Through the Stones: A Companion Guide to the Novels of Diana Gabaldon (Hardcover)

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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
"Through The Stones" is an illustrated companion and guide to the author's popular series of Scottish, historical fantasies, chronicling the adventures of Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser. The text features maps, illustrations of Highland weaponary, jewelry and buildings, as well as family trees of the Frasers, Randalls and MacKenzies, glossaries and pronunciation guides to the Gaelic, and other non English terms in the books, and detailed synopses of the four novels. In addition, this companion volume includes a section containing the anwers to the questions most frequently asked by readers (eg "Is there another novel in the series?" and "Who killed Jack Randall?") and a number of essays by the author on the origins, and backgrounds of the fictional and historical characters, medicine and magic in the 18th century, the art and science of researching historical fiction and how to cure impotence by rubbing the male parts with a diamond! Also included are an annotated bibliography, appendices on learning Gaelic, genealogical research, Celtic discography and excerpts from the next book in the series, "The Fiery Cross".

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4 Reviews 5 star:  (4) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews   22 of 23 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Unmissable if you're a die-hard Gabaldon fan, 19 Aug 1999 By A Customer 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 Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)   20 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-HAVE for any Gabaldon Fan!, 7 Mar 2000 By  Carolyn McKenzie "Read-a-holic" (Wauwatosa, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    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! Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)   18 of 19 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must have' for followers of Jamie and Claire, 10 Aug 1999 By A Customer 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. Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this) Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review › See all 4 customer reviews...		Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars buy the american version ~ it's cheaper Through the stones, is currently only available on amazon from the marketplace, and in my opinion far too expensive, Buy "The Outlandish Companion" as the same book, but with the... Read more Published 4 months ago by L. mckay Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews › See all 4 customer reviews...

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