But the thing is, said Horley, they didnt know each other at all. Never heard of each other. It wasnt about the makers. Only about the works.

On a dark winters night in 1970, Horley and Grinstead huddle for warmth in the Senior Common Room of a college in Oxford. Conversation turns to the two impressive works of art that Horley has recently added to his collection. What the two men dont know is that these pieces are connected in mysterious and improbable ways; and they are about to be caught in the cross-fire of a story which has travelled time and worlds.

AHis Dark Materialsstory.

Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullmans epic fantasy trilogyHis Dark Materialshas been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford.

A brand-new His Dark Materials story which delves into the past of Mrs Coulter . . .