Helpful Score: 5
I was rather disappointed in this companion book. After reading J.R. Ward's Blackdagger Brotherhood Insiders Guide, I kinda expected this companion to be similar with inside insight into the characters and little tidbits of information not presented in the books. It read more like a dictionary. There are synopses of each book (through book 4 [book:Drums of Autumn|10988]). She actually broke down each novel into roughly 15 pages or so. No insight just straight text giving the highlights of each novel. I expected more information here.
The chapter on characters was rather interesting but again no new information except the horoscope charts for Jamie and Claire which I were impressive but irrelevant IMHO. Sections on Family Trees, glossary/pronunciation guides and websites/online venues, I found pointless and a waste of space (I did not read but quickly skimmed). The chapter on Lallybroch was interesting but again nothing new just bits and pieces pulled from each of the four novels. The frequently asked question section was really interesting. The nerve of some people (readers) is absolutely amazing. Then there are 100 pages of bibliographies - boring and other than an historian, who would read these pages?
Regardless of the amount of work that went into this publication by Diana Gabaldon, definitely not worth the $40 price ticket.
The chapter on characters was rather interesting but again no new information except the horoscope charts for Jamie and Claire which I were impressive but irrelevant IMHO. Sections on Family Trees, glossary/pronunciation guides and websites/online venues, I found pointless and a waste of space (I did not read but quickly skimmed). The chapter on Lallybroch was interesting but again nothing new just bits and pieces pulled from each of the four novels. The frequently asked question section was really interesting. The nerve of some people (readers) is absolutely amazing. Then there are 100 pages of bibliographies - boring and other than an historian, who would read these pages?
Regardless of the amount of work that went into this publication by Diana Gabaldon, definitely not worth the $40 price ticket.
I adore this book! It illuminates the entire Outlander series-- all of its characters, backstories, synopses, time travel theories, and personal anecdotes by the author. In addition, it is a beautiful book. It contains wonderful pen and ink drawings, quirky little sketches, and many black and white photos of relevant buildings, landscapes, and items.
I would not recommend for the "casual" reader, but for anyone who wants to be immersed in Outlander lore.
I would not recommend for the "casual" reader, but for anyone who wants to be immersed in Outlander lore.
Helpful Score: 4
This covers much of the extensive Scottish and European background of the enduring saga of Jamie and Claire Fraser, but only goes through the first four books, leaving out much of the material Ms. Gabaldon used to make life in the Americas so very convincing in The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I for one hopes that she will eventually add a second volume to this one...
Helpful Score: 3
Just so everyone knows, according to the latest update 2/2009 on the official Diana Gabaldon's website:http://www.dianagabaldon.com/:
"The Outlandish Companion...there is NO paperback edition of this book; its NEVER been printed in anything other than the hardcover edition."
"The Outlandish Companion...there is NO paperback edition of this book; its NEVER been printed in anything other than the hardcover edition."
