Philip Pullman will discuss the place that storytelling has in our lives, with particular reference to the work done by Ann McPherson and others in paying proper attention to the stories and experiences of patients. What is the function of storytelling? Is it essential, or is it trivial? How can we help it happen, and understand what’s going on when it does? He will be looking at fictional stories (stories about storytelling) as well as depending on his own experience as a storyteller.