The Truth

First published on 1 November 2000 by Victor Gollancz. It is the twenty-fifth Discworld novel and the second book in the loose Industrial Revolution sub-series.

Yes — it is one of the most accessible Discworld novels for new readers. The protagonist William de Worde is new to the series, the mystery is self-contained, and the satire of journalism is broadly legible. It works without prior Discworld knowledge.

Pratchett distinguishes between 'a story' (what will sell papers) and 'the truth' (what actually happened). The novel traces William's education in the difference — and argues that journalism's value is entirely dependent on whether it reports facts or manufactures narratives.

Mr Pin and Mr Tulip are hired thugs brought in to discredit Lord Vetinari. Mr Tulip is one of Pratchett's great comic creations — a violent professional criminal who is also, inexplicably, an expert in Baroque art and furniture. His rage at anyone who calls things 'antiques' without knowing what they are is the novel's funniest running joke.

William de Worde and the Ankh-Morpork Times appear briefly in subsequent Discworld novels. The moveable type printing press becomes part of the Disc's technological progression that continues through Going Postal and Making Money.