It occurred to me that as this blog grew and expanded and some of the posts became longer and longer, perhaps a nice friendly index of sorts would be in order. It seemed like a Dusty thing to do, and I will add it to the relevant links portion on the homepage so it will be immediately accessible. The blog archive is of course also available on the sidebar, but this adds more specific information. And keep in mind I was a librarian for years, and that need and appreciation for literary order and indexing doesn't just go away.
Hopefully it will help make navigating these maiden voyages into the waters of the Pullmanverse a little easier, and point to any specific areas of interest any roving Pullman Studies majors might have. I plan on adding every individual post to it if I can remember, so it's not going to be a static thing. I want to be - if not the best Jordan Scholar I can be - certainly the best Pullman one.
I'll also mention that certain titles will repeat with alternating subtitles, such as "My Jordan Library," documenting my growing Pullman collection, or "Readings in the Republic," regarding what current relevant books I may be perusing, or "Citizens of the Republic," highlighting certain people who have or are now making vast contributions to a Republic of Heaven lifestyle.
Perhaps one of these days I can add some kind of virtual Retiring Room, complete with a lantern projector and photograms and decanters of Tokay, and even some smokeleaf and poppy for everyone to enjoy. As they say, the latter clarifies the mind, stimulates the tongue, and makes for rich conversation, but hopefully this blog provides much the same experience online!
Welcome to the Republic - Published on 10/12/20 - The very first post providing an introduction to not only this blog, but also the worlds of Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials, The Book of Dust, and what exactly this Republic of Heaven stuff is all about.
My Jordan Library - Published on 10/16/20 - My own little version of Bodley's Library, as I share some facts about myself, but specifically all the HDM and TBoD related books and novels I love to collect. Considerably more editions have found their way into my hands, and I will try to keep things updated throughout. Hopefully my book photography skills will also improve.
Sincerely Serpentine - Published on 10/22/20 - My review of Serpentine, the quaint little novella that was published last year. It chronicles Lyra's return to Trollesund, as well as some drama developing between her and Pantalamion. This was my first time attempting to write anything scholarly about the Materials, so bear with me. No Svalbard pun intended.
Northern Lights Online Event - Published on 10/22/20 - Easily the least relevant post thus far. This was my announcement regarding a special live event featuring Pullman and others to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Northern Lights. Most notable here is the release of the Illustrated Edition, which will soon be available in the U.S. Said event is obviously over, though I do cover it later.
Trailers and Featurettes and Subtle Knives - Published on 10/27/20 - A first look and some talk regarding season two of the HBO His Dark Materials series.
On First Looking Into Pullman's Materials - Published on 10/28/20 - This is a not-so-subtle nod to Keats' "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer." Just as Keats beautifully outlined his own feelings upon first reading a translation of Homer, I frame my own readings of His Dark Materials, as well as the profound impact they have had on me. Literary and otherwise. I'm proud of this one, as it also begins to delve heavily into the poetic scaffolding this enterprise is built around.
Poe, Pullman, and Poetics - Published on 10/31/20 - Ending a very prolific first month here at BtR, this commemorates a certain edition of Edgar Allan Poe I secured that features a wonderful introduction by Pullman himself. It seemed relevant for Halloween, and it also continues to explore the more poetic approaches to life.
My Jordan Library: Subtle Scores - Published on 11/6/20 - A short but sweet post chronicling not only my acquisition of the deluxe tenth anniversary edition of The Subtle Knife, but also my long lost movie Lyra-themed bookmark.
My Thoughts on the Evening with Philip Pullman Event - Published on 11/7/20 - Just a recap of what the online event was like, as it featured not only Philip Pullman but also others such as his longtime publisher, as well as people who are working on the HBO series.
A Boy, a Canoe, and Eternity's Sunrise - Published on 11/13/20 - A post that I harbor a certain fondness for, as it explores some of the symbolism of La Belle Sauvage, specifically as seen through the lens of William Blake and his visionary experiences. This is the sort of thing I plan to write a lot of in the future, not the least of which in any upcoming scholarly books.
Into This Wild Abyss (Of Speculation) - Published on 12/3/20 - One of my two longest posts, but by far one of my most popular. This is an admittedly detailed look at what may or may not happen in the third and final installment of The Book of Dust, as thoroughly explored through Pullman's philosophy of fiction and literature.
Philip Pullman, Michael Sheen, and a Great Conversation - Published on 12/10/20 - A short and simple post regarding an interview on YouTube with Philip Pullman and the performer who worked on The Book of Dust audio versions. Informative and entertaining.
Readings in the Republic - Published on 12/15/20 - My first in a series of articles detailing books I am reading that I have found to be very complimentary to Pullman Studies, normally of a poetic nature. This not only centers on William Blake and John Milton, but also contemporary thinkers that Pullman has noted or recommended, such as Philip Goff or Iain McGilchrist. It also highlights the importance of tracking a trail of inspiration from the writers who inspired you, all the way to the writers who inspired them.
The Golden Compass Illustrated Edition - Published on 1/11/20 - Starting out the new year with a post announcing the release of the first His Dark Materials novel to receive an illustrated edition, as well as a handy link to pre-order it. Here's hoping The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass will eventually receive similar treatment.
The Golden Compass 2007 Retrospective - Published on 1/12/21 - My other longest post beside "Into This Wild Abyss," and yes, also easily my second most popular. This is something I have been meaning to do for awhile, in one context or another. This inches toward being a rather definitive discussion of The Golden Compass film by New Line Cinema, documenting everything from the cast to the director to the screenwriting to the reviews to the soundtrack to the video game to its eventual cinematic fate. I am reasonably proud of this one too, and a lot of people seem to have genuinely enjoyed this look back at what was, and what might have been ...
Pan and the Alethiometer - Published on 1/18/21 - Simply a wonderful image I found that features everyone's favorite daemon and alethiometer and just had to share. The artist was hard to track down, but apparently Andrew Ferez is the one, and his picture is painted with a stunning vibrancy.
My Jordan Library: Film Edition - Published on 1/21/21 - Hopefully a fun one. The "My Jordan Library" series continues, only this time, I'm sharing the few artifacts I've managed to secure from the 2007 Golden Compass film. This includes a poster, bookmarks, a tie-in book, as well as a full-on review of the Blu-Ray special edition.
"Appareled in Celestial Light" - Published on 2/5/21 - This features a stunning video clip of the real world aurora borealis, as well as a substantial quote from Northern Lights itself that beautifully captures the phenomenon in prose. This is followed by a few paragraphs where I once again try to wax lyrical regarding poetry and nature and Romanticism, and draw an honestly pretty neat parallel between Coleridge's "Eolian Harp" poem and the alethiometer.
Lyra & Will: A Poetic Tribute - Published on 2/13/21 - Actually it was published right after midnight on Valentine's, because how could someone's thoughts not to turn HDM's power couple on that day? Featuring very appropriate poetry from the likes of Poe, Keats, Blake, and Byron, as well as a certain bench in the Botanic Gardens at Oxford.
My Jordan Library: Unpacking His Dark Materials - Published on 2/21/21 - Another foray into my Pullman collection, this time featuring the deluxe tenth anniversary edition of The Amber Spyglass and, most importantly, my illustrated edition of Northern Lights, courtesy of Amazon UK. The standout here is my breaking out an old projecting lantern and actually posting the video on YouTube for your viewing enjoyment.
Readings in the Republic: Bargain Book Edition - Published on 3/3/21 - Nothing too special, just my second in this particular series documenting any additional material I'm reading that I deem closely tied to this whole Republic of Heaven endeavor. In this case a collection of books scoured from the bargain section at Books-A-Million featuring naked eye astronomy, an intro the I Ching, and of course, more poetry.
The Coolest T-Shirts in the Many Worlds - Published on 3/11/21 - A chronicle of my first purchase on Red Bubble, a novelty website which is overflowing with awesome His Dark Materials merch - so if you're in the market for an alethiometer clock or an Iorek throw pillow or a Cittagazze hoodie, this is the place for you. Links and recommendations provided, starting with ones for my Jordan College Alumni t-shirt!
"He took the Golden Compasses" - Published on 3/15/21 - A little Milton quote to kick us off, as I talk about an illustration of the alethiometer I found in a tie-in book, as originally designed by Pullman for the stage production of His Dark Materials.
Everyone has their Daemons - Published on 3/24/21 - In which I introduce everyone to Anthora, the daemon I scored on the very old Golden Compass film website over a decade ago. As now existing in stuffed animal form.
The Great Project - Published on 4/8/21 - Referencing an old quote from Pullman about the nature of Dust. In this case, specifically how we can adopt it as a metaphor through which to see the bigger world, as well as engage with it in the "great project" of keeping the universe alive and conscious ....
Taking Center Stage - Published on 4/17/21 - Information on the new date for the stage adaptation of La Belle Sauvage in London this holiday season.
InstaDust - Published on 4/29/21 - A brief suggestion to go follow the duchessofcornwallsreadingroom on Instagram, as she is currently exploring The Secret Commonwealth.
The Subtle Knife: Illustrated Edition - Published on 5/14/21 - A notice regarding Christopher Wormell and a preview regarding some of his work on TSK illustrated version.
New Philip Pullman Interview! - Published on 5/29/21 - A video interview between Pullman and Charles Rosen on children's literature and The Book of Dust and lots besides, now available on Vimeo.
BBC HDM Special - Published on 6/21/2021 - A linked YouTube video that hails all the way back from 2001 on the BBC ...
Epigrams and Anniversaries - Published on 7/10/21 - My announcement that not only have I finally started official work on my own scholarly HDM book, but that it unknowingly connected perfectly to the 26th anniversary of the publication of Northern Lights.
My Jordan Library: Northern Lights Edition - Published on 08/17/21 - A look at my collection of Northern Lights and Golden Compass books, complete with dramatic northern backdrop.
Philip Pullman Meets Iain McGilchrist - Published on 10/9/21 - Links to potentially the most exciting event in the Pullmanverse this year!
The Pullman and McGilchrist Event is Now Available - Published on 11/29/21 - A link to the published discussion between these two great poetic minds.
The Golden Compass Character Posters - Published on 12/21/21 - A little series of posters featuring all the prominent actors in the Golden Compass movie.
Of Portraits and Daemons - Published on 12/25/21 - A look at the da Vinci portrait that helped inspire and solidify the relationship of humans and daemons in His Dark Materials.
The Illustrated Lyra's Oxford: Review and Analysis - Published on 1/3/22 - A review and philosophical look at Pullman's first HDM novella. And birds. Lots of birds.
Readings in the Republic: Alethiometers and Neuroscience - Published on 1/15/22 - A recommendation of the works of Tweedy and McGilchrist and how their work in brain science directly relates to HDM.
The World of The Golden Compass and a Very Dusty Quote - Published on 2/13/22 - Information about an older compilation of essays about His Dark Materials.
New Release: The Imagination Chamber - Published on 2/26/22 - Information regarding the upcoming companion book to His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust.
His Graphic Materials - Published on 4/6/22 - My review of the first two graphic novel editions of His Dark Materials.
To Be Continued ....
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