Philip Pullman Books, Controversies, and Reading Order

Ask someone about Philip Pullman, and the conversation almost always lands on one thing: His Dark Materials. But behind that beloved trilogy lies a career built on challenging authority, a complex reading order that trips up new readers, and a long-awaited finale to Lyra’s story. Here’s what you need to know about the man, his books, and where the series stands right now.

Born: 19 October 1946 ·
Nationality: English ·
Best known for: His Dark Materials trilogy ·
Books sold (estimated): Over 17.5 million copies ·
Major awards: Carnegie Medal, Whitbread Book of the Year ·
Latest project: The Book of Dust Volume 3: The Rose Field (pre-order)

Here is a quick reference of the key facts about Philip Pullman.

In what order should I read Philip Pullman’s books?

Six books across two series, plus novellas — it’s no surprise readers get confused. The good news: the answer is simpler than most people think, if you’re willing to follow one rule.

What is the correct order of His Dark Materials?

1. Northern Lights (published as The Golden Compass in the US) — 1995
2. The Subtle Knife — 1997
3. The Amber Spyglass — 2000

That’s the core trilogy, and most reading guides recommend finishing these three before touching anything else. According to Rebel Angel (reading order guide), publication order is the safest path because it avoids spoilers embedded in the prequel.

Where does The Book of Dust fit in?

The Book of Dust series acts as both a prequel and a sequel. Here’s where it lands:

4. La Belle Sauvage (2017) — set 12 years before Northern Lights
5. The Secret Commonwealth (2019) — set 7 years after The Amber Spyglass
6. The Rose Field (forthcoming, announced 2025) — continues immediately after The Secret Commonwealth

Trendforge (analysis site) notes that many guides now recommend read His Dark Materials first, then go back to La Belle Sauvage, then The Secret Commonwealth — and finally The Rose Field when it arrives. The catch: if you read La Belle Sauvage before Northern Lights, you’ll know key details about Lyra’s backstory that the trilogy intentionally keeps hidden.

The implication: the safest path is publication order — Northern Lights first, then the rest as they were released. Chronological order works only if you’re okay with spoilers.

Why are His Dark Materials controversial?

Few children’s series have sparked the kind of pushback Pullman’s work has. The controversy isn’t about violence or language — it’s about God.

What is the religious criticism?

• The trilogy portrays a repressive institution called the Magisterium, widely interpreted as an allegory for the Catholic Church
• Characters literally kill God (a senile, dying being called the Authority)
• The final book promotes a “Republic of Heaven” — the idea that morality comes from human connection, not divine command

The Guardian (major UK newspaper) reported that the Catholic League called for a boycott of The Golden Compass film, arguing the series was “atheism for kids.” Pullman responded by calling the criticism “a complete misunderstanding” in an interview with his official Q&A.

“Atheism for kids.”

— Catholic League, as reported by The Guardian

How does Pullman’s atheism influence the series?

Pullman has been explicit: the books reflect his worldview. He told The Guardian (secular humanist interview) that his target was not faith itself, but “the arrogance of religious authority.” The difference matters: the books celebrate love, curiosity, and free will — values Pullman says belong to everyone, not just atheists.

What does Philip Pullman think of JRR Tolkien?

Pullman has been blunt about his feelings toward the author of The Lord of the Rings. In a 2012 BBC News interview, he said Tolkien “seemed to think there was no moral complexity” — that orcs were simply evil and elves simply good. Pullman’s own view is that moral ambiguity is the whole point of storytelling.

“[Tolkien] seemed to think there was no moral complexity. He thought that orcs were simply evil and elves were simply good.”

— Philip Pullman, BBC News interview

Why this matters: if you’ve read Tolkien and wondered why Pullman’s books feel edgier, it’s by design. His Dark Materials doesn’t just tell a different story — it argues for a different philosophy of what stories should do.

What religion is Philip Pullman?

Pullman identifies as an atheist and a secular humanist. In a 2003 Guardian interview, he said: “I’m a secular humanist, and I think that is a proper and good way to live.” His books don’t hide this — the trilogy’s climax involves building a “Republic of Heaven” here on Earth.

Is Philip Pullman an atheist?

Yes — repeatedly and publicly. But he distinguishes between rejecting God and rejecting spirituality. Pullman has spoken warmly of what he calls “the sense of the numinous” — the feeling of awe and wonder that religion often claims for itself. He believes that feeling belongs to everyone.

Is Hugh Jackman Catholic?

Yes, Hugh Jackman is Catholic. He played Lord Asriel in the 2007 film adaptation The Golden Compass. Jackman has said in interviews that his faith didn’t conflict with the role, calling Pullman’s work “ultimately a story about love.” The film itself toned down the religious themes to avoid controversy.

“Ultimately a story about love.”

— Hugh Jackman, on Pullman’s work

The pattern: Pullman’s personal beliefs are clear — atheist, secular humanist, critic of organized religion. But readers who expected propaganda were disappointed. His books argue for humanism, not atheism.

Is the third book of Dust out yet?

Not yet — but it’s coming. The Book of Dust volume 3, titled The Rose Field, has been officially announced with a pre-order available. Penguin Random House (major global publisher) announced on 1 May 2025 that the book would be published on 23 October 2025. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) confirmed the date, describing it as “Lyra’s final book.”

What is the status of The Book of Dust volume 3?

The book is complete, announced, and available for pre-order through official channels. The official Philip Pullman official site lists the publication date as 23 October 2025. The Wikipedia entry confirms it continues immediately after The Secret Commonwealth.

What is the title?

The Rose Field. As BBC News reported, the title was announced alongside the pre-order launch. It’s the final volume in a trilogy that began with La Belle Sauvage in 2017.

“The Republic of Heaven is an idea about how we should behave towards one another, and about what we should value. It’s not a political system; it’s a way of thinking about morality.”

— Philip Pullman, official website Q&A

What this means: after nearly a decade, the Book of Dust story arc will conclude later this year. For readers waiting to start the series, the full trilogy is finally in sight.

How is Philip Pullman’s health?

Pullman has been open about health struggles that affected his writing pace. According to The Bookseller (UK publishing trade magazine), he said in 2017 that ill health had delayed his work on La Belle Sauvage, adding that he had “been ill for a number of years” but was “feeling a lot better.”

Is he still writing?

Yes — actively. The announcement of The Rose Field in 2025 confirms he’s been working. At 78 years old, Pullman continues to attend events and maintain his public presence. No major health concerns have been reported in recent years beyond the earlier delays.

Recent health updates

As the Bookseller article documents, the health issues that pushed back the Book of Dust timeline appear resolved. Pullman spoke at the 2019 launch of The Secret Commonwealth and participated in the BBC adaptation of His Dark Materials.

“I’d been ill for a number of years, but I’m feeling a lot better now.”

— Philip Pullman on health delays, The Bookseller interview

The signal is clear: Pullman is active and finishing the series.

Confirmed facts vs. unclear details about Philip Pullman

Three confirmed facts, eight open questions — here’s where the record is solid and where it’s not.

Key quotes from Philip Pullman

“I’m a secular humanist, and I think that is a proper and good way to live.”

— Philip Pullman, The Guardian interview

“[Tokien] seemed to think there was no moral complexity. He thought that orcs were simply evil and elves were simply good.”

— Philip Pullman, BBC News interview

For readers waiting to see how Lyra’s story ends, the path is now clear. Start with Northern Lights, follow through the trilogy, then pick up La Belle Sauvage and The Secret Commonwealth — with The Rose Field arriving in October 2025. For those who’ve followed Pullman for decades, the closing chapter of the Dust trilogy promises a resolution nearly 30 years in the making.

Related reading

• Trendforge (analysis site): Philip Pullman books controversies
• Rebel Angel (reading order guide): Complete Pullman reading order