A Slip of the Keyboard

A Slip of the Keyboard isn't quite an autobiography and yet in many ways it feels like one. It contains a collection of essays, articles, speeches and interviews by the author from 1963 up to the present day. It is the essence of Pratchett, his thoughts on writing, his development and lately his commentary on social issues - which does of course include that of PCA (Posterior Cortical Atrophy) more commonly known as Alzheimers.

The book is introduced by friend and fellow author Neil Gaiman, it's very touching and more than a little bittersweet - feeling very much like he is saying goodbye. Anyone who has read work by our intrepid knight of the realm will find the writing familiar. Pratchett's charm, wit and intelligence shines through with each article.

I've been reading the authors work for over 20 years, I have all his novels and have read many of them more than once. He stands out amongst the glorious gallimaufry of authors, his voice distinct and his quiet intelligence shining brightly with every word and phrase. Reading A Slip of the Keyboard brings to light that this author is nearing the end of his journey. We do of course all face the inevitability of mortality at some point - a long way down the road if we are lucky - but to face the loss of one of our brightest is a sobering thought.

This book celebrates everything that makes the author the person he is. It's full of wisdom, of anecdotes and insights. It reveals his passions and beliefs along with the shock of his success. As mentioned by Gaiman in his introduction it provides a peak into his mind, his passion and drive, his quiet anger.

I'd encourage anyone who is interested in Pratchett's work to seek out this book, it is after all a small glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest authors of the last few hundred years.