The Outlandish Companion (Revised and Updated): Companion to Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn
#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 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.
Reviews (179)
Don't put off getting the Outlandish Companion, you will regret it if you do!
I realize now I would have gained more insight if I had purchased this while reading the first books. However, they came as a gift and thus I didn't even know of the Companion existed until I had finished the first vol. I checked out the Companion at a bookstore and here on Amazon and decided it was too expensive! But I was wrong. When I finally did get around to purchasing it, I immediately understood it would have been worth the earlier price as it is such a valuable adjunct to reading the books! All the questions I had been noting on some scratch paper; all the words I wanted to look up; the history side bars; the locations-real/fictional....everything was explained/defined/elaborated upon and MORE. I whole heartedly urge everyone reading any of the Outlander series to get this book as you will never be sorry for all the wonderful back story and asides and definitions and translations, the maps the footnotes, the resources for your further discovery......IT'S ALL HERE IN THE AUTHOR'S WONDERFUL STYLE.
Wanted more about the characters and stories
I truly love the Outlander series and am eagerly awaiting book 9 and the Starz season 5. I thought this would be a good time to try the Outlandish Companion, especially given all those 5 star reviews. Alas, I found large sections of it to be of limited interest. I am a fan of Diana, and it was interesting to hear how she approaches story telling and how she started writing. What I wanted was more background information about the characters and perhaps to elaborate on their stories and such. Now there was some of that, but there was much more in the way of lists "of things" and old Compuserve dialog. I guess it just didn't make me want to read every page. Considering the price and my expectations from the many raving reviews, I was left a bit disappointed. However, I still think the Outlander series is wonderful, some of the most entertaining fiction I have ever read (or watched).
Everything 'Outlandish' That You Ever Wanted to Know, Plus So Much More!
I look forward to the second volume of The Outlandish Companion, to be released within a matter of days, covering the second four of eight books published to date from The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. This Companion book is not a novel, but a tome put together to answer a myriad of questions posed by fans and others, about the author, the books, the series' characters, and even some of the history behind the stories. In some ways, this is how I'd have expected a "All you ever wanted to know about Diana Gabaldon and her craft but were afraid or unable to ask...." book to be. It is so much more, because you are drawn into an understanding of how this author crafts her books. You also appreciate that she does what scarcely any other historical novelist has done, that I'm aware, and that is, her companion book contains an entire chapter devoted to all of the errors from the first four books that, to date, either Gabaldon has determined herself or has been made aware of by her readers. All sorts of interesting information and stories related to the content of the first four novels comprising The Outlander Series is found in the Companion, not to mention bibliography, pronunciations, and a listing of other authors and books to turn to during the wait for the next volume (nine). If you have read all eight books as I did between May and September of this year, and are "addicted" then this "methadone list" is a blessing. Most appreciated in this newly revised version are some stunning photographs from the 2014-15 Outlander TV series, season one, produced for STARZ. After having perused this book, I feel as though I have met and enjoyed lively in-person discussions with Diana, and I'm hoping to be equally happy with the second Outlandish Companion, especially because, in my estimation, Gabaldon's novels have become better and better with each subsequent publication. My expections are that the second Companion will be more "outlandish" (ha!) than the first!
Enjoyable.
Very interesting to see her frame of mind & thought patterns while working on these books! While it is a just a companion book, if you want to have a quick guide while reading the books for reference this works well since the author wrote it herself. What I mean by this- is that I bought other Outlander guides, not worth the money at all. So I guess you get what you pay for, so having one based & written by Diana Gabaldon is fun to have with all the books. I wouldn't suggest reading it instead tho- as she fleshes out the stories in her books & this is more like an outline she used for each book- so while it does tell you the stories- they aren't exactly the same as the books themselves.
A Guide to Outlander
This is a must for any fan of the books and the television show. The book gives a who's who list of the characters for the first four books. This is extremely helpful as each book is MASSIVE and has a ton of characters which often are only in that one novel. This way you won't be thinking "Who is this again?" Also, there is a summary of each book so even if you re-read them often; you can refresh your memory about the basic story line. Trust me, you need this companion to keep up with the story as the show is often different then the book. A great buy and a great gift for fans of the show/books.
I highly recommend this book to go with Books 1-4
Is this a must have to be able to understand and traverse Books 1-4? No, however, it makes the experience of the books so much fuller and richer than just reading the books alone. I personally am fascinated with the Author, Diana Ganaldon. She's a fascinating woman that was ahead of her time (Data Technology back in the day) and a great seeker of all things history. Diana explains how she became a writer and makes things I normally would skip over in any other book fun to read and a fascinating journey to help inspire others to embrace their hidden Author, consider writing and never give up.
Outlander Companion Revised Edition
Wow! If you are a fan of Outlander, then this is the book. Diana Gabaldon does an outstanding job of providing information on how she came up with Outlander. One of the things I like most about the book is the section on how she does her research. Also, she has a section listing the herbs Claire uses as a healer. The entire book is a fascinating read on the subject of all things, Outlander.
It still has my favorite things from the older version plus new material I ...
I had the old one,but I donated to local library this summer .I used it all the time for for character lists and had read some parts of it over the years. When I broke my wrist in March and was on leave from work, I got to read the whole companion which was very fascinating. There were parts that were outdated which why is I got the revised version. It still has my favorite things from the older version plus new material I can't wait to read. It is a shame that the photos from the show are black and white,not in color.
Lots of Info
As with all of Diana's books there is a huge amount of information. Some times you want a little background to events in stories and this book provides that. I have found the books from which she draws information to be interesting as well.
FOR TRUE OUTLANDER FANS
I honestly didn't use this as much as I thought I would, but it was good for doing a little review before my Book Club meetings. We are reading the entire series and have all watched the series on TV. We are true Outlander Fans, and I honestly purchase just about anything having to do with the series. I didn't need this book, but I suppose it was helpful as a summary referral.
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