Perfect for readers of the bestselling Outlander novels—and don’t miss The Outlandish Companion Volume Two!#1 New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon has captivated millions of readers with her critically acclaimed Outlander novels, the inspiration for the Starz original series. From the moment Claire Randall stepped through a standing stone circle and was thrown back in time to the year … and was thrown back in time to the year 1743—and into a world that threatens life, limb, loyalty, heart, soul, and everything else Claire has—readers have been hungry to know everything about this world and its inhabitants, particularly a Scottish soldier named Jamie Fraser.
In this beautifully illustrated compendium of all things Outlandish, Gabaldon covers the first four novels of the main series, including:
• full synopses of Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn
• a complete listing of the characters (fictional and historical) in the first four novels in the series, as well as family trees and genealogical notes
• a comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide to Gaelic terms and usage
• The Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel, explained
• frequently asked questions to the author and her (sometimes surprising) answers
• an annotated bibliography
• essays about medicine and magic in the eighteenth century, researching historical fiction, creating characters, and more
• professionally cast horoscopes for Jamie and Claire
• the making of the TV series: how we got there from here, and what happened next (including “My Brief Career as a TV Actor”)
• behind-the-scenes photos from the Outlander TV series set
For anyone who wants to spend more time with the Outlander characters and the world they inhabit, Diana Gabaldon here opens a door through the standing stones and offers a guided tour of what lies within.
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this book is added background for the Outlander Series I would of loved to have had it when first reading the series. But I did have it when I reread the books and referred to it often.
For Gabaldon fans this is a handy reference tool. Not really a sit down and read book but useful for keeping track of her billions of pages of characters.
Love the book
Very helpful for filling in details to more fully understand the “Outlander” series.
Well! I’m not quite sure about reviewing a Companion or ‘guide’ to a series, but I’ll give it my best shot.
This particular book is a companion guide to the first four books in the Outlander series (Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums in Autumn). I really enjoyed it because I have read well passed this point by reading the the next three books so it was like a good way to review what I’ve read while providing additional insights into the reads. What I particularly enjoyed was Diana’s voice that personalized much of the book.
The prologue of how she came to be a writer was worth the cost of the book alone. Diana’s wit, even when just in explanation, had me laughing.
But it was followed by some nice in depth synopses of each book, fun character breakdowns and even Claire and Jamie’s horoscope birthdate readings.
Then came those handy genealogical charts that I find handy to explain some of the family discussions in the books.
I sort of skimmed the pronunciation guides, but they are also there and handy for reference purposes.
Then came a list of fan websites which I will be visiting yes siree.
These were followed by some explanations about her research.
Next came the intriguing explanations of how she named the books. What a hoot! She had me laughing again.
The Lallybroch section was a nice collage of quotes from the books regarding various people, places and things of value in the books.
This quote section is followed up by a very informative Q&A chapter. I loved this because there were a few questions asked that I didn’t even think about that I realized I wanted to know the answer too. My big ones were answered- Who or what is the ghost in the beginning of Outlander? And who and what is Raymond from Dragonfly in Amber? It was bugging me for some time after I read them. I can gloatingly say that most of the questions I would not have needed to ask. I was just so into the books that each detail was important to me.
The section on Controversy was interesting for two reasons. She tackled customer complaints basically. I found it interesting what upset people about the books, but I also enjoyed reading her responses because I learned even more background stuff about the historical period and the characters. I know- you’re curious about what the controversies are. Well there was- bad language, sex, wife beating, homosexuality and eating disorders though there might have been more.
And if you haven’t got around to Fiery Cross or what was then called King, Farewell then there are snippets from those stories.
These are followed by research and further reading stuff for those who want to go more in depth into things like Scotland, medicine, magic and Native American history.
Also, I should mention that there are two good maps of the Outlander World in the cover leafs and another map inside the book. There are also several wonderful graphics scattered through out the guide both pictures and illustrated drawings that have something to do with the pages they are on. Very nice!
Like the Outlander series books, this is a nice hefty tome, but also like the books, it is so easy to get caught up in Diana’s voice, explanations and witticisms that before I knew it I was reading it with pure enjoyment. No, there are no earth shattering revelations; it was more a reminder of how far we have come. It was so enjoyable that I hope she does a second companion covering the next four books.
Recommend for the Outlander fan!
Loved every word
Great overviews of 4 of Gabaldon’s Outlander books, plus a great deal of information on characters, Gaelic language and other interesting Scottish tidbits!
Essential guide to the complex world and characters of the Outlander series! Filled with interesting side notes and diversions.
An essential companion for comprehensive reading of the Outlander Series
Another facet that enriched the Outlander Saga. Worth the read!
I often refer to this book when I want info about Ms Gabadon’s research or basis for story lines
Diana Galbadon is an outstanding author! I would read anything she writes.
This book has a lot of information about the books in the series as well as the characters and back stories. It’s a go-to if you can’t remember something and don’t want to read the whole series again to figure out where and when something or someone was. Kind of a refresher. It’s a reference book.
a Must~Have if one is reading any books from The Outlander Series, or the Series, for certain!
Ms. Gabaldon’s novels are so intricate her readers need a separate volume to help them understand the web of her writing. This is especially useful if you have lost track of the significance of a character or event. It is not a novel; rather, it is a collection of explanations and descriptions best kept at one’s elbow while reading any of her novels. This is the first of two Companion books which are at least as large as any of her novels. It seems daunting but is actually quite useful.
Wonderful reference book to remind the readers of details they might have forgotten.
The Outlander world is multi-faceted and this book fills in whatever blanks you might have within the Outlander 8+ book experience. Everything Diana writes is magical.
All of the Gabaldon books are amazing and easy to read – can’t wait to read the next one in the series every time!
I love her series of outlander. I’m a hug fan. The characters really come to life. Can’t wait to see what comes next
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