E14 - Men At Arms

The bluegrass playing, guitar making, amateur cello repairman Dermot Byrne returns to discuss the 16th Discworld novel, Soul Music. We attempt to take Pratchett's vision apart with inexpert tools, discussing Pratchett's views on education, the music industry, groanworthy puns, dated references and Mustrum Ridcully's caring side.Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Death books and Feet of Clay. For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Luke Jansen returns to join Mark in order to discuss the 15th Discworld novel, Men at Arms; a book that's not afraid to themes like prejudice, the corruptive influence of power, and retrophrenology.We also discuss the largest cast for a Discworld novel to date, the depths and contrasts of Corporal Carrot, innumerate polymaths, the power of jollying people along and vicious little poodles.Please note that there may be some mild spoilers for future Discworld city watch novels For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Dermot Byrne joins Mark to discuss the 14th Discworld novel, Lords and Ladies.We talk about Granny Weatherwax's trust, Magrat's story arc, Nanny Ogg maximising her minutes, parallels (lots and lots of parallels), Pratchetts love of blacksmiths, the ridiculously deep supporting cast, deep call backs, Pratchetts take on elves and which character gets Pratchett's best fight scenes so far.Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly Maskerade & Carpe Jugulum) AND Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time.For social media, you can find us at: DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Cam Pollard joins Mark to discuss the 13th Discworld novel, Small Gods. We discuss Pratchett's stylistic choices, his bravery, the multitude of historical references, God vs religion, open mindedness vs closed mindedness, Small Gods as a lesson about the dangers of echo chambers, and Emperor Hadrian's boyfriend.Please note that there may be some spoilers for future Discworld novels (mostly the Thief of Time). DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Nic Golding brings the perspective of a relative newcomer to Terry Pratchett as she joins Mark to discuss her favourite Discworld novel so far: The twelfth Discworld novel, Witches Abroad.We discuss how Marc Burrows' The Magic of Terry Pratchett made a new Discworld fan, the nature of Granny Weatherwax, the right amount of Nanny Ogg, bickering, Gaspode (yes, really) and why Nic prefers Witches Abroad. There's also a lot of thoughts about reading, taste, and what people appreciate in Pratchett's novels.Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)

Patrick W Reed returns, joining Mark to discuss the eleventh Discworld novel, Reaper Man.We look at the books sentimentality, the silliness of it's B plot and we even ask the question: Is it Pratchett's most English novel?Other discussion points include: practical women, Pratchett's lack of trust in his skills, dated references, Vampires as a class construct, Mystic Meg, The Simpsons and the context of common quotations. Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)Patrick - @patrickwreed.bsky.social (Bluesky)Bunkum & Ballyhoo - @bunkumballyhoo.bsky.social (Bluesky)Days of Thunder - @WCWThunderPod (Twitter)The Days of Thunder Patreon page - alargemanappears.com

Dave Ryan from the Days of Thunder podcast swaps the horrors of WCW in the year 2000 for the Creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions as he joins joins Mark to discuss the tenth Discworld novel: Moving Pictures.In this episode, we discuss debuting characters, how Victor Tugelbend feels like an early Discworld main character, Pratchett's possible opinions on Hollywood, Pratchett's turn of phrase, why this might be a Discworld hidden gem and an awful lot of movie references.Please note that there are some spoilers for future Discworld novels.DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky)Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (Bluesky)Dave - @thedaytodave (Twitter & bluesky)Days of Thunder - @WCWThunderPod (Twitter)The Days of Thunder Patreon page - alargemanappears.com

Liam Byrne joins Mark to discuss the ninth Discworld novel: Eric. In this episode, we discuss why there are two versions of Eric, Pratchett's obsession with bureaucracy, re-treading old paths, Pratchettian logic, Goodreads ratings and the benefits of short books. Please note that there are mild spoilers for future Discworld novels featuring Rincewind. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) Liam - @tvtimelimit (Twitter)

Stuart Iversen joins Mark to discuss the eighth Discworld novel: Guards! Guards! In this episode, we discuss why Guards! Guards! is a perfect example of a Discworld novel, Pratchett's ability to great interesting side characters, interesting choices for Discworld Pantomimes, and some rather interesting analogies (if you're a wrestling fan). Please note that there are mild spoilers for future Discworld novels, especially the Watch books. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) Stuart - @iversen83 (Twitter & Bluesky) Stuart's website: ramblingsaboutwrestling.com

George Twigg (podcaster, author, Mastermind finalist) joins Mark to discuss the seventh Discworld novel: Pyramids. In this episode, topics of conversation include: Magical realism vs fantasy, pub quiz machines, terrines, Arnold Schwarzenegger, tradition holding back progress, Manchester United, Orientalism, "esoteric new age bullshit", diversity in modern fantasy, "tell not show", Hamlet references, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Lincoln Cathedral, Pratchett's travelogue books, William Huggins, Game of Thrones, reusing footnotes in video game manuals, lesser known London museums, art forgery, and lots of Ancient Egypt facts. DWO - @DiscWorldOrder (Twitter & Bluesky) Mark  - @monkey_buckles (Twitter) @monkeybuckles (bluesky) George - @puropodcast (Twitter & Bluesky)