Critical Perspectives on Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials - by Steven Barfield & Katharine Cox (Paperback)

About the Book

"Philip Pullman's epic trilogy remains controversial for its negative depiction of religion. Scholars from various literary, philosophical, and theatrical fields address topics relevant to reading, studying, understanding the work, and its basis in Milton's Paradise Lost; the influence of science fiction on the series; issues of social class, religion, sexuality, and gender; and recent stage productions"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials stands as a landmark in fantasy literature. Comprised of the novels The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, the award-winning epic trilogy has been adapted for radio, stage, and film in both Britain and the United States, though it remains controversial for its negative depiction of religion. Herein, scholars from various literary, philosophical, and theatrical fields explore His Dark Materials, addressing numerous topics relevant to reading, studying and understanding the work, including its basis in Milton's Paradise Lost; the influence of science fiction on the series; issues of social class, religion, sexuality, and gender; postcolonial perspectives; and recent stage productions.

Review Quotes

"Certainly one of the most comprehensive collections of essays on my work...I'm most grateful."-Philip Pullman; "Adds to the discussion with pieces like Cox's essay on cultural aspects of dust and Dust, Jobling's humble suggestions of unintentional Buddhist leanings, and Baker's account of Apocryphal influence on the narrative. This reviewer greatly enjoyed seeing discussions of physical staging in the book's final section."-Mythlore; "Uniquely valuable contribution...adds something entirely new to the appreciation of dramatizing Pullman's work...gives a British perspective on a contemporary masterpiece of British literature."-Children's Literature Association Quarterly

About the Author

Steven Barfield is joint editor of Critical Engagements, the journal of the UK Network for Modern Fiction Studies, and a member of the editorial board for the on-line journal, Literary London: Interdisciplinary Studies in the Representation of London. Katharine Cox is a Professor in English at Bournemouth University where she is head of the Department of Humanities and Law.