Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass has been changing worlds for twenty years, and this stunning new slipcased hardcover edition has been created to celebrate the anniversary. Fans, collectors, and new readers alike will appreciate this beautiful book. Newly created for this edition: a conversation between Philip Pullman and Lev Grossman, author of the Magicians trilogy, that covers the scope and tradition of fantasy literature, Pullman's influences, and the impact that the entire His Dark Materials series has had since publication. There will also be a letter from Philip Pullman to fans, marking the anniversary.The Golden Compass tells the story of Lyra Belacqua.Lyra is rushing to the cold, far North, where witch clans and armored bears rule. North, where the Gobblers take the children they steal--including her friend Roger. North, where her fearsome uncle Asriel is trying to build a bridge to a parallel world.Can one small girl make a difference in such great and terrible endeavors? This is Lyra: a savage, a schemer, a liar, and as fierce and true a champion as Roger or Asriel could want.But what Lyra doesn't know is that to help one of them will be to betray the other. . . . "Very grand indeed." --The New York Times“The most magnificent fantasy series since The Lord of the Rings.” --The Oregonian"Breathtaking...a glittering gem." --Publishers Weekly, Starred"Superb...all-stops-out thrilling." --The Washington Post"Marvelous...the writing is elegant and challenging." --The New Yorker"The Golden Compass is one of the best fantasy /adventure stories that I have read. This is a book no one should miss." --Terry Brooks