Sir Philip Pullman: fantasy can be unsatisfactory

Sir Philip Pullman: fantasy can be unsatisfactory

‘A lot of the fantasy that I have read is unsatisfactory for me because it's not interested in psychology, it's not interested how people think or feel’

Katie Razzall speaks to renowned British author Sir Philip Pullman as he publishes his latest, and final book in the series, The Rose Field. He’s best-known for writing the award-winning ‘His Dark Materials’ - a series of novels beloved by children and adults alike all over the world. The books follow the adventures of the two main characters - Lyra and Will - across a series of parallel universes, where Pullman blends magical storytelling with physics, philosophy and theology.

Pullman was a part-time English lecturer when the first instalment in the series was published thirty years ago. Tens of millions of copies have been sold across multiple continents, and the stories have been translated into 40 languages.

The commercial and critical success spawned a follow-up series, The Book of Dust, which came out nearly a decade ago. The 79-year-old has now picked up his pen to publish this latest and final instalment.

Although loved all over the world, the stories have also attracted controversy for their criticism of religion. Pullman, who once described himself as a ‘Church of England atheist’, is outspoken on a number of modern-day issues - such as politics, free speech, and indeed faith - with his views regularly influencing his writing.

Thank you to the Culture team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Katie Razzall Producers: Ben Cooper and Roxanne Panthaki Editor: Justine Lang

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Sir Philip Pullman. Credit: Massimiliano Donati/Awakening/Getty Images)

Jaksot(1833)

Richard Haass: How should the US respond to global risks?

Richard Haass: How should the US respond to global risks?

Stephen Sackur speaks to veteran US diplomat Richard Haass. Levels of geopolitical risk are sky-high; from the direct hostilities between Israel and Iran, to the continued conflict and suffering in Gaza, to the ramping up of Russia’s assault on Ukraine. How should America respond?

20 Huhti 202422min

Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Could Ukraine lose?

Arseniy Yatsenyuk: Could Ukraine lose?

If the West doesn't step up assistance for Ukraine, will the war be lost? Stephen Sackur speaks to former Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

19 Huhti 202422min

Danny Danon: Will Israel listen to its allies?

Danny Danon: Will Israel listen to its allies?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Danny Danon, Israeli MP and former ambassador at the United Nations. Israel and Iran are on the brink of a war which could ignite the entire Middle East. Having neutralised an Iranian missile barrage, will the Israeli government listen to its allies and step back, or seek a new level of retribution and deterrence?

16 Huhti 202422min

Eddie Marsan: Do the arts neglect working-class people?

Eddie Marsan: Do the arts neglect working-class people?

Stephen Sackur speaks to the actor Eddie Marsan, whose ability to play troubled, sometimes violent characters has made him a staple on stage and screen. He’s a relative rarity, an actor with genuine working class roots. Is there a diversity problem in the performing arts when it comes to class?

15 Huhti 202423min

Paul Caruana Galizia: Can his family get justice?

Paul Caruana Galizia: Can his family get justice?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Paul Caruana Galizia, whose mother, Daphne, was a Maltese journalist who was assassinated for exposing endemic corruption and sleaze. Six years on, have her family won their fight for accountability and justice?

12 Huhti 202422min

Job Sikhala: Is change possible in Zimbabwe?

Job Sikhala: Is change possible in Zimbabwe?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala. He was recently released after almost two years in jail. Now he’s promising to build a grassroots movement to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF party. But amid economic crisis and political repression, is change possible?

10 Huhti 202422min

Humza Yousaf: Is the SNP's supremacy in Scotland under threat?

Humza Yousaf: Is the SNP's supremacy in Scotland under threat?

Stephen Sackur speaks to Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf. His first year in the top job has been tough. Is the Scottish National Party's supremacy in peril?

7 Huhti 202422min

Naomi Alderman: Power and technology

Naomi Alderman: Power and technology

Another opportunity to hear Stephen Sackur's interview with the writer and computer game creator Naomi Alderman. Her most recent novel - The Future - is a techno thriller set at the end of days. Is the apocalypse she imagines all too possible?

5 Huhti 202423min

Suosittua kategoriassa Politiikka ja uutiset

rss-ootsa-kuullut-tasta
aikalisa
tervo-halme
ootsa-kuullut-tasta-2
politiikan-puskaradio
rss-podme-livebox
otetaan-yhdet
rss-vaalirankkurit-podcast
the-ulkopolitist
et-sa-noin-voi-sanoo-esittaa
rikosmyytit
rss-raha-talous-ja-politiikka
rss-pallo-keskelle-2
viisupodi
rss-suomen-lehdiston-podcast
rss-kaikki-uusiksi
rss-hyvaa-huomenta-bryssel
rss-merja-mahkan-rahat
rss-se-avun-kysymyspodcast
rss-tasta-on-kyse-ivan-puopolo-verkkouutiset