Greetings Shadow Chasers and Dust Makers.
As noted last time, Eventbrite hosted a wonderful hour long discussion between Philip Pullman and Iain McGilchrist to promote the release of the latter's new book, The Matter with Things. This is an epic tome, though one that can be explored at a leisurely pace, with a focus on whatever interests you. It is available for Kindle as an e-book here, and as a hardcover at the Book Depository here.
My only real complaint about the discussion is that it, indeed, only lasted an hour. As the host consistently commented, any area of conversation touched upon could have easily led to a few hours of fascinating commentary. I have been waiting for a very long time for these two poetic souls to come together and spark ideas and inspiration off each other, as both have delivered beautiful addresses to the Blake Society.
This talk mostly highlights McGilchrist's revolutionary work on the brain hemispheres, with a little dovetailing into Pullman's novels. As I knew they would, the two meet in the middle as McGilchrist's ideas on the right hemisphere is so eloquently brought to life throughout Pullman's prose. These are two generous, insightful, passionate, inspired, luminous talkers, and if anyone is interested in one or the other's work, please check this out.
(I should also mention that I personally would have loved to hear McGilchrist talk specifically about Pullman's work, if he is indeed familiar with it, but alas.)
Thanks to the How To Academy for making this available on YouTube.
#HisDarkMaterials #TheBookOfDust #PhilipPullman
