I have just concluded the POA Chronicles and have enjoyed very much the diversity of the book - which covers the original movie- cycle, the off-spring TV series, and various publications which have been later introduced.
Particularly interesting, were the interviews (Pieree Boulle, the various Producers, Directors, etc.) and the original movie reviews - retrieved while the POA phenomenon was at it's zenith -in the early 1970's. Also provided is a good breakdown on the Apes TV Series, Cartoon Series, and a (detailed) pulp fiction POA industry which has intermitently resulted.
One element the book lacked - was a pre-1963 study (which could perhaps be corrected in future printings), covering the literary background on idea/originator/author Pierre Boulle. Not so much with the emphasis on his previous works (Bridge on the River Kwai, etc...), but concerning his literary colleagues, and enviromental influences (WWII participation) - which may have influenced his original 1963 thesis/idea. For example, Aldous Huxley wrote Ape and Essence in 1948 - concerning a post-nuclear vision, where enlightened apes initially anhiliate the world - before humans re-evolutionize?. It is therefore quite conceivable, Boulle was familiar and influenced by this 1948 work - yet nothing is mentioned. The concluding chapter in Huxley's work also introduces a Forbidden Zone where humans can escape - to a more liberal/tolerant natural enviroment. The Chronicles however, commences from 1963 - onwards, including the most recent 2001 film. The interviews and outtakes of Boulles original ideas though, are terrific.
Since all of life/creation is ultimately inter-related - and the Arts is included here-within, it appears the gensis of Boulles 1963 idea/concept may not have originated in France - circa. 1963, but may have resulted following a post-WWII (and P.O.W.) contemplation - combined possibly with Aldous Huxley's purported influence. But if the reader is just interested in the resulting media industry/contribution/hype post-1963, then it's all found here - within Paul A. Woods very well researched Hollywood phenomenon. (RobertKirk-CPC)