Product Description

A marvellous bundle of paraphernalia and memorobilia (including a thrilling board game!), together with a wonderful new story from the acclaimed author, Philip Pullman; the blue book to join with Lyra's Oxford, beautifully illustrated by master engraver, John Lawrence.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #191 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-04
• Binding: Hardcover
• 112 pages

Amazon.co.uk

Bonus content inside the book

Synopsis
When Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together. When a young Texan balloonist, Lee Scoresby, comes down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little does he realise that he is about to be embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl. Lee and his daemon, Hester, find themselves the target of political factions trying to take over the running (and oil) of the town. And also resident in the town are huge arctic bears, ignored and patronised by the people and treated like second-class citizens. When Lee and Iorek first meet, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions and pressure in town lead to a deadly conclusion...Another wonderful tale from a master story-teller, giving us more extraordinary insight into the world of "His Dark Materials".

From the Back Cover
Another mesmerising episode from the universe of His Dark Materials including the very first meeting of those two legends and friends, Lee Scoresby, the Texan balloonist, and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured bear.

Set in the far frozen Arctic, Once Upon aTime in the North contains other teasingly authentic memorabilia and clues, together with a thrillign board game, Peril of the Pole, complete with spinner, game board and pieces, all beautifully illustrated and rendered by master engraver, John Lawrence.

Customer Reviews

a nice little extra
As a huge fan of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, I am quite prepared to read anything else from that universe he is kind enough to write for us. Once Upon A Time In The North is no exception - of course I'd have liked it to be longer, but then I could read these characters forever and never be bored. It's quite obvious when you see the book that it's short, and it doesn't get longer simply because you're enjoying it! I often think, however, that short stories are more difficult to write than novels, and I appreciate the hard work and talent that has gone into producing such a lovely little book.

The hard cover, the beautiful illustrations, the wonderful boardgame tucked away inside the back cover... this all enhances the work, and also it's the way more books should be produced, with obvious care and attention. It's a book you could keep forever and pass down to children, grandchildren, and they would enjoy it as much as you did.

This is because Pullman's tales are timeless. They are full of adventure, fun, loyalty, friendship, intelligence - qualities that just don't date. The story here is no exception. It tells of the first meeting between Lee Scoresby, the Texan aeronaut (and one of my favourite trilogy characters!) and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured bear. Pullman's gently descriptive writing coupled with the reader's imagination brings these two allies to life in ways films can't. I loved the Wild West theme and all of the motifs that go with it: the pretty girl, the gun-slinging showdown, and Hester (Lee's daemon) provides an excellent witty companion.

Yes, the story is short, but it's action-packed and interesting, and I would recommend it to anyone who has previously enjoyed the trilogy. If you're new to Philip Pullman, I'd read those novels first, but this stands alone in its own right as a great example of first-class writing.

Funny little thing :)
Again you find yourself reading a review written by a fan of Philip Pullman's work. I must say, if you are a fan as well - BUY IT! Yet be aware of a slight disapointment, because it is far to short! Bear in mind that I myself am a passionate reader, and I need at least 50 pages to get started, and since this funny little book only contains about 96, I was left with a the small disappointment because I just (like so many others) wanted more. It was gone within the hour that I had recieved it. But if you are searching for a small quick read, a collector's object as a fan or you just want a bit more of Pullman's universe - this is it.

I have to say though, that this is the second pocket book which has been given to us by Pullman so why shouldn't he make a third? Well I hope so. This second one certainly deserves 5 stars, and compliments to the quality and design of this book .

Not what I hoped
It's too short.
It doesn't tell you much more about the dark materials universe.
It's just a straight forward story the two main characters meet and sort out a problem and that's it.
You get a bit more of an insight into Lee Scoresby the aeronaut but nothing of Iorek Byrnison which would have made the book far more interesting.
If you want a really good Pullman adventure story read the Sally Lockhart books first.
The game at the back is good fun but I didn't get the book for that.