Philip Pullman on Childhood and Fantasy

La Belle Sauvage is the first volume of The Book of Dust trilogy, a companion series to His Dark Materials. It follows Malcolm Polstead, an eleven-year-old boy, and his friend Alice as they navigate a world of intrigue and danger to protect the infant Lyra. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a catastrophic flood and the pursuit by sinister forces, including the Magisterium and the malevolent Gerard Bonneville.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha" is a narrative poem based on the legends of the Ojibwe people. The poem tells the story of Hiawatha, a legendary figure, and his adventures. Longfellow's use of trochaic tetrameter creates a distinctive rhythm and musicality. The poem is rich in imagery and evokes the natural beauty of the landscape. Despite its popularity, the poem has faced criticism for its romanticized and sometimes inaccurate portrayal of Native American culture.

Noddy Goes to Toyland is the first book in the Noddy series by Enid Blyton. It introduces Noddy, a little wooden boy who comes to life, as he meets Big-Ears and begins his adventures in Toy Town. The story is a classic tale of friendship and exploration, originally published in 1949.

In 'Journey of the Magi', T.S. Eliot crafts a profound narrative from the perspective of one of the Magi, recounting their arduous journey to witness the birth of Christ. The poem delves into the spiritual and psychological challenges faced by the Magi, reflecting on the transformative impact of their quest. It explores the themes of spiritual regeneration, the struggle between old and new beliefs, and the symbolic connection between birth and death.

Just So Stories, first published in 1902, is a collection of origin stories that explain how animals came to have their unique characteristics. The stories were originally told as bedtime tales to Kipling's daughter Josephine. The book includes famous tales like 'How the Camel Got His Hump' and 'How the Leopard Got His Spots', and features illustrations by Kipling himself.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

The Raven is a narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1845. It tells the story of a grieving man who is visited by a raven, which symbolizes his despair and loss. The poem is known for its dark and melancholic tone, its use of symbolism, and its haunting rhythm and rhyme scheme. It is considered one of Poe's most famous works.

Written in a style of spontaneous prose, 'On the Road' is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the travels of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America. The book captures the spirit of the post-war Beat Generation, embracing a lifestyle of freedom, jazz, and rebellion against societal norms. It has become a defining work of American counterculture.

Published in 1956, 'Howl and Other Poems' is a seminal work of American literature. The collection includes Ginsberg's most famous poem, 'Howl,' which is a powerful critique of modern society and a celebration of the Beat Generation's values of nonconformity and creative expression. The book also features other notable poems that reflect Ginsberg's unique voice and poetic style.