Product Description

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is rightly acclaimed as a modern classic. Pullman creates alternative worlds that fascinate and delight, and has built up a loyal army of readers. He has been described as the 'most significant', but also the 'most dangerous' author in Britain. Who is Philip Pullman, and why have his books provoked such a wide variety of strong opinions?

Tony Watkins explains what makes His Dark Materials such a magnificent work of fiction. He explores the influences that shaped Pullman's writing and the major themes of the trilogy, including daemons, Dust and Pullman's perspective on God.

This UK edition includes an index.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #329132 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 316 pages

Bridge To The Stars (His Dark Materials fansite)
Watkins has provided some excellent analysis that will be insightful to new readers and long-time fans alike.

Publishers Weekly, 15 March 2006
an assessment that is smart and wisely restrained ... solid, substantially sourced, and well-written analysis

David Wilkinson, author of The Power of the Force: The Spirituality of the 'Star Wars' Films
Watkins ... provides a readable and fun way into the theological and philosophical questions, while showing integrity towards the stories themselves.

Customer Reviews

Dark Matter: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Philip Pullman
After reading Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy I was left with a thirst to find out what makes Philip Pullman tick. Tony Watkins has quenched this thirst with his brilliant book. Tony Watkins has interviewed Philip Pullman to discover more about the beliefs and values that run through 'His Dark Materials' and finding out about these not only enhanced my enjoyment of the trilogy, but also led me to a deeper understanding of Philip Pullman the author. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to understand more about the view of the world Philip Pullman has, especially his beliefs about physics, philosophy and theology. I don't agree with Philip Pullman's perspective, but I found the process of analysing his beliefs helped me develop my beliefs about this fantastic world we live in more fully.

Christian analysis of Pullman
The previous reviewer should have read the book's introduction first - it's here for all to see in the full product information. Watkins clearly states that he's coming at the subject from a Christian perspective, but he says,'I do not assume or expect that you share my own Christian perspectives, but I do believe that it's helpful for all fans of Pullman's work - Christian or otherwise - to understand a Christian perspective on it.' I think this is perfectly reasonable, especially as he's not trying to do this covertly but is completely up-front about it. But this is definitely NOT just for Christian readers.

Not What It Says On The Tin!
The title of this book is really misleading. True, Watkins explores Phillip Pullman's ideas - but his perspective is firmly rooted in his role as a Christian polemicist. For `A Thinking Fan's Guide', read `A Christian Critic's Guide'. This book is published by the evangelical Christian 'Damaris Trust', of which Watkins is a member. So be warned: unless you want to waste your hard-earned cash on a polemical Christian defence of The Authority and The Magisterium, look elsewhere for useful background material to Pullman's excellent trilogy.