The book features the coming of movable type to Ankh-Morpork, and the founding of the Disc's first newspaper by William de Worde, as he invents investigative journalism with the help of his reporter Sacharissa Crisplock. The two investigate the charges of murder against Havelock Vetinari and help vindicate him.
The Ankh-Morpork City Watch characters also star in this novel, but have limited roles and are seen mainly from de Worde's perspective - not a flattering one. C.M.O.T. Dibbler also puts in an appearance.
