Published from 1995 to 2000, Pullman’s best-sellingHis Dark Materialstrilogy was part fantasy, part coming-of-age saga.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What made this the right time to return to the world ofHis Dark Materials?

What did you feel compelled to write about that you hadn’t really touched on in the existing trilogy?

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Credit: Michael Leckie; Random House

This new trilogy has an interesting timeline.

But other things were still lying in the ground, waiting to germinate.

So I callThe Book of Dustan “equel.”

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Random House

The original trilogy touches upon science, philosophy, and religion.

My guide in these matters has always been the English poet and painter William Blake.

The Book of Dustwill be available in bookstores on Oct. 19.

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Random House

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Random House