Discworld Fools' Guild Yearbook And Diary 2001 [Hardcover]

The Fools' Guild of Ankh Morpork is a busy lot so it's not surprising they need this handy diary to help them keep track of their hectic schedule bringing joy and mirth into the hearts of the city's residents.

This is yet another of the ever increasing range of spin-off products spawned by Terry Pratchett's unstoppable Discworld series and serves both as a hilarious collectors item and fully functioning diary. Written by Pratchett and regular collaborator Stephen Briggs, it is the footnotes and introductory notes that make this worth the purchase as both authors squeeze some side splitting gags from very little space. Adverts, memos, excerpts from the Fools' Guild Rule Book and even mock exam papers for those hoping to become a qualified fool all sparkle with that special Pratchett magic:

Guild Memorandum 169/010--Bladders (the ones on a stick). Please note that there is NOT an endless supply of these items. In some countries they are considered a delicacy. From now on requests for a new bladder must be accompanied by the old bladder and form BR/RU/1a, countersigned by two senior members of Council. We are not made of money.

Guild Memorandum 1J4/783--Owing to the fracas on the fourth floor last night, all members are reminded that pushing another clown off the roof is allowable only if it is VERY FUNNY INDEED (ie. higher than 14 on the Shumann-Blinbko scale). DROLL, A BIT OF A LAUGH and QUITE AMUSING are not sufficient grounds and it is only because Sicko Sidney landed on a trampoline that certain Brothers are not facing a prolonged interview with the Bloody Fools.

The diary is liberally and beautifully illustrated by Paul Kidby, another Discworld regular, and it is a compulsory addition for the fans' ever growing collections. But who is going to want to spoil it by using it for its intended purpose? --Jonathan Weir

Contrast the Fools' Guild with the Assassins' Guild next door: one is pleasant, light and airy and the corridors echo with the quiet activity of people working hard to master a job they love; the other is gaunt, forbidding and silent, except for the occasional muffled sob . . . The Fools' Guild, founded 150 years ago, is also a hospital, craft standards enforcer, fraternal society and school. There is always a place and a custard pie in the face for any young boy with an amusing hump, speech impediment or other laughable deformity. As with previous diaries in the series, the usual mundane dates are complemented by the Discworld's own special occasions, so you will always know when to expect the Soul Cake Duck's choccie eggs and which days are most auspicious for the throwing of custard pies.

Stephen Briggs lives in Oxford. As well as compiling THE DISCWORLD COMPANION and THE NEW DISCWORLD COMPANION, he has also co-authored the Discworld DIARIES, the MAPPS and has dramatised most of the Discworld novels. Stephen Briggs lives in Oxford. As well as compiling THE DISCWORLD COMPANION and THE NEW DISCWORLD COMPANION, he has also co-authored the Discworld DIARIES, the MAPPS and has dramatised most of the Discworld novels. Terry Pratchett is a publishing phenomenon. He has sold more than 65 million copies of his books worldwide, and among his many prizes and citations are the World Fantasy Award, the Carnegie Medal, the BSFA Award, eight honorary doctorates and, of course, a knighthood. Sir Terry Pratchett is best known for his Discworld series, set on a flat planet, supported on the backs of four elephants, who in turn stand on the back of the great turtle A'Tuin as it swims majestically through space. Four of these novels - Hogfather, Going Postal, The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic - have been adapted for television, with more to follow. He lives near Salisbury in Wiltshire.