What's the minimum background reading for Pratchett's Going Postal and Making Money ?

My solution, (not everyone’s, I understand) was to read almost everything he wrote, excluding the children’s and comic books, chronologically.

There are lists on his web site of the chronology of the various series, also, as you mention.

But I am retired and have enough time for these really long literary adventures.

Why do you think they need to read other books in order to understand these two? I don’t think it’s necessary.

I did it because after having read a few out of context, I found it to be more fun.

@morphail Perhaps not necessary, but Vetinari’s and Vimes’ characters are developed across several books, and golems are introduced in Feet of Clay, unless I miss my guess. There’s much more depth to them than just “Super Mayor” and “Military Guy” and “Fantasy Robots.”
Hmm… Feet of Clay might actually be a good starting point…

Most of the books are generally stand-alone, although I’ve read them all in order of publication. Guards! Guards! would probably be a good starting point if character introductions are really important. It’s not too hard to figure out what a golem is.

Rincewind is definitely part of the same universe as the rest of the Discworld inhabitants.

@mrentropy I know it’s the same universe, but, to me, at least, Rincewind’s Discworld feels different. More fantastic, I guess.

I would hate it if someone said to me “I think you’d love these books… but you’ve got to read this one first.”

Why can’t I just read the books I think I would enjoy, and then if I’m interested, I can read more.

I am also a great fan of Terry Prachett’s Discworld series, even though I read very little fantasy. I think Guards! Guards! is an excellent introduction to the City Watch and to the series.

Making Money was the first Discworld book I ever read. I’ve since read all the rest.
In my opinion Making Money is a fine introduction. Other books might not work so well, but that one or Going Postal would work ok, I think.