FANS gathered at midnight at Waterstones in Oxford to get their hands on the first copies for sale of Sir Philip Pullman’s new novel.
The Secret Commonwealth is the second instalment of The Book of Dust, which follows His Dark Materials.
Staff at the Waterstones branch in Broad Street also opened an hour early yesterday to sell copies.
Bookseller Juanine Barreiro said: “We have been very busy - it’s our bestseller right now and I’m sure it will be for quite a while.
“Some customers pre-ordered copies while others just bought them on the day - it’s been a constant flow.”
READ AGAIN: Philip Pullman's talk at Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford
Copies of the novel have also been selling well at Blackwell’s in Broad Street.
Staff are hosting a talk the author is giving at the Sheldonian Theatre on Sunday at 5.30pm.
READ AGAIN: His Dark Materials moves closer as trailer comes out
An adaptation of His Dark Materials will start on BBC1 on November 3.
Deputy manager of Blackwell's Broad Street Zool Verjee said: "'We are over the moon to be hosting an event with Philip Pullman on Sunday at the Sheldonian Theatre for the book that everyone is talking about right now - and will be for some time - The Secret Commonwealth.
"A new book by Pullman is not so much a new book but a publishing phenomenon and we're honoured to be playing a part in it.
"And everyone who buys the book here at Blackwell's (a special indie bookshops edition no less!) will also receive a beautiful themed tote bag and notebook, while stocks last!"
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