Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials [Paperback]

George Beahm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2007

New to The Golden Compass? Don't feel lost--or alone! This accessible, illustrated guide is the only passport you'll need to Philip Pullman's imaginative world of His Dark Materials. Written especially for newcomers, Discovering The Golden Compass tells you everything you'd want to know in reader-friendly prose, supplemented with dozens of photographs and illustrations.
Book highlights: Pullman's 10,000-word autobiographical essay talking about his life and work; a 16-page full color insert of new photos showing Oxford, the "city of dreaming spires," in all its glory; 15 new pen-and-ink illustrations and a full color painting by former Disney artist and Imagineer, Tim Kirk; and complete coverage of Pullman's talk at the Oxford Literary Festival, in which he and The Golden Compass film producer, Deborah Forte, talk about the considerable challenges in bringing the book to film.
Newcomers will especially welcome the book-by-book look at Pullman's trilogy--The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Minimizing spoilers, Beahm explains what each book is about, discusses the key characters, places, and things, and also quotes Pullman, his fans, and critics on the work itself. Plus extensive information about Lyra's Oxford and an advance peek at The Book of Dust.
With information about the various adaptations of The Golden Compass (film, theatrical, and audio), illuminating essays on daemons, the alethiometer, and Dust, and a section devoted to additional resources for readers who want to know where to go for more information, Beahm's book is your ticket to Pullman's imaginative universe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The New Line Cinema film adaptation of Philip Pullman s masterpiece, The Golden Compass (Knopf, 1995/VOYA June 1998) is scheduled for release in December. Fortunately for those who have not yet experienced the joy of entering Lyra s world, this accessible guide to the author and His Dark Materials trilogy is the perfect passport to Pullman s imaginative universe. Fans will appreciate the information provided about the author and his world in all formats: books (including the sequel Lyra s Oxford [2003/VOYA June 2004], and the forthcoming companion novel, The Book of Dust), plays, audio books, and the upcoming movie. Beahm is the author of pop-culture works on subjects that range from Stephen King to Harry Potter, Narnia, and pirates. Kirk is a five-time Hugo award-winning illustrator who worked for Disney s famed Imagineering division. The attractive cover of their seventh collaboration engages the reader, and the text follows through with a work that s not too academic and not at all boring. In addition to diverse facts and figures about Pullman and the universe of His Dark Materials, the contents includes a color photo essay of Oxford, England, black-and-white illustrations and photos of memorabilia, quotes by and about Pullman, comments from actors and studio heads, an autobiographical essay, a lecture that Pullman gave about the upcoming movie, and helpful Web sites and resources.

This introduction to a controversial work that Pullman has called fantastical rather than a fantasy, his Paradise Lost for teenagers, is fascinating and well-written. --Voya

About the Author

George Beahm, with 30 published books, has previously explored the fictional universes of noted writers, including Stephen King, Anne Rice, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and J. K. Rowling.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Pub Co (September 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571745068
• ISBN-13: 978-1571745064
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a full-time writer specializing in non-fiction, mostly pop culture topics. On the side, I run a small company that handles producing art prints and also handle the sales of collectibles online through eBay. I live in southeast Virginia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent fun! And a lovely book as well -, October 19, 2007

By 

Lady Fear (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials (Paperback)

I first became familiar with George Beahm's work through his engaging books on the Harry Potter universe. His newest book, Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials, proves a wonderful combination of information and resources regarding Philip Pullman's beloved novels. Beahm's book speaks to both those who are devotees of the series and those who are new to the books. His non-spoiler policy assures that the storyline will not be ruined for those who have yet to finish the series. Vivid descriptions of the main characters and concepts, as well as Beahm's detailing of Pullman's inspirations for the books, further invite the reader to appreciate the series' unique vision. The design, layout and organization of the book are lovely as well; the reader will appreciate the look and feel of Discovering. Additional strengths include the inclusion of Pullman's autobiography, which adds a special weight to the book given that he involved himself with the project (which is often not the case with literary guides). A lovely color photo collection detailing Pullman's Oxford and fantastic artwork by Tim Kirk also add excellent visual components. Kirk also contributes his own statement regarding his design process as he worked to visualize, and thus provide his own interpretations of Pullman's world. In some respects, Discovering is a collaborative effort, with Beahm as the primary author and researcher. This shared expertise only strengthens the book. Insightful, respectful of the material, and true to Pullman's vision and message, Discovering the Golden Compass is an excellent addition to any fan's library.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just An Introduction...., October 28, 2007

By 

Deborah Aanestad (CANADA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials (Paperback)

I found George Beahm's book to be not only an excellent introductory guide but also very useful as a study aide.
About two years ago I happened to overhear a part of an audio tape my daughter was listening to. As I paused to listen I instantly became intrigued. The audio book was "Northern Lights" by Philip Pullman My daughter graciously agreed to start the tape again and we all (mom and 2 children) began the journey together into the world of Philip Pullman. The journey is a deep, multi-coloured and thought provoking one to be sure....as a person who has taken on the task of homeschooling my kids I recognize a huge potential for learning by way of study and reflection and this is where we get to the importance and influence of George Beahm's book..."Discovering The Golden Compass" It has proven to be a wonderful source of fact and information...with a host of references, photos, links, that the kids have found quite helpful in their studies of Pullman's books. So yes, this book will most certainly prove to be invaluable to those who want an introduction to "The Golden Compass" and the rest of the trilogy before seeing the movie, but it also has more to give....for educators and students who wish to delve a little deeper...... The artwork of Tim Kirk's is also to be commended for living up to our imaginations....one of the kids mentioned that "Yes, that is JUST what I imagined Lyra to look like! "....

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from George Beahm!, October 21, 2007

By 

greendragon - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering the Golden Compass: A Guide to Philip Pullman's Dark Materials (Paperback)

George Beahm writes lucid, entertaining and thoughtful books; and this one is no exception. As with his guides to Harry Potter and Narnia, I greatly enjoyed Beahm's tour through Pullman's world. I have read the Pullman books and loved the first two, but rather lost my enthusiasm in the third. Beahm's book refired my interest! I especially enjoyed reading some of Pullman's own comments about his life and his philosophy. This has inspired me to go back to the books and reconsider some of the ideas Pullman puts forward.

The book will also be a terrific guide for anyone who wants to see the movie of 'The Golden Compass' but who has not yet read the books. Beahm's pointers will make sure that you don't get lost! The added wonders in this book are the marvellous Tim Kirk illustrations; gorgeous works of art which will be savoured by all fantasty fans. There are also some beautiful photographs of Oxford. All in all, this is a very enjoyable read, and is also fun simply to leaf through and enjoy the pictures! Well worth adding to your collection!