OXFORD author Philip Pullman today played down claims he would need special security when he gives a talk on his controversial new book about Jesus.

The author of the best-selling His Dark Materials trilogy has written The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, which is being launched at the Oxford Literary Festival on Sunday.

In the book, Mr Pullman writes a man called Jesus lived 2,000 years ago, and suggests that Paul transformed his story into the version now known in the New Testament.

Earlier this month, the 63-year-old revealed he had received a number of letters saying that he would be “burnt in hell for eternity”.

But yesterday he said: “I have received some letters about the new book, but I have been receiving letters like this for donkey’s years.”

The Daily Telegraph claimed there would be special security provided for Mr Pullman’s talk at the Sheldonian Theatre, but when asked about the claim, he said: “I hope not, and if that is what is being planned then it is news to me.”

Oxford Literary Festival spokesman Leslee Holderness refused to discuss security arrangements.