What is the original UK title of the first book in Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials'?

The original UK title of the first “His Dark Materials” book is Northern Lights. Philip Pullman’s fantasy novel was published in Britain in 1995 and follows Lyra Belacqua as she travels north while searching for her missing friend Roger and investigating the mysterious substance called Dust.

The book was published as The Golden Compass in North America. The change was made by the American publisher, which preferred a title connected to the alethiometer, a compass-like device central to the story. “Northern Lights” remains the British and Australian title.

Northern Lights begins the trilogy, followed by The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. Its setting includes parallel universes, theocratic authority, armoured bears, and animal companions known as dæmons, which represent an important part of the story’s mythology.

The title difference explains why readers may give The Golden Compass as an answer. That is a legitimate alternate publishing title, but it is not the original UK title requested here. The novel won Britain’s Carnegie Medal in 1995.