This autumn, Philip Pullman will provide a selection of forty books that have interested and influenced him the most. Launched this year by acclaimed novelist Sebastian Faulks, Waterstone’s Writer’s Table gives the chosen writer free rein to select any book in print in the UK for their collection. With Pullman’s handwritten thoughts accompanying each title, the books will be on display in selected Waterstone’s and Waterstones.com from September 4th.
Read the full story at booktrade.info.
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Philip Pullman writes in the ‘Review’ section of today’s Guardian newspaper about the impending categorisation of children’s books which we wrote about a few days ago. Pullman describes how he felt when he was first informed of this developement, and his disappointment at discovering that not all authors have had the opportunity to opt out. At Aidan Chambers suggestion, Pullman, Anne Fine and Adèle Geras have started a statement of disavowal, which can be found at notoagebanding.org. To read more click here.
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The Birmingham Repertory Theatre is to stage the His Dark Materials stage play next year (2009) according to the Birmingham Post. The play which will have a respectable run of four weeks between March 13th and April 11th next year, will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh. She is quoted as saying “We are one of the few theatres that can revisit these really large-scale projects … It gives us a chance to really use our large stage.” Nicholas Wright and Philip Pullman are both said to pleased at the opportunity to revisit the play on a larger scale. Tickets can be booked already through the theatre’s website (where you can also see further details about prices and timings) here. Read more about it here.
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From the autumn, leading publishers plan to introduce labelling to the covers of all children’s books indicating whether they’re intended for ages 5+, 7+, 9+, 11+ or 13+/teen. Outraged at the move, Philip Pullman is leading a group of over 80 authors, illustrators, librarians, teachers and booksellers who have joined together in protest. Pullman writes:
I don’t want to see the book itself declaring officially, as if with my approval, that it is for readers of 11 and upwards or whatever. I write books for whoever is interested. When I write a book I don’t have an age group in mind.
Pullman himself will not be subject to this simplistic classification as his publishers (Scholastic) have agreed with his wishes to omit it. Read the telegraph article here.
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The website of the British Humanist Association features a number of videos by Philip Pullman in its educational section discussing amongst other things The importance of human nature ‘What do we mean by behaving well?’, ‘Humanists and the Golden Rule’, ‘War – is it ever right to use violence?’, ‘Wealth – should I pay taxes?’, ‘Where do humanists find meaning and purpose in life?’ and discussion about the Bible, Koran and other works. They’re very interesting and definitely worth a watch. Click here for the videos. Thanks to Laurie Frost for the tip.
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