasy books but I never read Terry until one of my friend suggested me to do so and that was the time I started to read "Discworld" series by Terry from the Book 1. After reading the whole series I would definitely admit that I was missing something that I should not have because he was a writer that have a charisma in him to put down such a words that will take you away. So amazing writing. There is nothing you can compare his work to, unique and classic.

I loved the whole series and would definitely recommend this to other readers as well and also will be re-reading his work soon.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs Brandshaw's Handbook is a book that is a must-have for the Discworld fanatic, as it's a descriptor of all the places on the Disc. However, it isn't much more than that and I feel like the only reason I actually like it is that it's been a while since I read Discworld last and this reminded me of the good times reading that, instead of being something I liked reading.

So you know, worth having if you want Discworld geography handy, maybe worth skimming through if you miss Discworld, but other than that, I'd say you can safely skip this one.

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly short book with explanations of the towns and station of the Discworld, the populations who live in them and the types of things you can do if you visit. A good companion to the Discworld books fleshing out the background of life there a little. Not as funny or insightful as the rest of those books but gentle and rather nice. It would have been enjoyable to travel further afield in anther book, perhaps to Klatch or Howandaland, when Mister King expanded the railway further into the Discworld.