That's what I expected!).
How is the new OUTLANDISH COMPANION different from the original edition? I liked FINALLY knowing how to pronounce those Gailic words but WHY oh WHY didn't she have the Foreign Language Glossary in alphabetical order?
Would you like an autographed copy? Not only are there detailed summaries of the first books in this remarkable series, the author also has different chapters on where she got her ideas for the characters, her thought process on writing, information about herbal cures, a list of music that would bring Scotland to mind, frequently asked questions, Jamie and Claire's horoscopes, a listing of other books to read once this series reading has been exhausted aIf you are new to the Outlander universe, this is a gem of a book to pick up. It was written after "Drums of Autumn" (the fourth book in the series).
It contains a section at the end about the production of the TV series from the sale of the option for the story several times throughout the years to the start of filming in 2014. It was amusing to see her write about being an author in the early days of the internet, and about her plans for the series when there were only a few books published, and to see how those plans have changed. Merci beaucoup, mon amie.
From the moment Claire Randall stepped through a standing stone circle 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: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. What a PITA to look up anything.I love love LOVE the Outlander series, so of course had to have this book. I wanted to tell not the story of courtship, but the story of marriage.”“But the future reaches out to us, as does the past, and all times are the present.”
A reader who has never laid eyes on Diana Gabaldon's series will no doubt find interest in the sections that delve into her writing technique and research, past career in academia, and the sprinkling of folk lore. The part that I enjoyed the most was a collection of letters the author received from readers, some with questions, some with complaints, a lot of them outrageous, and her own responses to these letters. Not only are there detailed summaries of the first books in this remarkable series, the author also has different chapters on where she got her ideas for the characters, her thought process on writing, information about herbal cures, a list of music that would bring Scotland to mind, frequently asked questions, Jamie and Claire's horoscopes, a listing of other books to read once this series reading has been exhausted and many other interesting tidbits.I'm kicking myself for not reading this sooner. The Outlandish Companion, Vol. I've skimmed a few other similar "companion" books, but found that they were much better used as a tool to refer back to - not something to curl up with and read just for pleasure. You may order this book signed by me from the Poisoned Pen bookstore (listed in the hardcover pull-down menu at left). It gives a synopsis of the first several books, and then delves into some of the "why" questions for character development. The part that I enjoyed the most was a collection of letters the author received from readers, some with questions, some with complaints, a lot of them outrageous, and her own responses to these letters.
But yes, if you are a reader like me, reading this books over a long stretch of time and having problems remembering who is who, then you definitely need this to piece together this immense story.Fun read - interesting to learn more about the author, her writing process, and her thoughts.
To start with, there were two whole chapters (and a number of smaller items scattered here and there) of the original It is one of the funniest things I've ever read. If you are an Obsessenach like me, I highly recommend you READ these. I wanted to find out what it takes for two people to stay together for fifty years -- or more. I read the updated edition, but not all sections were as up to date. It contains a section at the end about the production of the TV series from the sale of the option for the story several times throughout the years to the start of filming in 2014.