Thoroughly fascinating exposition of Philip Pullman’s life and work, from a childhood punctuated by impactful travel to the likes of Australia, to anticipating the eagerly awaited, forthcoming The Book of Dust. The chapters covering Science and Religion, and Philosophy, lay down the intellectual landscape of His Dark Materialswith depth and rigor, and there are lighter moments too. One notable nugget is the disclosure that Lyra’s habit of crawling college roofs is based on Pullman’s own Oxford undergraduate antics, though he acknowledges that Lyra’s head for heights is somewhat greater than his own! Combining in-depth analysis with illuminating personal insights, and family photos (the book’s esteemed author is a friend of Pullman’s), this lucidly written treasury does great justice to the expansive majesty of Pullman's work. ~ Joanne Owen
Darkness Visible Philip Pullman and His Dark Materials Synopsis
What do Philip Pullman and J.K. Rowling have in common that has made both of their stories so successful? What does Pullman listen to while he writes - and who, or what, is Dust? Pullman's award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials has been appreciated by readers of all ages. It is now set to welcome new fans as it is adapted for television by the BBC in 2018, and the first part of his new trilogy, The Book of Dust, at last sees publication.
Nicholas Tucker, a leading authority on children's literature, writes about the man he knows as a friend. Unpacking and examining Pullman's life and the sources he drew on for his masterpiece, he explores the world of science, theology, imagination and adventure that Pullman has created. Including a personal interview with Pullman himself, Darkness Visible offers a unique exploration of the author's work - and its controversies.
**Contains a new and exclusive ten page interview with Philip Pullman discussing His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust**
Nicholas Tucker is the author of nine books about children, childhood and reading, including The Child and the Book, (Cambridge University Press, 1981 and 1990). He has also written six books for children, broadcasts frequently and reviews in the national press. He lives in Lewes, East Sussex and sometimes finds himself reading aloud the same books to some of his eight grandchildren as he once did to their mothers and father.
