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A Stroke of the Pen

The Lost Stories

Audiobook
1 of 6 copies available
1 of 6 copies available

A delightfully funny, fantastically inventive collection of twenty newly unearthed short stories by Sir Terry Pratchett, the award-winning and bestselling author of the phenomenally successful Discworld fantasy series. This special trove is a must-have for Pratchett fans of all ages. The audiobook is narrated by a stunning cast that includes David Tennant, Claire Foy, Paterson Joseph, Indira Varma, and more!

These rediscovered tales were written by Terry Pratchett under a pseudonym for British newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s. The stories have never been attributed to him until now, and might never have been found—were it not for the efforts of a few dedicated fans.

Though none of the short works are set in the Discworld, all are infused with Pratchett's trademark wit, satirical wisdom, and brilliant imagination, hinting at the magical universe he would go on to create.

Meet Og the inventor, the first caveman to cultivate fire, as he discovers the highs and lows of progress; haunt the Ministry of Nuisances with the defiant evicted ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers; visit Blackbury, a small market town with weird weather and an otherworldly visitor; and embark on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork.

Irresistibly entertaining, A Stroke of the Pen is an essential collection from the great Terry Pratchett, a "master storyteller" (A. S. Byatt) who "defies categorization" (The Times).

The full cast of narrators includes:

  • David Tennant
  • Claire Foy
  • Paterson Joseph
  • Stephen Briggs
  • Nigel Planer
  • Tony Robinson
  • Katherine Parkinson
  • Indira Varma
  • John Culshaw
  • Mathew Baynton
  • Richard Coyle
  • Derek Jacobi
  • David Jason
  • Steffan Rhodri
  • Maggie Service
  • Hallie Morahan
  • Jason Watkins
  • Rhianna Pratchett
  • Rob Wilkins
  • Colin Smythe
  • Neil Gaiman
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    • Reviews

      • Publisher's Weekly

        Starred review from October 16, 2023
        The late, great Sir Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) famously had his hard drive crushed by a steamroller after his death to prevent the posthumous publication of any unfinished work. Now, however, “uber-fans” Pat and Jan Harkin have unearthed a treasure trove of Pratchett’s early writing published in the 1970s under the pseudonym Patrick Kearns. The result: a collection of 20 excellent, often laugh-out-loud early works. Pratchett’s fans will be particularly delighted with “The Quest for the Keys,” which contains the first mention of the Discworld series’ Morpork, as well as the set of short stories focusing on Father Christmas leaving a job vacancy—“Wanted: A Fat, Jolly Man with a Red Woolly Hat” and “The New Father Christmas”—which will remind readers of Pratchett’s Hogfather. The collection also includes a touching foreword from Pratchett’s good friend and Good Omens collaborator Neil Gaiman, and a concludng essay from the Harkins explaining their methodology and their discoveries. Pratchett devotees will be moved and gratified by this unexpected gift and even casual readers will be utterly charmed. There isn’t a bad story in the bunch.

      • AudioFile Magazine
        In the 1970s and early 1980s, journeyman reporter Terry Pratchett, not yet knighted, was slowly and slyly discovering his renowned satirical style, fantastic fantasy worlds, and love of wordplay under the pseudonym Patrick Kearns. In this collection of 20 humorous newspaper columns, celebrated voice talents, friends, and collaborators bring Pratchett's early work to life. Performances range from David Tennant narrating how cavemen came to wrangle fire, to Derek Jacobi lending his distinct vocal rhythms to a couple of silly Santa tales, and to longtime Discworld narrator Stephen Briggs happily delivering the wonderfully titled "Haunted Steamroller." Finally, Pratchett's assistant and archivist, Rob Wilkins, narrates the longer mature work "Quest For Keys"--if mature means a monastery named Shangri-laugh with built-in whoopee cushions. A treat for Pratchett's legions of fans. B.P. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

    Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

    Languages

    • English

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