Making Money LP
8.68 / 10 78K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 1975
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Pages
- 528
- ISBN
- 9780061363924
When the Royal Bank of Ankh-Morpork faces collapse, the city's enigmatic Patrician, Lord Vetinari, assigns a new, unwilling manager: Moist von Lipwig. Formerly a con artist who revitalized the Post Office, Moist now finds himself tasked with a different kind of impossible job – to make money. He must navigate a financial system riddled with mistrust, an eccentric staff including a chief cashier who is a clown, and the challenges of introducing paper currency backed by golems instead of gold.
This humorous fantasy delves into the complexities of economics, innovation, and the clash between tradition and progress within the chaotic yet vibrant Discworld. Moist's attempts to modernize banking practices stir up political intrigue and dangerous enemies, all while he tries to avoid being exposed as a fraud or falling victim to the Assassins' Guild. Discover how one reluctant con man aims to redefine value and trust in a city where anything, even a dog as chairman, is possible.
This humorous fantasy delves into the complexities of economics, innovation, and the clash between tradition and progress within the chaotic yet vibrant Discworld. Moist's attempts to modernize banking practices stir up political intrigue and dangerous enemies, all while he tries to avoid being exposed as a fraud or falling victim to the Assassins' Guild. Discover how one reluctant con man aims to redefine value and trust in a city where anything, even a dog as chairman, is possible.
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- Humorous
- Literary Collections
- Fiction, general
- Fiction, humorous, general
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Other editions (22)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
In the bustling, ever-evolving city of Ankh-Morpork, even a reformed con artist can find himself restless. Moist von Lipwig, having brought the venerable Post Office back from the brink of collapse, now felt a distinct lack of challenge in his perfectly running domain. The stamps flew, the mail moved, and Moist, despite his golden suit and top hat, found himself teetering on the edge of boredom, a state Lord Vetinari, the Patrician, considered highly dangerous for the city's well-being. And so, a new task was thrust upon him: the Royal Bank and the Royal Mint of Ankh-Morpork, institutions as decrepit and untrusted as the Post Office once was.
Moist's initial reluctance was understandable. The Bank, it turned out, was run by a collection of eccentricities, not least of which was its Chairman: a small, fluffy dog named Mr. Fusspot, who had inherited the majority shares from the recently deceased, formidable Topsy Lavish. The chief cashier, Mr. Mavolio Bent, was a man of unsettling precision and a rumored past that hinted at either vampirism or something far more alarming – clowning. The Mint itself was a subterranean warren, inefficient and operating at a loss, its ancient presses groaning under the weight of tradition.
The city's economy was a fragile thing, built on a dwindling trust in gold and the occasional use of stamps as a makeshift currency. Moist, ever the innovator, saw the path forward: paper money. A revolutionary concept, met with immediate skepticism and outright hostility from the old guard, particularly the powerful and scheming Lavish family, who had their own designs on the city's financial heart. Cosmo Lavish, in particular, proved a persistent thorn, a man whose ambition knew no bounds, even extending to a bizarre plot to impersonate the Patrician himself.
As Moist navigated the treacherous waters of high finance and low cunning, his fiancée, Adora Belle Dearheart, was pursuing her own passion with the Golem Trust. She delved into ancient ruins, seeking to liberate more of the silent, tireless clay beings. Her efforts culminated in a truly astounding discovery: not the "four golden golems" she anticipated, but four thousand of them, a veritable army unearthed from the forgotten city of Um. This sudden influx of powerful, sentient labor threatened to destabilize not just Ankh-Morpork, but the delicate balance of power across the Disc.
The challenge now was twofold: to establish a stable, trustworthy currency and to manage the overwhelming presence of these new, potentially world-changing golems. Moist, with his characteristic blend of showmanship and genuine ingenuity, found a way to harness their immense value. He proposed a radical "golem standard," backing the new paper money not with inert gold, but with the boundless, honest labor potential of the golems themselves. They became the bedrock of the city's wealth, their silent power ensuring the trust that gold had failed to provide.
With the thousands of golems respectfully interred beneath the city, save for those needed for public works, and the secret of their control shared across the Disc to prevent their misuse in warfare, Ankh-Morpork embraced its new, golem-backed economy. Moist, having once again pulled the city back from the brink, found himself at the helm of a thriving, if still slightly bewildering, financial system. The journey had been fraught with assassination attempts, political intrigue, and the constant threat of exposure, yet the former con man had, against all odds, truly made money, not just for himself, but for the entire city.
Moist's initial reluctance was understandable. The Bank, it turned out, was run by a collection of eccentricities, not least of which was its Chairman: a small, fluffy dog named Mr. Fusspot, who had inherited the majority shares from the recently deceased, formidable Topsy Lavish. The chief cashier, Mr. Mavolio Bent, was a man of unsettling precision and a rumored past that hinted at either vampirism or something far more alarming – clowning. The Mint itself was a subterranean warren, inefficient and operating at a loss, its ancient presses groaning under the weight of tradition.
The city's economy was a fragile thing, built on a dwindling trust in gold and the occasional use of stamps as a makeshift currency. Moist, ever the innovator, saw the path forward: paper money. A revolutionary concept, met with immediate skepticism and outright hostility from the old guard, particularly the powerful and scheming Lavish family, who had their own designs on the city's financial heart. Cosmo Lavish, in particular, proved a persistent thorn, a man whose ambition knew no bounds, even extending to a bizarre plot to impersonate the Patrician himself.
As Moist navigated the treacherous waters of high finance and low cunning, his fiancée, Adora Belle Dearheart, was pursuing her own passion with the Golem Trust. She delved into ancient ruins, seeking to liberate more of the silent, tireless clay beings. Her efforts culminated in a truly astounding discovery: not the "four golden golems" she anticipated, but four thousand of them, a veritable army unearthed from the forgotten city of Um. This sudden influx of powerful, sentient labor threatened to destabilize not just Ankh-Morpork, but the delicate balance of power across the Disc.
The challenge now was twofold: to establish a stable, trustworthy currency and to manage the overwhelming presence of these new, potentially world-changing golems. Moist, with his characteristic blend of showmanship and genuine ingenuity, found a way to harness their immense value. He proposed a radical "golem standard," backing the new paper money not with inert gold, but with the boundless, honest labor potential of the golems themselves. They became the bedrock of the city's wealth, their silent power ensuring the trust that gold had failed to provide.
With the thousands of golems respectfully interred beneath the city, save for those needed for public works, and the secret of their control shared across the Disc to prevent their misuse in warfare, Ankh-Morpork embraced its new, golem-backed economy. Moist, having once again pulled the city back from the brink, found himself at the helm of a thriving, if still slightly bewildering, financial system. The journey had been fraught with assassination attempts, political intrigue, and the constant threat of exposure, yet the former con man had, against all odds, truly made money, not just for himself, but for the entire city.
What other readers say
Liked
The reviews consistently praise the book for its exceptional humor, wit, and sharp satirical take on real-world economics and banking. Many readers highlight Terry Pratchett's unique ability to make complex financial concepts not only understandable but also incredibly entertaining, using allegories and puns to critique societal greed and incompetence. The return of fan-favorite protagonist Moist von Lipwig is celebrated, with reviewers enjoying his charismatic, cunning, and flamboyant approach to new challenges. The book also introduces a memorable cast of new and returning characters, including Lord Vetinari, golems, and a beloved canine chairman, all contributing to the comedic and engaging narrative. Reviewers found the social commentary insightful and appreciated the author's talent for balancing hot topics with appropriate humor that elicits genuine laughs.
Disliked
Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted that the book does not quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, Going Postal. A common criticism was the perceived lack of a truly menacing or engaging antagonist, which some felt led to a flatter ending and less dramatic tension compared to Moist's previous adventure. Some also found the plot somewhat predictable and formulaic, with similarities to the previous book leading to a sense of repetition rather than fresh excitement. A few felt that certain new characters and story elements were introduced but not given sufficient room to develop, and that the pacing was at times slow to get into the main action. While still enjoyable, some readers felt it lacked the standout originality or intensity of other Discworld novels.
In short
Overall, the book is considered a good, entertaining entry in the Discworld series, even if it doesn't stand out as one of the absolute best. It is highly recommended for existing fans of Terry Pratchett, particularly those who enjoyed Going Postal and are familiar with Moist von Lipwig's character. Readers who appreciate sharp, witty satire, insightful social commentary on financial systems, and a comfortable, character-driven narrative will likely find much to enjoy. It is especially suited for those looking for a humorous escape into the Discworld, though many reviewers suggest reading Going Postal first to fully appreciate the context and character dynamics.
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