Companion to Outlander - and Drums of Autumn

It was nice to refresh my memory on the early books, as I always forget what happened in what book. I bought the Kindle Fire version and my only wish, was that it had page numbers and a chapter index so I could pop back and forth easily. I enjoyed the questions and answers and opinions Diana Gabaldon provides throughout. Now, on to the second Outlandish Companion book for the remaining books.

I just love this book...It answered many questions i had from the first few books from the outlander series. I do recommend this book. Being able to view the book briefly online was a great way for me to see what the book was about and decide whether this suited my collection. With the Outlandish Companion i was able to refer to it while reading my series. It was great to have. Thanks

After reading the first seven books you start to forget what and how things happened in the past books, so I bought this to help with my reading before the eight book comes out in March '14. I started to take notes but this book helps meet my needs.

The 5 stars are for the book, although I was only able to read the first 31 pages:
This is a review of seller rather than the product:
The first 31 pages keep repeating until the middle of the book when the next 30 pages keep repeating. The book was supposed to be new, but came defective with a long black mark on the sides. Is there no quality control?
I did request a replacement and hope it is as it should be

If you're a fan of the Outlander series, you will love this book. Can't keep track of all those MacKenzies and Frasers? This is your book. It's like your giant Cliff Notes for the first 4 volumes of the Outlander series (and the companion for the next group is coming this winter!). This volume is an update of the one Diana Gabaldon published in 1999. It's has been updated to include material from the Starz show.

You won't find another book like this in all the world. I am lucky to have found this series. The characters seem real long after the book is put down, and i have learned so much about world history, even though I disliked that subject in school.

I ordered the Kindle version; it is a bit difficult to read due to spacing issues at the larger font, but this is due to the Kindle, not the publisher. So far I have only read Outlander and I wanted the Glossary and Pronunciation chapter. I am certain I will enjoy the entire book as Ms. Gabaldon is a marvelous writer with a `down to earth' style.

Interesting reference work to refer to when you are reading the Outlander novels. I am reading them again since watching the Starz series. I am currently reading Dragonfly in Amber. I personally enjoy the background into all things scottish and the Gaelic. But to be honest I am simply happy reading the novels alone.

Wish I had this while I was reading all the Outlander books in order last summer. Great resource for keeping characters straight. Love the background info and research that went into the book. If you're an Outlander groupie you have to buy this book.

I love this author and was happy to see she had written a book of information pertaining to all the characters in her books. Her stories are very long and complicated jumping between time periods and countries so this helps to settle down some of details.
Quick shipping by the seller and in perfect condition.

The summary of the books was very concise. Again, if I hadn't already read the original books I'm not sure it would have encouraged me to do so. Some of the misc. information was interesting, but, not really worth the time it took to read it.

I have not read it yet, just looked through it. I look reverently at it on my coffee table. Came in good condition, everything an Outlander lover could hope for. And updated for the first 2 seasons of the show.

So happy at long last to be able to purchase this book as it is not available in Australia,it is wonderful to be able to refresh oneself with the characters, can't wait for DG's next book, altogether a must have for a DG fan

This item is meant as a Christmas gift for a friend who is a big fan of the Outlander series. I have personally not read any of the novels, however, just the look of the book itself and a quick perusal of the various chapters makes me think that this book will make a great addition to my friend's Outlander collection.

I was a bit worried about ordering a used book online since opinions tend to be subjective.
However, this book was in perfect condition. And I was amazed at how quickly it shipped.
I received it 2 days after I placed my order.
I have more books that I wish to purchase and now I don't have to pay top dollar or use my car to shop around to find exactly what I want.
I am thrilled.

Very pleased with the book which gives great background information to the Outlander series. My only regret is that I bought it too soon because the newer version came out about two months after I got it.

For $30 I was seriously expecting a little pop of color. I've started skimming through it so I can't review based on the content but it definitely needs some color. I'm not hard to please but being the updated book after the series came out, some stills from the show or just SOMETHING could have been added to make it more appealing to the eye.

I LOVED the Outlander series. When I finished reading the last book I couldn't wait to see what extra details I could find out about my new friends. However, the Companion only covered a few of the books. I am dying to know what happened to Roger and Jem????? That last book kept me hanging as to their future/past story.

I have read "Outlander ' ,"Dragonfly in Amber " , "Voyager" they are all exciting books,The age of the characters are a bit off some times. Langhaire for instance is 15 in Outlander yet in Voyager is 40, Yet Jamie was 23 in Outlander ,she was 15.In Voyager Jamie is 44 and she is 40? After the tree books, I turned to the Companion ,because the stories were shorter,no sexual scenes,also.The writer writes very well,funny at times.So I am reading Drums of Autumn from the Companion.So I do not spend the rest of the year on a chair all day.The books have too many words.You can read her books all day ,and get nothing done.Other Authors I have read can say the same thing ,with less words. For example Louise Erdich ,Jane Austin ,even Dickens.The characters are over blown, the stories too long.If you are doing nothing else read the NOVELS. It is my opinion the synopses are more enjoyable,and would have made better books.You cannot spend your life sitting on a chair reading, the books are 800 to 900 pages long.This book is the BEST.

i was expecting the coverage of all her book and this just is on the first four books. that just means they will update later and keep getting into your pocket.again -- very misleading
Just heard they are releasing volume @ this fall and it will cover the rest of the series.

I was expecting more on Characters

I was expecting more background info on the settings characters were at in books.

Companion is only on the first 4 books......(I am finished with all the books)

I don't want to read what others said to author on blogs.

I really didn't care for 99% of the book.....

I should have realized with the copyright 1999 and it's 2012 now.

Save your money!

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon are the most compelling books I have ever read. Ms. Gabaldon delivers multi-dimensional characters so alive, so real. I will never stop reading these books. I have been through them twice and will now take more time as I re-read them...I had to have missed something, being too anxious to find out what was going to happen next. And I never thought any books could ever beat Jean Auel's Children of the Earth series (Clan of the Cave Bear, et al).

I may have not looked close enough to see this was not a story about the Fraziers or other characters of the Outlander so I didn't like this one. I love what the author writes about fiction but this one? I wouldn't suggest it to my friends unless they were interested in something more non fiction for information. I'm looking for more entertainment.

Outlander fans will appreciate this book, the ultimate companion guide to accompany "Outlander," "Dragonfly in Amber," "Voyager," and "Drums of Autumn." The end papers are two maps, the American colonial coast on one page and Scotland on the opposite page. Part One is a short synopsis of the four books. Part Two goes into depth about the characters and their horoscopes. Part Three is family trees. Part Four is a comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide that includes a brief guide to Gaelic grammar and a comprehensive glossary of foreign terms (including British slang.) Part Five is website regarding Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander books. Part Six is researching historical fiction and information about botanical medicine. Part Seven addresses where titles come from and Gabaldon's theory of time travel. Part Eight is Lallybroch. Part Nine is frequently asked questions. Part Ten is controversy. Part Eleven is works in progress and excerpts from future books. The book then has an annotated bibliography and detailed appendixes.

this is not a product review; i can't review a product i have not received! in the past, digital products were delivered immediately to my kindle. this time all i have is a notice that my purchase is being processed. it was purchased 1/2 hour ago.

I'm new to the Outlander series, however my mom read the books when first published. Consequently, as someone who is just getting my feet wet, this book is an invaluable resource to help carry me along as I read the first three books. I especially love the summaries provided. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves the TV series but finds the task of reading the books in the series overwhelming or just not doable to buy this book and read the very thorough synopses, then peruse the rest of the book as time allows. My mom is really loving the companion because it's helping refresh her memory and expose her to new information related to the original texts she read years ago. Diana has done an outstanding job of providing an exhaustive guide to her first three books in this volume, featuring everything from a dictionary of Gaelic terms to an entire section devoted to theories on time travel. To her credit, she also includes references to errors she made in her first three volumes and their corresponding corrections. Black and white photos of the TV series are additionally provided at the back of the volume. What author is this passionate and giving to their readers? This willing to fill in gaps and broaden their readers' knowledge? Diana Gabaldon is. A must have book for the truly passionate and dedicated Outlander fan.

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!

Gabaldon tells a good story, and in The Outlandish Companion, she tells her own story of how she came to write the novel that became a series and how she does her research. That part of the book was extremely interesting since her voice is casual, friendly self-deprecating, and touched with humor. It read like a chat over lunch with a friend. I also enjoyed the lists of references and recommended readings. Synopses of all the novels in the series seemed redundant. If you've read the books, you've read the books. Lengthy horoscopes of Jamie and Clair? Too rabid-fan for me. They ARE characters, after all. No stars involved. An interesting addition to the Gabaldon library, but I'm glad I didn't put out the price for all the extraneous rabid-fan information. It's a weighty tome. Borrow it from the library.

I met Diana at a book signing many years ago and told her that The Outlandish Companion was my favorite book. She really lit up at that. Of course, it would not be worth so much to me had I not already read the first four books. It is a good reference book, but is written with her usual wit and flair for the entertaining. I did read it cover to cover when I first got it, but I still use it to look up something which is bothering me, but I do not know which book it was in, etc. I do not recommend buying it on the Kindle, because it is easier for me to turn to a topic that I need in a book made out of paper. However, if Kindle is the only way you can afford it, go for it.
I wish that in her "spare time" that she could update it to include information that would help with books 5 to infinity.

When author Diane Gabaldon published her first novel, "Outlander" in the early 1990s, she had no inkling of the phenomenon she would create. Her characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser and Jamie Fraser have appeared in a dozen different languages and millions of volumes. This delightful book is a glimpse into the creative process. Gabaldon reveals her inspiration for Jamie (a character on Dr. Who); she discusses her methods of research, devotes an entire chapter to correcting mistakes in various volumes and includes some fascinating exchanges with readers and critics. Breezy, light hearted and downright fun, the book is an absolute necessity to fans of Claire and Jamie. Th reader is treated to Gabaldon's theories about the purpose of writing and character development. She freely admits that she has no idea where a story will end up when she begins. The first book, "Outlander" was just an experiment to teach her how to write. Originally, Gabaldon planned to write a pure historical novel, but when her heroine, Claire Beauchamp stubbornly insisted on speaking twentieth century slang, Gabaldon had to create a way for Claire to appear in 18th century Scotland while sounding like a modern, independent woman. Thus, Gabaldon hit upon the time travel device. It is a unique pleasure to read the answers to the many questions that a reader can develop about a beloved series and characters.

Obvoiusly this is a book for Hard Core Gabaldon fans. So what? Those of us who love the series, and Claire and Jamie, love this book. I cannot believe the rude comments. We all have our "things" after all. Some people are Trekkies, some are sport nuts, and some of us like Diana Gabaldon's works and we cannot get enough of them. Sure we want The Fiery Cross and Sons of Liberty, but this is just fine for now.
It is OBVIOUSLY not another novel, so why did people buy it and then gripe?
And to those of us fans it is not a rip-off. Just because some people didn't "get it" does not give them the right to criticize those of us who did. Nobody forced anybody to fork out the $$$ for this book. And it says right there on the title what kind of book this is.
I love everything in the Companion, and yes, the stuff is found elsewhere, but let's remember that not everyone has access to the Internet, or the desire to be glued to a screen.
It is not selfserving and it is not that Diana has gotten big for her britches. Ask any of us, her true fans, and we'll tell you that we love it.
Just because some people find that it is not their thing is no reason to gripe and whine. Find something else you like and leave us be!!!

There are many background elements to the Outlander series: characters, history, food, Gaelic sayings. This is an attempt to cover a lot of them as well as to discuss how Gabaldon came up with the books and its elements.
I shouldn't really take full credit for this book, but it's long enough that I'm not going to feel very guilty about it. I skipped over the synopses of the novels and skimmed the list of sayings and vocabulary words fairly quickly. More interesting was the Q&A, particularly since she got the original inspiration from Jamie on Doctor Who. (I'm a big fan of Doctor Who.) It's also interesting to see how seriously she takes the whole effort: even though she was originally just writing for herself, she took it very seriously and worked hard to do the best job she possibly could.
Most impressive is how she manages at all: throughout her comments it becomes clear that she gardens, she's a Compuserve volunteer, she records audios for the blind, she goes to church, she has two kids. How the heck does she find time to write? She admits that it's a lot to do with going without sleep. Not sure that's something I'd want to try.

I really felt like I was sitting across the table having a warm and friendly conversation with an old friend, Diana Gabaldon! Because her 1000+ page books in the OUTLANDER series were written over the course of several years, people tend to forget some of the lesser characters or events. THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION makes it easy to look up a person or even a Gaelic phrase to become familiar with past events. Having recently discovered this series, I've been fortunate to read these books straight through (at great expense to my personal life and sleep, I might add). Frankly, I can't imagine the torture of having to wait years for each book, especially between DRAGONFLY and VOYAGER!

Subsequently, I read this book in chronological order (5th) because I absolutely didn't want to miss a thing (even though the plot and characters remained familiar to me). I did turn to it twice before to look up a forgotten name and wish I hadn't because I learned something about an individual that took place in a future book. I do know people who like to read ahead but I won't even read a review of a book until I have finished it; I like to be surprised!

The great part of this book is all the information gleaned from Gabaldon's personal life. We are introduced to her husband and three children. We learn that besides the fact that she is a genius (she didn't state this--it's just a given considering the epic tales she weaves) and best selling author (not to mention going without sleep), she has quite a normal life as a wife and mother. Diana tells us the unorthodox way she spins her tales--not in sequential order, but in bits and pieces. The result is not only a tremendous insight into the author, but background information of characters (even horoscopes and genealogy-which did not interest me) and events in her delightful novels.

I borrowed this book to read while awaiting the sixth book in the Outlander series (a day without Jamie and Claire is like a day without sunshine!)

The Outlandish Companion gives synopses of the first four books in the series, and does so quite well. Had I known of the existence of this book, I'd have likely skipped over a good deal of Dragonfly in Amber, settling for the synopsis to get to the meaty Voyager. (Sorry, Dragonfly fans...everyone's entitled to their preferences...)

Diana Gabaldon explains many things here (including the pronunciation of her own last name, which I'd been mangling). I was particularly impressed with her willingness to outline her writing methodology, admit her copy errors (people actually picked on her because her cherry trees were out of season, LOL), and go to great lengths to create an understandable translation of her Gaelic, French, and European English references. She also very neatly addresses some of the most controversial portions of the Outlander series without apology.

Since some of her characters disappear only to recur two or three books later, Gabaldon gives us a comprehensive character listing, up to and including Leroi.

There is some "Work In Progress" material too, which is spoiler-ish to those who haven't yet read The Fiery Cross.

If you love this series and plan to own it in hardcover, by all means buy the Companion. You'll do fine without it, but it's still an enjoyable read.

I have to admit that when I first heard that Diana was coming out with a companion, I thought it would just be a filler. But in reality it's a gracious and humorous way of deflecting the oft-repeated questions of her fans and at the same time a wonderful glimpse into her personal life. I've enjoyed reading everything by Diana, from her on-line chats to interviews to everything on her web-page, and I still find the Companion a satisfying and intriguing addition to the novels. To those who are disappointed in it, don't fret so much. As others have said, you don't have to buy it, it's very clear from the book itself and reviews of it that it is indeed a Companion and *not* a continuation of the novels. So don't complain. Diana certainly doesn't owe us anything.
I have thoroughly enjoyed discovering more about an author who also manages to be happily married, raise children, cook (loved the recipes!), keep animals, go to church, tell us all exactly how she writes, and answer many a clueless question, among countless other things. She has inspired me to do more and learn more.

Fans of this (some say too wordy) time traveling series will find a generous amount of information given here, both of the behind the scenes sort and simply of the type that details and hopefully enhances an understanding of the colorful world Diana Gabaldon has created over the past decade and a half. As they've moved from Scotland to North Carolina, England to France, from the twentieth century to the eighteenth, the characters of these novels have certainly lived eventful, albeit imaginary lives, and in the pages of this encyclopedic overview, much is, as promised, explained by this likeably down to earth writer. Gabaldon has cordially taken the time to answer the questions readers have most often asked her, listed and given short biographies of everyone (sigh, yes everyone) who ever appeared in her hefty books, has talked about settings, customs, legends, histories, and anachronisms as they've related to her 4,000-plus page-long saga, and has probably unintentionally turned out yet another work so massive it will bend the shelves of almost any bookcase.

Of course for those (um, like me) who bailed out after getting through the first book and who might wish to read condensations of Gabaldon's epic novels in order to see what came next, The Outlandish Companion is a time saver, because it includes dense, thorough, Cliff Notes' like overviews of every book in the series the author had released up to the time of this guide's publication. Personally I found spending two hours reading a couple hundred pages of overviews was more enjoyable than investing three months in her novels, but I know fans of the series will glare at me for thinking so, and I respectfully understand why.

All in all I'm tempted to say a hard-core fan might get more from The Outlandish Companion than someone who has casually read her works, but there is still much here to catch the eye. Frankly, there is also a lot contained within that the book would have been better without. Like her novels themselves, this reference work was too wordy, too self-indulgent, and heavy enough to leave your chest bruised if you try to read it in bed.

Possess it at your own peril...

If you have read any of the books in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, this is a must read. All the questions you would love to ask the author are answered here and more!! Besides a synopsis of the first four books of the series, Outlandish Companion give you a look into the mind the author. She explains her writing process, how different characters or plotlines come to be, her pre-Outlander career, many FAQs from dedicated readers, glossaries of all characters and multi-lingual terms and phrases, excerpts of future books in the series, and much more! WARNING: the first four books of the series are outlined in this book, so if you have not read them, there may be spoilers for you, but you can still enjoy it by choosing carefully which parts to avoid until you've finished books 1-4.

I read this book in about 2 days, cover to cover, and I still refer to it often. You will definitely ENJOY!

I absolutely loved The Outlandish Companion. I think it deserves one star for the Gaelic pronunciations and explanations, a second star for the sketches and pictures (loved seeing Claire's rings!), a third star for the character list, a fourth star for Diana taking the time to answer all of those questions from everyone, and the fifth star for her explanation of where characters come from. I would give her a sixth star for her wit and humor if the store gave me that option. I was a little surprised to see how closely the horoscopes matched Jamie and Claire's personalities. Diana didn't write the horoscopes anyway, they were sent to her and she liked them so she included them for anyone who was interested. Who cares that they are fictional characters? Not me. The fact that Diana has made Jamie, Claire & Co. 'real' to so many people is an amazing accomplishment itself. I enjoyed the Companion for the reasons I listed above. Will I read the book cover to cover repeatedly? No. Will I go through it fairly often? Yes. Why? Because it's interesting information and I participate in Outlandish Trivia Games and I could use all the help I can get. My book was worth every penny I spent on it and I hope to someday have it signed along with the rest of my books. Great job Diana and I look forward to books 5 & 6 as well as the next Companion!

I read the synopsis of this book before I ordered it. Yet, I was still disappointed. I agree with many of the reviews already posted - money making scheme, poorly compiled, extraneous info, repetive info, etc. I, like many reviewers like the Outlander series, but I still found that this book was a disappointment. If I want a horoscope of a fictional character, I can have my niece do it with her pc program. But, what bothers me most is the tone of so many fans. I read all of the reviews here and none of the reviewers who gave this book less than five stars criticized other reviewers or other fans. Isn't this a site to review books honestly? Somebody doesn't like your idol's book, so what? Get over it. I have never seen this type of immature behavior related to any other books reviewed on the store. Frankly, if this is an indication of how the store is going to monitor this site in the future, I will be placing my orders with other outlets. There is absolutely no reason that someone should not be able to post an honest review without being attacked by...what did one of the reviewers call it...Trekie-like Outlander fans. By the way, my entire office orders in bulk at least once a month and there are plenty of other online sites where this type of behavior is not tolerated.

This book isn't the next novel, but I can't believe how much it adds to and enriches the experience of reading the first four novels. The sheer amount of information, to say nothing of out-and-out entertainment, is just amazing.
I noticed a couple of people complaining that a lot of the information is available on Ms. G's Web page--but I'm a regular patron of the Web page (a great job in itself!) and I assure you that it's not. What's on the Web is just a couple of brief samples--a note from the Family Tree section, a snippet of the Methadone List--to let people know what kind of stuff is _in_ the book. She does the same thing for her novels, and I haven't heard anybody complaining about the posting of excerpts from them!
Believe me, there's tons of stuff in this book that I don't think anybody could ever find _anywhere_ else! A real feast!

I have an autographed copy from Diana Gabaldon that she signed for me at one of the Scottish Games I attended, when this book was first released. I didn't realize at the time how useful it would prove to be. It really is a must have if you are into the Jamie and Claire series of novels...starting with Outlander. Her novels are so well written and draw on the use of past characters and incidences that you might find this very helpful and much quicker than trying to thumb through the earlier novels to locate a character or refresh your memory. It also helps with some of the pronunciations of the Scottish Gaelic names and place names. She also adds a bit of history, as she has thoroughly researched everything, in her explanations and definitions. This is a great addition to the collection, although I suppose she'll need to update it to include the characters that appear in her lastest novels.

As usual, Ms. Gabaldon presents clear, crisp reading. The novels are soul-satisfying in their very evident imagination, research and hard work, and the Companion only fleshes out their creator, her hectic lifestyle and remarkable ability to assemble puzzles. I'm sure the input and assistance of your on-line friends helped tremendously in putting the right edge on scenes that were problematic for you, Ms. Gabaldon, but, if I may ask, why did you feel it necessary to defend yourself to them when they asked their pertinent questions? Of course you adhered to historical fact as much as possible, but it seems that creative license needs no defense if used as you so impressively have. Thank you for the Companion. It is firmly ensconced on my "favorites" library shelf with its cousins. I look forward to The Fiery Cross in late 1999 (?)

As a die hard fan of Herself I was so excited about getting this book months before it was available in Australia. No, it is not the next novel in the series but then we all knew that didn't we ?!?! I certainly was not expecting the next novel and appreciate this for what it is ! There has been some critism about the horoscopes and I am afraid I really can't see where people are coming from when they say things like "it lowers the tone of this book" and the series in general. Lighten up people !!! To me it is yet another example of the brilliance and intuitiveness of Herself to create such a character which happens to match the horoscope - well done to Herself and the astrologer I say ! Overall the book was everything I expected and more and since when has it been a crime to make money ?? Three cheers for Diana !

I have read the Companion and found it to be very interesting and comprehensive. Ms. Gabaldon has captured characters, places and times as if she actually lived them! In the Oulandish Companion, she lets the light shine into the creation of her great literary characters. This is a must have for those who love the Outlander series! If you have any questions or curiosities, this book will help you understand the complexities of Diana Gabaldon's writing. There are detailed synopsis, cast of characters, family trees (you must admit, you too get confuse about who is who's descendent!), a pronunciation guide, and, perhaps most importantly, is the excerpts of future books.
I also recommend The Prie of Immortality by C.M. Whitlock. (...) and Ms. Gabaldon's The Fiery Cross together.

I only recently acquired this book and have been reading it off and on until #6 of the series is out. I loved almost every bit of the book (the only part I wasn't as 'thrilled' with were the horoscopes - just not my bag, baby) and it is a MUST for Diana's fans.
I really feel like I know and understand the characters better -- as well as Ms Gabaldon herself (and I can now say her name properly should I ever get the pleasure of meeting her!) I laughed like a loon at many of the stories and footnotes Diana adds along the way (so far my favorite footnote is: Why Birds Build Nests Where They Do, and Who Cares Anyway?).
Overall, it's as entertaining as her novels about Claire and Jamie and a good inside to the author herself.

After reading the first four Outlander books, I was very excited to read The Outlandish Companion. I absolutely love the way Gabaldon writes just as if she is talking to you, telling you the story of how and why and where the books came from. I felt like we were hanging out together as I read through this book.
I won't give this book five stars, because I do think there were several things that could have been improved (i.e. the dictionary!), and I did find some areas a little boring (the
horoscope isn't my thing and I felt she rambled on about a few subjects that didn't matter, plus I think she spent far too much time trying to explain the computer). However, I loved the FAQ and other Q&A sections. I really enjoyed reading HER answers to some of the questions I had. I still didn't always agree with her on some of the points made in the section on things people complain about, but that's what makes the world go 'round! <G> I thought it was such a neat idea to put in the book, and she did change my thoughts on some issues (and I was with her from the beginning on the rest!). I absolutely loved reading where all her ideas came from and how she wrote the books.
I hope that there will be a final companion to the whole series and that she will take into account some of the criticism she got on this one and make it excellent. I think this is a must have addition to any Outlander Collection. Full of tidbits I'd never considered myself, full of wit and love and fun. Just a wonderful wonderful companion to the series!

I have never read any books so interesting and intriguing as these. I actually feel like I'm going through withdrawls, when I don't get to read everyday. I just happen to finish the last book, and it took me about two weeks to finish the last 4 or 5 chapters, only because I didn't want it to end. I love the way Diana writes, she has a way of making you feel like you are experiencing what Jamie and Claire are experiencing. Like you are actually there and feeling the emotion of their trials and tribulations. I can't wait for the other books to come out. I have already told my family that I will be MIA (missing in action) for the first couple of days after I get the book, so that I can read without ANY interuptions!

While I agree that this book may come as a disappointment for those looking for a "Jamie and Claire" story, it is a priceless addition to the shelves of an aspiring writer. It is nearly impossible to find another resource out there that yields such a matter-of-fact look at writing in general. All information, of course, is seasoned with Diana's unique and unmistakable sense of humor. I am a detail oriented person, and as such, loved the depth to which she knows her characters. Consequently, I loved the depth to which this book goes in explaining the "who, what, when, where, how." Others, who have no deep-seated urges to pronounce "mo cridh" correctly, may find that their coin is better spent on her other books.

I'm not here to bash Ms.Gabaldon and her novels (all of which I quite enjoyed (okay I didn't love Dragonfly in Amber - but so what?)) A couple of weeks ago I wandered into my local book store and picked up the Companian and I have to admit I was enthralled by it. Ms.Gabaldon has a clear, honest, true voice that is very obviously her own and I really appreciated her insights on the novels. I did not buy a copy at that time (knowing I could get it cheaper on-line). The thing is I still haven't bought one. Mostly because I took a second and checked out her homepage and found the exact same stuff as was in the book.
Was I disapointed? Big time. But so what? A lot of people love these book, and don't have access to the internet. Personally I think I will wait until the other books in the series have come out before buying this book. Because as it stands right now, why buy a companion to an unfinished series? So I am hoping that by the time Ms.Gabaldon is finished with her writing in this series, she will take the time and give us an updated Companion to enjoy along with her great series.
And as for all this squabbling about this book - what does it really matter if one person loves it and another doesn't? Is it really that big of a deal? I don't think so.
Enjoy the series and grow up a little and understand that Ms.Gabaldon is under contract to a publishing company. She may very well have had to write this book due to contractual purposes. And if she did write it for money making purposes, who cares? This is her job - she has to make money to live on. You don't have to buy it. (Whoops sorry, got a little testy there myself.)
Like I said, personally I'm going to wait until the series is finished, and then buy this book (hopefully updated) to complement a great collection of works.
This is just one person opinion - you don't have to listen to me either. Buy what you will, enjoy what you will.
Happy Reading.

I've been holding off on writing reviews for any of the Outlander series novels - until I finish listening to them all! But The Outlandish Companion falls into a different category - having read the first four books, to which this forms the companion, I really am able to make comments.

The only difficulty is being able to say something which hasn't already been said (and, probably, said better) by other reviewers. Still ...

The Outlandish Companion provides all the features anyone might ask for in a companion volume: it includes background material on the characters, insights into their worldviews and what makes them tick, synopses of the rather complex stories of all four books - plus lots of excellent additional information such as a guide to pronouncing Scottish Gaelic (not the easiest language to pronounce!).

All these features are excellent and worth buying the book for in and of themselves, but what really made me so happy I'd been given this wonderful volume as a Christmas present (and one I galloped through in three days, I might add!) was the insights it gives into Diana's mind and way of seeing the incredible world she's created. Her writing in the novels is a delight, but to see 'behind the scenes', to be given the chance to see how she works, that is a true gift! Her honesty, her wonderful sense of humour, her insights and, especially, the way her characters get out of control and take over her books made reading The Outlandish Companion an utter delight!

Thank you Diana!

This book was over 600 pages and considering that I've read it during one evening, it is obvious that I skipped a lot. In fact, I think I read about 30% of it.

There was a lot of information in this "Outlandish Companion" and much of it was of no interest to me - Jamie and Claire's horoscope readings, family trees, glossary and pronunciation guide, outlander websites, research guide, excerpts from the upcoming works, annotated biography and appendixes, etc.

What I ended up reading is this: novel synopses (first 4 books), the Gabaldon Time Theory of Time Travel (very interesting), some FAQs (that should have been put on her website), controversy (that addressed some of the issues I had with the book - for instance wife-beating) and some book recommendations.

I also read quite a bit about Gabaldon's writing process which I probably shouldn't have done. Turns out, she is a disorganized writer working without an outline and she never knows where her story ends. I've come across such authors before (Maria Snyder and Charlaine Harris) and know this type of writing can take them into very weird places. Gabaldon is no different - she is a great storyteller and creates some remarkable characters, but her plotting is inferior. Rereading book synopses proved that as well. I think I much prefer authors who have their books pre-planned.

Overall, it was a fairly interesting one-time read, but I don't really see a point of having this book in your library. Other than plot summaries and maybe character listing, there was no information in this book that I would reread.

If you love the Outlander series this is a must have. If you know someone who loves the Outlander series this would be an OUTSTANDING gift. Great reference for the series and it is like sitting down with Diana herself and having a great conversation on the book and her writing. Next best thing to a day with Diana in my opinion. (Granted, I have never had a day with Diana....so probably not qualified to make that statement).

I have enjoyed all of Mrs. Gabaldon's novels (perhaps I should be honest and say that the last one was a bit of a disappointment, but still generally quite good), and I do very much admire her style of writing. But I'm afraid I don't understand the frenzy around this book. Astrological charts for fictional characters seems rather redundant to me, for example. In fact, I am rather disturbed by the tone of the other reviews. Little to do with constructive commentary and more to do with group hysteria, it seems. I would have prefered Mrs. Gabaldon to write another novel, rather than spend her time on this rather strange documentation for people who are, after all, products of her imagination.

Diana is a fabulous writer and storyteller!! We asked for this book and she gave it to us. Finally we get the answers to many questions and the information that helps fill in the blanks. Jamie and Claire may not exist in our "reality" but they are very much alive in the hearts of the many fans of Diana Gabaldon. Not only do I love this book, but I love the Outlander series, and look greedily forward to the rest of the story. I hope there is a second Companion, because after reading the next few novels about Jamie and Claire Fraser, I'm sure I will have many more questions waiting to be answered. Thanks Diana!

It was not what I thought it would be after all. I am glad I read it though. It is heplful explaining about how the author came up with the ideas for her novels and etc.. It was also interesting to know what sort of research she did for the novels or series of novels. I loved the photos of the places she went to for the information re:the sights she referred to in the novels. That was also interesting. I was hoping for a continuation of the series that was why I was a little disappointed about the actual book with this title.

I would not purchase it again however. I also would not recommend it to anyone to purchase for themselves if they had already read the novels as I had prior to this book.

CCL.

I fell in love with the first book and was in Heaven when I discovered it was a series! When this book came out, I paid alot for it ( I would have paid more)! This is the perfect book to browse through in any fashion and order. It shows Ms. Gabaldon's sense of humor and love of her characters. Her little facts about history and Jamie Fraser left me in awe (her too, it seems), and I felt so thrilled to find her web site and the knowledge that there are two more books in the series to follow. I look forward to reading her next books and I love her work. She has truly spoiled me for other authors. They just don't compare to her style, depth, and humor.

This is a remarkable book. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it, in fact. You can read it front to back and it makes wonderful sense, or you can dip into it anywhere and find entertainment and insight! I don't know whether it's fiction or nonfiction (I keep seeing it on different bestseller lists of both kinds, so I guess I'm not the only one), but I think that's very appropriate! The novels have always given me the feeling that everyone and everything in them is totally real, and this book does a wonderful job of maintaining that illusion, even while the author explains it. Masterful!

I'm not a "learner" of Gaelic, but I can read English! The Glossary section starts right out with an explanation that Ms. Gabaldon doesn't speak Gaelic at all herself, so got an expert who is a native speaker to do the translations for the Gaelic bits. As for whether somebody whoose first langauge is Gaelic should know better than a "learner"...well, some of my husband's family are native Spanish-speakers, and the things they say often don't match exactly what you find in Spanish textbooks, but I don't think they'd agree with you telling them they aren't "correct"!

Wow,wow,wow! This book is a treasure chest just full oof goodies! First I read bits and pieces, then I went back to read from the beginning and found myself engaged both by all the fascinating trivia *and* especially by Ms. Gabaldon's insights on writing and how she came to discover these characters and put the books together. I can't believe the negative comments--don't you guys look at a book before you buy it? Don't you read after you do buy it? It isn't advertised as a novel and it isn''t advertised as a guide to Scotland. It's a companion to the OUTLANDER novels and it's great!

Obviously, if you are looking at this book, you are inreested in the series. It's a great reminder of minor characters, names, pronunciations. But BEWARE of the SPOILERS! Reading up on a character, I accidentally ran into a huge spoiler for me. At that point , I was nearly 1,500 pages away from the explination and ultimate resolution. I wish that the character list could have been arranged by book, instead of giving their entire life story. Otherwise, it's great, especially when learning the family relations via the family trees.

I just wanted to say that I liked this book for what it is-a companion to the novels. As a "die-hard" fan, I can honestly say that for me it was really neat to find out how the characters developed, and how she had help with Gaelic and the other languages that she knows very little or nothing about. I personally didn't like the horoscopes, but I'm not into that kind of thing. Anyway, if you are looking for an interesting and informative read that can give you some insight into how she does reasearch and other things, then please read this. If you don't like that kind of thing, then don't buy it.

What can I say? Whatever Ms Gabaldon touches turns to gold. Once again she has outdone herself in her Outlander series companion book. For anyone who has not read the Outlander series, you don't know what you are missing. After reading her acclaimed books, though, you will want to own this companion book for reference. Full of usefull tidbits of information, including a summary of each book, scottish trivia, excerpts in their entirety, and a chapter dedicated to correcting all Ms Gabaldon's wrongs (yes, even diana is only human). I own all Ms Gabaldon's Outlander books in hardback, and it was the best investment I ever made. I think putting her books in the romance section, with all that fluff and trash, is a sin.

Love all of her books and to be able have the first four in an abbreviated form is very helpful. I read those first four so fast that it helps to have this as a timeline. Am looking forward to getting the next one since I'm now on the 8 th book and get lost about what happened to whom and when.

If you are a fan of the Outlander series, this is the book for you. It may not be everything you ever wanted to know about Jamie and Clare, but it is the answer to the most asked questions as far as the author, Diane Gabaldon knows. She offers a brief explanation as to how she writes. Also she gives background as to character, place and history. The problem is that there is no index, and the series is not complete. So there will be a new edition updated or an addendum. This book is strictly for the fan as a collector's item.

I was surprised at the amount of detail that Ms. Gabaldon put into this companion book to her series. It is almost as if these characters are her ancestors. I have been working on my own family history and know what kind of connection you can have to people from the past that you could never have known personally and I get the feeling that she has actually sat and talked to Jamie and Claire. I mean, it's one thing to write a book about someone, but she has gone above and beyond that by making them so real. This companion just proves that she is an excellent writer. I wish I had that kind of imagination.

I drove for an hour and a half to buy this wonderful book and get it signed on release day. It was more than worth the time and effort spent. Ms. Gabaldon is a very gracious lady, not pushing my aunt and me to hurry along, and stopping to smile for a picture.
The book was worth the wait. It was lovely to recap all four novels in one sitting, and I often found myself saying, "wow, I forgot about that!" Of particular interest to me is the Errata section--I enjoyed the previous stories so much I never picked up on many of those 'discrepancies.' Try visiting the store.co.uk to view the other covers as discussed (yes, our covers are nicer).
I agree, much of the information is available either through the Internet or if you attended one of her previous readings/signings, but this book has compiled, quite nicely, these facts and so much more. Nothing short of The Fiery Cross will satisfy complainers who don't appreciate this book for what it is.
It is a delightful addition to any Gabaldon collection.

I have read the Companion and found it to be very interesting and comprehensive. It is the type of book that one can skip around and read only that which is interesting at that particular moment. We asked for it and Diana delivered. Remember all you who are impatiently waiting for book number 5-All good things come to those who wait. Yes, the waiting is hard but in Diana's talented way, it will be well worth the wait. In the meantime we can enjoy the tidbits of books 5 and 6 through the Companion.

THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION is a fan's handbook that is as engaging as the series it details. Diana Gabaldon's expert early computer skills, Google did not exist when she started writing the Outlander series. She was working with scientific data.
The horoscopes were drawn by a fan and make fascinating reading, you wonder if Diana will use any of the information as character points. Tempe ting for a writer but shaky for a scientist.
The dictionary (glossary) could be stronger, but I know the problems with that one. What is obvious and what is necessary are vital questions.
Read the stories, then the companion and hope there will be a second companion when the series is complete.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

What a delightful behind-the-scenes surprise THe Outlandish Companion presents to its readers! Diana Gabaldon "raises the curtain" to generously show her readers her unique approach to writing as well as to her life. Fun to read, it contains a potpourri of information relating to everything from the background behind the Claire/Jamie saga to Diana's unique and comprehensive research methods. Inspiring to aspiring writers, Diana makes her readers feel as if they have the power to step forward through "time" from any career and become writers themselves. And non-would-be writers will enjoy all the trivia and facts she provides about her characters. With her solid scientific research background, Diana shares her list of resources that are extensive and impressive, while validating that much of the historical background that is contained in her series of books is based on facts and not pure whimsey. Check it out! There's something for everyone in this terrific volume.

It's not a requirement, but it's full of information and facts that are worthy of looking at (like the one about a Scot nicknamed the DunFrazer, who hid out in caves) and the pronunciation guide for Gaehlig (or Gaelic, depending on the region and country you're from). This is also a good resource for those studying the Isles, Culloden, Scottish-American History and similar subject matter and need a reference guide.

I stumbled across this book in line at the grocery store and quickly became addicted to the entire Outlander series. I've bought them as gifts for family and friends innumerable times. The attention to detail in all of Ms. Gabaldon's books is eerie - in short it makes you wonder if time travel is indeed possible. Calling these books romance novels is unfair because there is so much more to them than your standard bodice ripper. The characters are complex and believable and the dialogue is intelligent and often humorous. At roughly a 1,000 pages per book it's certainly not light reading for the beach but they're so engrossing you'll likely not notice whether the sun is out or not...

Though my first opinion of this book was one of disappointment, I feel compelled to write nonetheless after reading Ms. Gabaldon's response. I have enjoyed immensely the Outlander series and find Ms. Gabaldon an author of rare talent. Her works speak for themselves and are filled with spiritual inspiration that reflect humanity, no matter the time or place in history. I have met the author on two occasions and never once did I have a question on the plot, characters, or vocabulary used. Gabaldon is an articulate author who has mastered the craft of storytelling. Therefore, I am perplexed why she needed to explain her work, or answer questions that any good reader should discern from the text. Perhaps she needed a book to fulfill an obligation to her publisher as the next novel has taken longer than expected. Wouldn't it have been more creative of her to write a group of short shories detailing the daily lives of Jamie and Claire, Brianna and Roger as seen through their farm animals of Fraser's Ridge. Jamie's stallion, Claire's mare, as she makes her medical rounds. Various dogs and cats, maybe the pig who lived in the pantry? The stories could have entertained as well as filled in the blanks of life in the hills of North Carolina. Nevertheless, I look forward to Fiery Cross, but will pass on Outlandish Companion which seems to me, pandering to publisher and reader alike.

My wife rates this as an 8/10. It gives the reader some background info about the author and the novels. She said she can't give it a 10 because it's not a new novel. That seems unreasonable to me, but she's my wife, so I nodded dutifully.

I almost enjoyed this book as much as the series books themselves. It brought back so many wonderful points I'd enjoyed and forgotten about, questions remaining to be answered, thoughts of other readers that enjoyed the series as much as I did. This is a great gift for anyone that's read (and looks forward to perhaps more) Gabaldon's Outlander series.

This book is quirky and strange and fun. I have always loved these characters from day one and now I have revisited them all. Diana Gabaldon shows us her behind the scenes secrets - and her great sense of humor. Maps, stories, drawings, and others too numerous to name. I highly recommend this to anyone who is pining for the next episode of Jamie & Claire.

I happened upon the Companion, doing a hopeful search (here, at the store) for Book 5. I didn't even know I wanted the Companion, until I heard of it's existance. Now, I can't imagine how I've been able to stand waiting for Book 5 _without_ the companion. It's a perfect complement to the Outlander series. I'm so glad that she worked the time into her schedule, to expand on the incredible books she has written. The Companion will tide me by, until The Fiery Cross. I can't begin to articulate how meaningful Herself's writing is to me. However, I can say how grateful I am, for the places she has taken my mind, while reading her books. Her writing lets me visualize the scene, and my own imagination colors it in. Thanks to my sweet husband, I have a signed copy, in addition to the one I pre-ordered. She can write a grocery list, and I'll read it.

I didn't read the Outlander series. I devoured it.
Normally, I'd rather be strung up and dunked head first into a vat of cold parritch than be forced to read "romance" novels, but Ms. Gabaldon's books went straight to my Celtic heart. I bought used copies in paperback to share with friends and hard cover editions for my library--that's a wee bit of change, but well worth it.
Before ordering the Companion, I spent time flipping through a copy at the bookstore--and that might be a good idea if some of you aren't sure you want to spend the money on this--personally, I was laughing out loud and one lady even asked me "Is it good? What are you reading?" Grinning, I stuck a copy of Outlander in her hands...and yep, she bought it.
I keep running into Outlandish people everywhere, and it's great. Diana--thank you so much for the many, many hours spent in the pleasurable company of the Fraser clan.
Okay, put up your swords and stop hagglin' over the book.<g> Check it out first and buy it or not. Mine is on order right now....
(PS: I KNEW she had to be a Doctor Who fan! I mean "Fraser Hines/Jamie McCrimmon"? Had to be!)

This is an excellent companion book to the Outlander series of books. I would recommend this book to any reader who wants a bit more information on the process of writing. Was a bit disappointing to find extracts of her more recent novels in this book... a bit like paying for the same books twice, but apart from that, it was very interesting. Was also a lot cheaper to buy from the store new that to buy second hand of another site in Australia.

Great recap of the first 4 books. Some of the info and links in it are outdated, though. She writes about AOL and CompuServe as major internet services and Voyager is the last book mentioned, both of which date the book.

Ms. Gabaldon has captured characters, places and times as if she actually lived them! In the Oulandish Companion, she lets the light shine into the creation of her great literary characters (namely Claire and Jamie). This is a must have for those who love the Outlander series! If you have any questions or curiosities, this book will help you understand the complexities of Diana Gabaldon's writing. There are detailed synopsis, cast of characters, family trees (you must admit, you too get confuse about who is who's descendent!), a pronunciation guide, and, perhaps most importantly, is the excerpts of future books. Though I can hardly wait until The Fiery Cross is released, this will just have to appease my appetite until I can sink my teeth into Jamie, Claire, Bree and Roger's next adventure. Thanks Diana!!

A bit of serendipity came my way when I found the Outlandish Companion on the "new arrivals" bookshelf at my local library. My daughter had just begun reading "Outlander" and mentioned Diane's name the day before. A writer myself, I'd like to direct these comments to Ms. Gabladon Herself. My dear, you are a soul-sister. Your playful spirit and intellectual diversity enthralls me. This companion book is a very handy resource for writers and I will buy a hard copy for my own reference. You might want to consider publishing a book just for writers. Obviously, many readers miss the essence of what you have compiled within these pages. Several disgruntled readers complain that the same info can be found online. Humm - so different venues are unnecessary? "Why make a movie - there's already a book?" Good grief. Another reader complained about the store carrying certain comments. I hope the store continues to print whatever comes in, as it is all rather entertaining to see how emotional people become over such mundanities. Carry on, MacDuff. Work hard, make your millions and do alphabetize the next glossary. Hugs & kisses to you, Diane.

I loved all four novels, and look forward eagerly to the next one. In the meantime, I'm trying to write my own book, and found the glimpses of the writing life and the insight into the author's methods more than worth the price of the COMPANION. This may not be a novel, but it's a book I'll read over and over!

This is a great book to have if you are reading the Outlander series...most of the stuff written in the book are worth reading...however, there are some exceptions...you dont need to have the horoscope in the book, I think its a waste of time to read through every horoscope...not that I am not into horoscope...but come on, the people in the books are not real!

As a learner of Scottish Gaelic, I picked up this book to see what kind of ambassador for the language Diana Gabaldon was. Needless to say, I am disapointed. If she is going to use a language she could at least get it right. It is very sad that this might be some peoples only exposure to this beautiful language. Please hire an expert next time!!!

It's impossible to "get" all the details in the Outlander books in one or two reads, and this companion was, to me, like a great cheat sheet where I could look up a character and go to the plot summaries. Diana's style is engaging and warm and her love for her characters is palpable.

I'm dissapointed in the new reference type book for several reasons: There are no explanations or sketches of the costumes of the period. What exactly are "breeks" anyway? Very few drawings of the geographical areas. The glossary is not alphabetical! How can one look up a word or phrase if you have to page through the whole glossary -- not very helpful while you are reading the books. I was hoping for help in understanding or relating to the times. I was not interested in a detailed horoscope of two fictional characters. I'd rather have had drawings of the characters and a lot more hard fact about the period.
It is an interesting book. Just not quite what I expected.

Yes, I understand where you're coming from. I was kind of dissipointed too. I thought the horoscopes were inapropriate. Even though I was not as impressed as many other people I am still a true Gabaldon Fan and love her work.And who knows, mayby she did want a few more dollars in her pocket.

This book is just as good as you would expect, coming from Diana Gabaldon. It merges right into the Outlander series & is just chock full of information. It really is worth the money, especially if you plan to read the entire series. It was released before the 5th book, The Fiery Cross, so there is very little (if anything) about that book in the Companion.
Be sure to check out the web links section, there are some really cool Outlander websites & E-groups on the internet!
Happy reading,
Miranda

I was very glad that I borrowed this book from the library and didn't waste any money on it. I skimmed through it and found it to be a huge disappointment for a fan of the series. Ms. Gabaldon must think pretty highly of herself to write a whole book about writing the 'Outlander' series or she just wants to cash in on their popularity.

This is a great book. I'm reading it after finishing all six Outlander novels.However,It only covers the first four.I find it absolutely fascinating to read about how Diana Gabaldon came to write these novels,her research,etc..I'd say it's a must have for any outlander fan.It's a beautiful book.Great pictures and illustrations.Awesome job Dianna!!

I love the Outlander Series but I have periods between reading, this series is over 7000 pages. The companion book is great in explaining things, helping you remember characters, giving you insight into the author and much more. This book was the most expensive of the 8 but worth every penny.

I have to thank Diana for the wonderful stories she has written. I started reading the series with book number 2 - Dragonfly in Amber while on vacation in Scotland and Ireland. At the time I didn't know it was a series, I just wanted a location book. So when I was finished I read #3, then #4 and then #1 Outlander. I feel like it was a neat way to read because it was like a flashback. I received the Companion for Mother's Day from my Sister - she knows that this series has spoiled my taste for other books because of the people, writing and just Ms. Gabaldon's gift in general. I often recommend her books, although many run the other way when they see the length of them. I like the fact that her books are very long - and wish they were longer. I feel like I belong to the Fraser Clan, and that I know the entire group of family and friends. Can't wait for the Fiery Cross....

I really love this book.
It fills in gaps and questions on
what Diana was thinking when she
wrote her stories.
It explains how her research
was done and is a nice
book to read until her next book comes out.
A must have for any Outlander fan.

It's been a long time since I have stayed up until 4:00 in the morning reading, but I did it for 2 weeks while relishing these 4 books. I am a nervous wreak waiting to see where Diana will take Claire and Jamie. They have become very real people to me. Thank-You so much Ms. Gabaldon.

After just a few hours with the Companion, I love it. It provides a great view into the person who created Claire and Jamie and their world. I want to meet this lady! She must be part Scottish somewhere or she wouldn't understand the humor so well!

As it has been years since I read the 4th book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, I found The Outlandish Companion invaluable for synopses of the first 4 books. I also have made extensive use of the Scots-Gaelic "Dictionary" and the secondary character descriptions came in handy for refreshing my memory. I suppose some might find Jamie and Claire's horoscopes interesting or fun, but I thought that was a bit over the top. Still, for fans of her books, if like me, you get behind it's nice to have a reference. Ms. Gabaldon is an excellent researcher, so I suppose she can be forgiven if she gets a little carried away.

When I was in High School, My advanced american history teacher introduced me to these books, and all I can say is " Thank you Mrs. Mason!" I usually dont read historical romances, but I was Blown Away by D.G.'s books. I anxiously await number five and in the meantime, "The Outlandish Companion" helps me brush up on past books (although, I have already started rereading them in anticipation of the new book!) Reading through this was like discovering the books anew. As you flip the pages you remember favorite passages and notice things you didn't see the first time. A definite five-star read.

Diana Gabaldon never fails be engaging. One of the things I liked best was the backstory on how parts of the Outlander epic came to be written the way they were. She is not only a great story teller, but the stories about writing it were fascinating, as well.

Call me cynical, but "The Outlandish Companion" strikes an odd chord in me. Yes, the books are great, but do you really need to know Jamie and Claire's horoscopes, not to mention the minutiae of very minor characters' lives? The books, although lengthy, are not that hard to follow. I'm sure Ms. Gabaldon had fun putting this together, but it smacks of time buying and audience baiting. It's been three years since "Drums of Autumn," and despite predictions "Fiery Cross" is nowhere in sight. If you're an absolute diehard Jamie and Claire fan, this is a must have (and you probably already do). We more patient sorts will wait for "Fiery Cross."

I enjoyed the Companion for its humor, but for me, things like character horoscopes brought the integrity of the series down a notch. Nevertheless, avid Outlander fans will most likely enjoy the Companion, especially the footnotes.

Because there are so many people and places to remember and Diana Gabledon's books are so long (a good thing!) The Outlandish Companion helps jog your memory when you can't remember who somebody or something is.

Not exactly what I expected but overall a good companion for the Outlander series. I think it was worth the price just to find out how to correctly pronounce Laoghaire (which in my mind was pronounced as Log-hair).

This is a must have if you have made these books a part of your lives. When you reread each book before the release of each new book, and you have read Outlander 4 times, then you need the Companion. People who aren't true fans of Gabaldon will feel like they've wasted their time and money. It has become a necessity in my library and will be very helpful when I start Outlander for the fith time. I didn't read the little teasers of the next two books. I don't want to ruin the surprise. Besides, it makes the waiting for it's release all that much harder. Diana definately can't write fast enough for me!

I like the novels and don't think they are too long. But I feel that this book is a rip off and maybe Gabaldon is getting too big for her britches. It's too much money to pay for stuff I've read in other places.

HAVING BEEN LEAD TO THIS SERIES OF BOOKS BY A FRIEND AT THE LIBRARY, I WAS AMAZED AT THE IMPACT THEY HAD ON ME..... I COULDN'T PUT THEM DOWN, AND IN 5 DAYS HAD READ ALL FOUR OF THEM. I THEN SET OUT TO PURCHASE THEM TO HAVE TO READ OVER AND OVER, AND HAVE DONE THAT TOO. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE, AND HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT THE COMPANION THAT DIANA WROTE, AS A PART OF MY SET..... MS GALBADON, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL WRITER, AND BRING A GREAT DEAL OF ENTERTAINMENT TO THOSE OF US, WHO HAVE BECOME YOUR FANS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AND PERSONALLY, YOUR BOOKS MAKE ME VERRA VERRA HAPPY!

The series of the Outlander is the best reading that I have read in a long time. I picked up the first book and could not put it down. I have read all 7 books in the series and they were just great. I was disappointed with the last one only because I knew that I will have to wait several years before Diana comes out with the 8th book for me to find out what happened with some of my favorite people in the series.

The Outlandish Companion is fascinating in and of itself, but it's also another intriguing insight into the original, creative mind of one of the most gifted storytellers of our time. I find this book helpful in clearing up some things, but I am also vastly entertained by Diana's footnotes, asides, explanations, and tantalizing hints of what's yet to come. I will buy everything Diana writes as long as she keeps publishing and I can read (or hear) her words!

One of the most evocative and haunting tales I have ever encountered. The book draws the reader into the lives of the characters until they become real. I always feel a tremendous sense of loss when this book, and each of the others in the series, are finished, so wrapped up in the life of Jamie Fraser have I become. I can only hope that there will be many more time travel adventures with Jamie and Claire by Ms Gabaldon in the future.

Loved her whole series, and I just could not get enough. Fell in love,laughed and cried with the characters. Even started looking at redheaded men in a different wondering light, haha. I enjoyed her Scottish books, and cant wait to visit Scotland sometime, due to her detail and description of this country. Cant wait to see her next book. I have recommended this series to many friends and they have all agreed with me...they are wonderful.

I used to be an avid reader until I had a husband and 4 children.
With little spare time I was able to read all four books in 8 weeks. I didn't get a lot else accomplished but it was better than any vacation.
The series is riveting with the history and story all weaved together. I never realized what life was like in 1745.
I've become obsessed with the characters and can't wait for the next two books.
The best books I've ever read.

I have had all the books in the Outlander series for years. I have read them cover to cover 3 times. I can still laugh at them and cry with them. Diane has totally captivated me with the story of Jamie and Claire. What most of us wouldn't give to have such love in our lives. Can't wait for the next book... Come on, Diane... WRITE ! !

Warning to academic types: This is NOT a true "companion" to the outlander series in the sense of the academic companions are (i.e., Oxford Companion to English Literature). This book contains 100 pages of a synopsis of the first 4 books, horoscopes for people who don't exist, genealogies for people who don't exist, a lexicon which is not alphabetically arranged, does not use the IPA and contains admissions that the author never consulted a native Gaelic speaker before she published Voyager!!! You will NOT find maps, pictures of historic buildings/places mentioned in the book, color plates, full lyrics of songs mentioned in the book (let alone scores), etc. etc.

This could have been a great book if it had been a true companion, but it would have taken a lot of work and research. What I would have liked to see included:

1. Herbalist: pictures, latin names, and uses for herbs.
2. Scottish superstitions: details on the source of the superstitions-are they Christian, pre Christian?
3. Scottish Witches: there is a lot of information out there on Scottish witch craft and it would have been nice to see some detail on this as well as witchcraft in general (what's with the hexagon and the precious jewels).
4. Sources: Geillis Duncan is based apparently on a real Scottish witch who was described by King James in his Demonologie. It would have been nice to see the snippet of this book describing her.
5. Biographies: More information about some of the historical persons in the book.
6.18th Century Life: More information about, say, clothes worn then, what they were called, how they were worn, etc. Food. How about a recipe or two for the stuff they ate.
7. Gaelic Poetry: when she mentions snatches in her books it would be nice to see the whole poem, same thing with songs.

If you are a die hard Gabaldon fanatic who wants to read how she became a writer, her academic prior life, how she writes, etc. this book is for you. It's not cheap. The list price is $35, which is pretty high for a book with no color plates or index. Fortunately for me, I got it out of the library, which I suggest you do too. It's worth reading, in parts, but not worth buying. It could have been a great book but sadly it is not in my opinion.

i love just how in depth this book is, but its not without problems. first of all, its not all that organized. second of all, it needs an update and a second volume. theres been four more novels since this came out

I read a lot of historical fiction and this is by far the best. The story is easy to get into and once in, I warn you, if you go to bed in the middle of an interesting section, you may have to get up out of bed to find out what happens. I took this book with me everywhere I went and if I had a minute or two of free time, I pulled it out! Worth every minute I spent to read it, and could hardly wait to start the second book!

Much as I hate to wait for upcomings, I am certainly glad Ms. Gabaldon makes us wait while she writes a GOOD book. Everytime I pick this one up I find something new and interesting about the series I love. Thank you, Diana, your writing is delightful. And long may Jamie and Claire reign.