Amazon.com (ISBN 0385324138, Hardcover)

For nine years, four books, and nearly 4,000 pages, Diana Gabaldon has entranced readers with her talent for historical authenticity, dramatic plot lines, and strong characters in the Outlander series. Her superb writing has earned a loyal audience, but after a million and a half words, even the most fervent of fans may have a difficult time trying to recall the exact details of the secondary characters, let alone the obscure ones. Thankfully, Gabaldon's The Outlandish Companion is here to help.

Part crib notes and part trivia guide, this essential handbook includes synopses of the first four novels, a character guide, notes on plot development and research, answers to frequently asked questions, and teasers for the upcoming novels--there're even horoscope charts of the central characters, a list of fan Web sites, and choice recipes for the truly devoted.

Readers looking for a fix of Gabaldon's humorous voice or insight into her writing processes and characters will certainly be more than satisfied, but those looking for the next installment of Jamie and Claire's adventures will have to wait for The Fiery Cross, the fifth book in this bestselling series, expected sometime in late 1999 to early 2000. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0385257392, Hardcover)

New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon has captured the hearts of millions with her critically acclaimed novels, Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. From the moment Claire Randall accidentally steps through a magical stone that transports her back in time more than 200 years to 1743, and into the arms of Scottish soldier Jamie Fraser, readers have been enthralled with this epic saga of time travel, adventure, and love everlasting.

Now Diana Gabaldon has written the ultimate companion guide to her bestselling series, the book only she could write -- a beautifully illustrated compendium of all things Outlandish. As a special bonus for those who are eagerly awaiting the next appearance of Jamie and Claire, she includes never-before-published excerpts from upcoming works in the series. And there's lots more in this lavish keepsake volume for the many devoted fans who yearn to learn the stories behind the stories:

 ¸  Full synopses of Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn
 ¸  A complete listing of the characters in all four novels, including extensively researched family trees and genealogical notes
 ¸  Professionally cast horoscopes for Jamie and Claire
 ¸  A comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide to Gaelic terms and usage
 ¸  The fully explicated Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel
 ¸  Frequently asked questions to the author and her (sometimes surprising) answers
 ¸  An annotated bibliography
 ¸  Tips, personal stories -- even a recipe or two!
 ¸  Essays about medicine and magic in the eighteenth century, researching historical fiction, and more