His Dark Materials

Synopsis

 

Philip Pullman's groundbreaking His Dark Materials trilogy, now a thrilling and critically acclaimed BBC/HBO television series, available here in a paperback gift edition slipcase.

First published in 1995, and acclaimed as a modern masterpiece, the first book in the series, Northern Lights, won the UK's top awards for children's literature.

Today, the story of Lyra and her daemon is read and loved by adults and children alike.

This boxset contains all three original books in the series and has cover illustrations by esteemed artist, Chris Wormell, who also illustrated the Book of Dust series.

This slipcase contains single paperback editions of:

• Northern Lights
• The Golden Compass
• The Amber Spyglass

in a sturdy slipcase - a gift for a lifetime.

Summary

Chapter 1: Lyra's Jordan

Lyra Belacqua, a young orphan living in Oxford in an alternate world, discovers a strange device called an alethiometer. She learns that it can tell the truth, and she is drawn into a dangerous quest to find her abducted friend, Roger.

Real Example: Lyra's world is different from our own in several ways. For example, scholars have daemons, animal companions that reflect their souls.

Chapter 2: The Gyptians

Lyra meets a group of nomadic Gyptians led by Ma Costa. They agree to help her find Roger, and they travel north to the Arctic.

Real Example: The Gyptians are based on the real-life Romani people, who have a strong tradition of storytelling and music.

Chapter 3: The Northern Lights

Lyra and the Gyptians encounter the Northern Lights, which are caused by energy from another world called the Land of the Dead. They also meet Iorek Byrnison, an armored polar bear, who becomes an ally.

Real Example: The Northern Lights are a real phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field.

Chapter 4: The Witches

Lyra and the Gyptians find refuge with a group of witches led by Serafina Pekkala. They learn about the dangers of the Gobblers, who are kidnapping children.

Real Example: Witches are often depicted as evil in fairytales, but in His Dark Materials, they are protectors of the natural world.

Chapter 5: The Gobblers

Lyra and the Gyptians infiltrate the Gobblers' headquarters in Bolvangar. They discover that the Gobblers are experimenting on children and separating them from their daemons.

Real Example: The Gobblers represent the dangers of fascism and the suppression of individuality.