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.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

has lived most of his adult life in or near Oxford. He was a teacher for a while, but for the last thirty years or so has been a full-time novelist. His trilogy His Dark Materials was completed in 2000, and he’s now at work on The Book of Dust, another three-volume story. Pullman has long been interested in folk and fairy tales; his version of some of the Grimm Tales was published in 2012. He lives near Oxford with his wife and dogs, too far away from their two sons and four grandchildren.

ABOUT THE LECTURE SERIES

The Ann McPherson Memorial Lectures celebrate the late Dr Ann McPherson, Green Templeton College Fellow. Philip’s focus on storytelling in the lecture this year is particularly fitting as it is 20 years since the founding of the Dipex Charity in March 2001. Ann was the driving force behind establishing Dipex and the patient experience research published on the healthtalk website. The site supports millions of people each year by sharing real people’s health stories. Philip’s talk speaks directly to these patient stories.

The Ann McPherson Tribute Fund is a celebration of Ann’s life and work and benefits a number of projects she initiated and supported, as well as the Ann McPherson Memorial Lectures. In 2021, there will be a focus on supporting the Dipex Charity and the ongoing lecture series. Details on how to donate to the Tribute Fund.