From His Dark Materials to The Book of Dust, the journey between magical realms is full of wonder and suspense, with Philip Pullman’s books available now at WHSmith. Pullman’s award-winning fantasy novels transport readers to places where science, magic, and coming-of-age adventures intertwine.
At WHSmith, you can explore the full collection of Philip Pullman’s books in order – the intricate worlds and compelling characters. Follow Lyra Belacqua’s epic quest across parallel universes or sail alongside Malcolm Polstead on the high seas. Pullman’s storytelling weaves themes of morality, authority, and growing up into richly developed plots that have captivated millions.
Let your imagination run wild in the pages of Philip Pullman’s books, choreographed with exquisite detail. WHSmith offers all of Pullman’s most popular series so you can set off on your next great reading adventure. The journey awaits!.
Introducing Renowned Author Philip Pullman
Hailed as one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers, Philip Pullman has enchanted readers worldwide with his fantasy tales brimming with adventure, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Though perhaps best known for his acclaimed fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials, Pullman is a prolific author whose bibliography spans captivating children’s stories, subversive fairy tales, ghostly mysteries, and more.
Born in 1946 in Norwich, England, Pullman developed a passion for storytelling and literature as a child. After attending Oxford and working as a teacher, he later left his teaching career to pursue writing full-time in his 30s. His first published work was a children’s book titled Count Karlstein in 1982.
Pullman’s reputation soared with the release of His Dark Materials trilogy starting in 1995. Among all Philip Pullman’s books, this trilogy is the most renowned. The epic coming-of-age fantasy follows two children traversing parallel universes. Blending theology, philosophy, and physics, the series tackles profound existential questions about human purpose and morality.
In addition to fantasy, Pullman flexes his literary muscle across genres. The Sally Lockhart mysteries inject suspense into Victorian London. Retellings like Grimm Tales for Young and Old upend classic fairy tales with subversive twists. From swashbuckling adventures to creepy ghost stories, Philip Pullman’s books traverse themes of innocence, experience, authority, and human identity.
With penetrating insight and masterful storytelling, Philip Pullman’s books continue enriching readers with imaginative worlds that both entertain and challenge perceptions. His literary contributions have earned prestigious honours, including the Carnegie Medal and designation as a Commander of the British Empire.
5 Philip Pullman’s Books From His Dark Materials Series to Give You a Head Start
1. Northern Lights: (His Dark Materials)
The first instalment in Philip Pullman’s acclaimed His Dark Materials trilogy, Northern Lights, introduces young heroine Lyra Belacqua in a parallel universe where science, theology, and magic blend. With her daemon Pantalaimon at her side, Lyra’s search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot that compels her to undertake an epic journey. Blending realism and fantasy, Northern Lights launches an addictive coming-of-age story rich with courage, friendship, and breathtaking adventure.
2. His Dark Materials: The Subtle Knife: (His Dark Materials)
In this riveting second book in the His Dark Materials series, Lyra finds herself in a mysterious abandoned city linked to a new world. There, she meets Will Parry, who becomes her companion in an extraordinary quest. With Will’s acquisition of the Subtle Knife, a sacred dagger that can cut windows between worlds, their parallel journeys escalate to save all existence from ominous forces assembling against them.
3. His Dark Materials: The Amber Spyglass: (His Dark Materials)
The highly anticipated conclusion to Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy finds Lyra and Will’s destinies increasingly entangled as metaphysical mysteries deepen. Embarking on a perilous final push to prevent catastrophic chaos, they gather allies across mythical lands, from witches to angels. Pullman crafts an emotionally charged finale punctuated by thought-provoking concepts of freedom, knowledge, and the meaning of existence.
4. Lyra’s Oxford: (His Dark Materials)
Set two years after His Dark Materials, this short story collection offers fans a welcome return to Lyra’s parallel world. In Lyra’s Oxford, Lyra and her daemon Pan show an English tourist around iconic Oxford landmarks while uncovering a mysterious murder mystery. Whimsical illustrations by Pullman enrich this quick yet captivating companion to his masterful fantasy series.
5. Serpentine: A short story from the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust
In this bewitching expansion of Pullman’s worlds, young Lyra visits the Arctic to witness indigenous witches pass secrets and lore to their newest initiate. As Lyra observes this profound rite of passage, themes of ancestry, community, and climate change arise in tangling with a cunning armoured bear. Pullman once again enthrals with a fantasy short story laced with resonance.
Conclusion
Through bestselling trilogies, fairy tale retellings, mysteries and more, Philip Pullman has established himself as one of fantasy fiction’s most inventive storytellers. The richly crafted Philip Pullman’s books explore deep philosophical questions through the lens of magic, science, and religion, captivating readers worldwide.
Philip Pullman’s books offer something for every lover of imaginative literature, from epic coming-of-age adventures to insightful short stories expanding his fantastical universes. With lyrical prose and masterful worldbuilding, Pullman continues proving that compelling fiction can be equally thought-provoking. Explore the captivating and diverse books of this literary icon at WHSmith. You can experience what makes Pullman’s storytelling so profoundly impactful. For more such updates on books by Philip Pullman, visit Savewithnerds.
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