Go Behind the Scenes With the Outlander Companion Books and Short Stories
By Elaine Selna
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For those who have read all of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of books, all the Lord John Grey spin-off series novels, and already own the two Outlander cookbooks it can seem like there is nothing else in the canon left to get. However, it seems the author still has time to make more stories about these beloved characters and even offer behind the scenes information. She has written two companion volumes and a collection of short stories and some never-before-published novellas. These books are the perfect addition to any Outlander fans’ collection, especially during Droughtlander.
The first volume is The Outlandish Companion ($32 on Amazon) which was published in 2015 and covers the first four books in the series: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. It includes synopses of these books, every character and family trees, and a guide to Gaelic terms used in the books. Not only are the books covered in this tome, but there are even parts of the show. You can read about how the television show was made and see behind the scenes photos from the set. Fans will also discover the Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel, get the author’s answers to frequently asked questions, and learn about medicine in the 18th century which informs much of Claire as a character.
In the second volume of The Outlandish Companion ($28 on Amazon), also published in 2015, it covers the next four books in the series: The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the Bone, and Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. Not only does it include synopses of these books, but also the Lord John Grey novels. This volume provides even more Gaelic and Scottish vocabulary and pronunciation guides and more behind the scenes photos from the set of the show. Readers will enjoy new maps and floor plans, thoughts on 18th century food, clothes, and music. Gabaldon doesn’t shy away from topics in this volume, she even includes essays on the controversial parts of the book and television series such as sex and violence and the responsibility she has as a writer in her process.
The last book is called Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A Collection of Outlander Fiction ($22 on Amazon) and was published in 2018. This volume is not part of the companion series but is also an exclusive edition filled with stories many fans have not read before. The book includes seven stories, including two never-before-published novellas, starring many of fans’ favorite characters such as Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey, and a young version of Ian Murray, Jamie’s brother-in-law (not Young Ian). The stories all cover different parts of history, character’s own timelines, and themes for fans to discover.
If you are looking for a gift this holiday season for you Outlander obsessed friend and they don’t already have these books, this will bring them joy during this extended Droughtlander we are experiencing. All of these books are on Amazon.
BUY IT NOW: The Outlandish Companion Volume One
BUY IT NOW: The Outlandish Companion Volume Two
BUY IT NOW: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A Collection of Outlander Fiction