- Paperback: 608 pages
- Publisher: Century; New edition edition (5 Aug 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0712679782
- ISBN-13: 978-0712679787
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,302,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Diana Gabaldon's Outlander novels have achieved deserved popularity, and this exhaustive companion volume supplies enough background information to satisfy the most dedicated fans. The focus of the series is the time-travelling relationship between an 18th-century Scotsman and a 20th-century Englishwoman. Claire Randall, once she's over the shock, is ecstatically happy with Jamie Fraser, but her 20th-century memories, which are still clear, are a mixed blessing. A doctor who has lived through two world wars, she still has the skills and knowledge of her profession, but lacks the tools. Even more disturbingly, she remembers her history lessons, which give her an apparent clairvoyance, and some of the 'memories' are worrying. This guide is divided into sections. We're given very useful synopses of the first four books, and part of The Fiery Cross, which was the work-in-progress when this book went to press. There is also an analysis of the characters and their family connections, discussions of the origin of the series, work now in progress and projected novels, an annotated bibliography and an account of Gabaldon's background and life as a writer. One of the most interesting sections is devoted to questions from readers and her replies, including the question every writer is asked: 'Where do you find your material?', to which she quotes a fellow author who claimed to 'buy it in bulk from a Sears catalogue'. This is a book to dip into rather than read straight through, though be warned - it's difficult to stop once you've started. And for all devotees of The Outlander series it's invaluable, and addictive. (Kirkus UK)
Product Description
A companion to the Scottish historical fantasy novels of Diana Gabaldon. It includes maps, illustrations, family trees, glossaries and pronunciation guides for Gaelic terms used in the books. It also contains an excerpt from the fifth novel in the series, FIERY CROSS, as well as synopses of the previous four titles.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I first heard about this book on Diana Gabaldon's website somemonths ago. Since then I've been eagerly waiting for it to publish in the UK. And even after all that build up, I'm absolutely delighted with it ... I think this book is for confirmed 'Gabaldon-a-holics' - like me - who just can't get enough of her novels and really love to know about the background to the characters, the author, the research etc etc. This book ... provides a real insight into the workings of an authors mind, as well as interesting info on all the major characters [including horoscopes for Jamie and Claire, which we're assured are genuine, but seem too accurate to be true!]. If you like the books, and can't wait for the next one to come out, you'll love this companion volume. END
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My favorite part of this book (well, actually the US version, called "The Outlandish Companion") is Ms. Gabaldon's "Methadone List". She has thoughtfully compiled a list of books that she enjoys, or that have Celtic, Scottish or British characters, as well as a touch of the occult. This has stood me very well to keep me occupied waiting for the next adventure of Claire and Jamir and company. Also much enjoyed are the book synapses, whihc are a great reference if you need to refresh your memory about one of the books and do not feel like flipping through multiple thousand-paged tomes finding a plot twist!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book fills a gap between 'Drums of Autumn'and the longed for next book in Diana Gabladon series about Jamie & Claire Fraser, 18th century Scotland, the Stones, the New World and an awful lot more. Full of the trivia that we 'obsessed' fans crave, such as Geillis' magic, 'alternative' medicine, genealogies and a guide to gaelic grammar! There is a section on such frequently asked questions as 'Will we see Young Ian again?' The author's wit, attention to detail and marvellous research comes through in this book (as I feel it does in all the books in the series). There are lots of tips about writing a novel, humourous and serious, internet connections and a detailed bibliography for anyone who wishes to explore further. This book is like a reference book on the series so far. I 'dip' in and out and would not be without it. 'Must have' for the converted and maybe a crash course for the uninitiated to see what they are missing.
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