Making Money (Discworld, #36; Moist Von Lipwig, #2) Summary & Key Insights

In Terry Pratchett's Making Money, the second Moist Von Lipwig novel, the disgraced conman and former embezzler finds himself tasked with reviving the Ankh-Morpork Post Office – a notoriously inefficient and failing institution – by the Patrician, Lord Vetinari. This isn't merely a matter of improving mail delivery; Vetinari aims to integrate a new, modern postal system into the city's financial infrastructure, creating a state-run bank.

The main plot revolves around Moist's ambitious plan to revitalize the Post Office. He introduces groundbreaking innovations like stamps, postal codes, and a reliable delivery system, tackling the entrenched bureaucracy and corruption within the existing structure. This process involves navigating treacherous political waters, outsmarting rival businesses, and even dealing with the formidable power of the Clacks (Ankh-Morpork's version of the telegraph). He faces opposition from various quarters, including disgruntled postal workers, powerful business rivals, and even shadowy figures within the city itself.

Central to the plot is the introduction of the Ankh-Morpork Post Office's own currency – the penny – printed and distributed via the rejuvenated postal system. This new currency is intricately linked to Moist’s overall strategy, allowing him to control the flow of money and subtly manipulate the city’s economy. He cleverly uses the postal system to not only deliver mail but also to establish a secure and efficient banking system, transforming the previously unreliable institution into a cornerstone of the city's finance.

Key characters besides Moist include Lord Vetinari, the enigmatic and ever-calculating Patrician whose motivations remain subtly ambiguous; Stanley, Moist's loyal and remarkably capable assistant; and several antagonists, including some of Ankh-Morpork's established business magnates who resent Moist's disruptive innovations. The character of the Post Office itself is almost a character in the narrative, reflecting the change and modernization Moist implements.

The overarching themes explored in Making Money include the transformative power of innovation, the corrupting influence of power, and the essential role of trust and integrity in building a stable society. Moist, despite his initial deceptive nature, gradually learns the value of honest work and the responsibility that comes with wielding significant influence. The novel explores how even seemingly mundane institutions like the postal service can be pivotal in shaping a city's social and economic landscape. Ultimately, Making Money is a humorous yet insightful exploration of capitalism, bureaucracy, and the unexpected consequences of trying to fix a broken system. It showcases Pratchett's mastery of satire and his ability to weave complex themes into a genuinely entertaining story.