Philip Pullman
Writer
A part-time lecturer on literature, Philip Pullman wrote the children's books The Ruby in the Smoke (1988) and The Firework-Maker's Daughters (1996), but is more widely known for the His Dark Materials trilogy of novels. Although they are frequently called fantasy books, Pullman has described his William Blake-inspired epic tale of innocence and experience as one of "stark reality." The books in the trilogy are Northern Lights (1995, also called The Golden Compass), The Subtle Knife (1997) and The Amber Spyglass (2000).Extra credit: The Golden Compass was made into the 2007 movie starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig... Pullman has been known to refer C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia as "nauseating drivel."
Other writers for young readers include Lemony Snicket, A.A. Milne and J.K. Rowling.
Four Good Links
His Dark Materials
Fantastic source of information from the publishers
Philip Pullman Interview
An interview with Powell's Books, with spoilers
The Art of Darkness
Profile and interview from 2007
Bridge to the Stars
Comprehensive site for fans of the Dark Materials books
Vital Stats
Birth
19 October 1946
(age 61)
Birthplace
Death
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Best Known As
The author of the His Dark Materials trilogy
