Philip Pullman books in order

Q: "What order should I read Philip Pullman's books?"

"Start with the His Dark Materials trilogy: Northern Lights / The Golden Compass (1995), The Subtle Knife (1997), The Amber Spyglass (2000). The Book of Dust serves as prequel and can be read before, after, or independently."

Q: "How many books are in His Dark Materials?"

"Philip Pullman has written 262 books across 16 series."

Q: "Why were the His Dark Materials books controversial?"

"The trilogy confronts organized religion and explores themes of authority, knowledge, and consciousness. Some religious groups found it challenging, while readers praised its exploration of critical thinking."

His Dark Materials Reading Order

Title	Published	Buy on Amazon
Northern Lights / The Golden Compass	1995	Buy
The Subtle Knife	1997	Buy
The Amber Spyglass	2000	Buy

Series: His Dark Materials | Character: Lyra Belacqua

View all His Dark Materials books

Philip Pullman is a former teacher whose His Dark Materials trilogy became a landmark in young adult fantasy. The trilogy follows Lyra Belacqua, a girl in a parallel world where everyone has a daemon - a physical manifestation of their soul. The books explore parallel universes, cosmic threats, and rebellion against authoritarian institutions.

Pullman’s trilogy was adapted into films (The Golden Compass, 2007) and a BBC/HBO television series (2019-2022). He has returned to this universe with The Book of Dust, a prequel trilogy exploring events before Lyra’s birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Philip Pullman's books?

Start with the His Dark Materials trilogy: Northern Lights / The Golden Compass (1995), The Subtle Knife (1997), The Amber Spyglass (2000). The Book of Dust serves as prequel and can be read before, after, or independently.

How many books are in His Dark Materials?

Philip Pullman has written 262 books across 16 series.

Why were the His Dark Materials books controversial?

The trilogy confronts organized religion and explores themes of authority, knowledge, and consciousness. Some religious groups found it challenging, while readers praised its exploration of critical thinking.

His Dark Materials Reading Order#

Frequently Asked Questions

His Dark Materials Reading Order