Pratchett and The Truth

Given the dishonest, troubling and bizarre move by this administration to define journalism by who does or does not make them uncomfortable, and to actively work to shut down those outfits they don’t like, I heartily recommend that you pick up a copy of

Terry Pratchett’s novel The Truth.

The Truth is yet another excellent entry into Pratchett’s marvelously wrought, satirical Discworld; we meet William de Worde, a fellow who manages to reluctantly invent journalism when he encounters some dwarfs with a printing press. It’s a hoot, but it also strikes many important notes about the craft and duty of journalism, how corruption can be built into the system, but also risen above. As you read it you will find yourself putting the book down to ponder our times and our media.

A few excerpts:

“Put a title like ‘Letters’ on the top and put them in,” said William. “Except the one about the dwarfs. That sounds like Mr. Windling. It sounds like my father, too, except that at least he can spell ‘undesirable’ and wouldn’t use crayon.”

“Why not that letter?”

“Because it’s offensive.”

“Some people think it’s true, though,” said Sacharissa. “There’s been a lot of trouble.”

“Yes, but we shouldn’t print it.”

William called Goodmountain [the dwarf printer -admin] over and showed him the letter. The dwarf read it.
“Put it in,” he suggested. “It’ll fill a few inches.”

“But people will object,” said William.

“Good. Put their letters in, too.”

[William’s conversation with the Commander of the Watch]

“You should talk to me so that I can write it down, sir. All neat and correct. The actual words you say, right down there on the paper. And you know who Ii am, and if I get them wrong, you know where to find me.”

“So, You’re telling me that if I do what you want, you’ll do what you want?”

“I’m saying, sir, that a lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on.”

“Ha! Did you just make that up?”

“No, sir. But you know it’s true.”

Vimes sucked on his cigar. “And you’ll let me see what you’ve written?”

“Of course. I’ll make sure you get one of the first papers off the press, sir.”

“I meant before it gets published, and you know it.”

“To tell you the truth, no. I don’t think I should do that, sir.”

“I am the commander of the Watch, lad.”

“Yes, sir. And I’m not. I think that’s my point, really…”

[More]

At last, like some oracle that speaks once a year, Vimes said, “I don’t trust you, Mr. de Word. And I’ve just realized why. It’s not just that you’re going to cause trouble. Dealing with trouble is my job, it’s what I’m paid for, that’s why they give me an armor allowance. But who are you reposnible to? I have to answer for what I do, although right now I’m damned if I know who to. But you? It seems to me you can do what the hell you like.”

“I suppose I’m answerable to the truth, sir.”

“Oh, really? How, exactly?”

“Sorry?”

“If you tell lies, does the Truth come and smack you in the face? I’m impressed. Ordinary everyday people like me are responsible to other people. Even Vetinari always had -has -one eye on the Guilds. But you. . .you are answerable to the Truth. Amazing. That’s its address? Does it read the paper?”

As I said, you’ll find this (as with all the Discworld books) strangely relevant to the times, and a good way to freshen the perspective. I’m highly recommending it!

FTC Disclaimer: Ordering The Truth (which I bought on my own) or anything else, either new or used through my Amazon link will result in a very modest kickback to this site. But even if it did not, I would still recommend the book to you.