His Dark Materials Illuminated: Critical Essays on Philip Pullman's Trilogy (Landscapes of Childhood)

British author Philip Pullman’s celebrated trilogy for young readers, His Dark Materials [Northern Lights/Golden Compass (1995), The Subtle Knife (1997), The Amber Spyglass (2000)], has reached a broad spectrum of readers, from those appreciating his metaphysical imagination and literary depth to those charmed by his suspenseful and emotional storytelling. Demonstrating its wide appeal in 2001, The Amber Spyglass became the first book to be awarded the Whitbread Book Award in both the adult and children’s categories. Pullman’s trilogy is distinguished not only for its narrative and poetic power but also for its awareness of literary tradition. His Dark Materials confronts some of the most urgent dilemmas of our time without suggesting answers but rather a way of meeting them with courage and surviving them with grace. Edited by Millicent Lenz―renowned for her study of Pullman’s work―this is the first book to place His Dark Materials in critical perspective. The fourteen diverse essays within offer literary and historical analysis as well as approaches from such disciplines as theology, storytelling, and linguistics. The first part, Reading Fantasy, Figuring Human Nature, looks at Pullman’s art of making stories and creating fantasy worlds and at readers’ responses to his creations. Part 2, Intertextuality and Revamping Traditions, examines the rich intertextuality of Pullman’s narratives and his use and revamping of literary traditions, including fantasy. Part 3, Pullman and Theology, Pullman and Science Fiction, centers on the complexities of the author’s stance toward religion, his treatment of "Eve," and his affirmation of the Republic of Heaven. With the staging of His Dark Materials by the National Theatre in England and a successful television adaptation of the trilogy, Pullman’s popularity and reputation across age groups is ever-growing―making this book a vital resource to scholars and informed readers of his work.
ASIN: 0814332072
VSKU: DBV.0814332072.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Lenz, Millicent|Scott, Carole|Hatlen, Burton|Bird, Anne-Marie|Hopkins, Lisa|Hines, Maude|King, Shelley|Leet, Andrew|Pinsent, Pat|Mackey, Margaret|Russell, Mary Harris|Schweizer, Bernard|Shohet, Lauren|Smith, Karen Patricia|Matthews, Susan
Binding: Paperback
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Condition Notes: Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly!