Published by Scholastic, London; 2001. 8vo. 1016pp. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Fine. Signed by the illustrator to the half-title.
First edition of the three books published in one. This book is in exceptional condition. Bound in original black cloth binding, with title in gilt to the spine. The binding is square and tight, and in immaculate condition. Inside, the pages are beautifully clean and bright, free from blemishes and damage, and the book appears unread. The book is signed and stamped by the jacket illustrator to the half-title page.
This stunning book is housed in its equally smart, first issue dust jacket. It is also in excellent condition, unclipped and free from marks or damage. It is housed in a plastic sleeve for protection.
In all, this is a beautiful example of this first edition; it is a rare and unique find in exceptional, collectible condition. It is a must-have for any collector of modern classic children's firsts. Pullman began writing 'His Dark Materials' trilogy in 1993, releasing 'Northern Lights', the first instalment, in 1995. It won both the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. 'The Amber Spyglass' won the Whitbread Book of the Year in 2001. In 2003, the BBC's The Big Read poll ranked it at number 3. Following the success of the three instalments, they were published in this single volume in 2001. 'Northern Lights' was translated to the big screen in 2007 as 'The Golden Compass', and the BBC broadcast a tv series based on the trilogy from 2019 and 2023.
The trilogy is marketed for young adults, although Pullman has stated he did not write it with a specific audience in mind. The fantasy series is critically acclaimed and functions in part as a retelling and inversion of John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', with Pullman commending humanity for original sin, which Milton perceived as its most tragic failing. There was some controversy over the trilogy and its criticism of religion, but in spite of that, by 2024 more than 22 million copies have been sold in 50 different countries, and it has been translated into 40 different languages. This single volume first edition is truly a rare find to be treasured by any collector, made particularly special for being signed and stamped by the jacket illustrator to the ffep.