Bond on Set: Filming Casino Royale

Book Description

Featuring the debut of a brand-new Bond and set in a number of spectacular European locations, Casino Royale is the latest addition to the most successful film series ever made. Working alongside cast and crew, premier showbiz photographer Greg Williams creates a unique visual record of the making of the movie.

Customer Reviews:

If you loved the DVD, this is a nice addition........2007-08-24

A wonderful compliment to the DVD. I loved the movie and was not disappointed by the extremely candid photography taken on the set of Casino Royale. Greg Williams captured the film set beautifully. My only request would have been to include more photos of the entire cast. Otherwise, this is a true example of professional photography at its' best.

Nice but could have been more........2007-05-15

I liked the book,but it's a little thin on imagery. I would have loved more photo's of the characters and scene's. A stronger narrative of the movie. And the ladies,what a missed opprotunity!

COOL BOOK - GREAT PRICE.......2007-04-03

This is a COOL BOOK! Mainly just pictures - no distracting graphics, text, etc... except for some candid thoughts here and there. Eva Green being funny, smoking at the piano between takes... And you see how Daniel Craig really put himself into the physical side of the film: nursing a black eye with an ice pack, busting through a wall of sheetrock (it's really him), wearing bandaids on a swollen hand (cover picture).

The color and black/white photos are large, close-up and feel almost vintage/period. A favorite already is one of Bond resting between takes through the window of his stunt car... all black/white/silver looking. Very cool.

As others have also commented, I was unsure of this new Bond until I saw the film - now it's my favorite. This book is definitely worth more than the Amazon price - I added it on a whim to my order of the soundtrack - and am glad I did.

Best Bond.......2007-04-02

I've always been a Sean Connery Bond man. Some guys are Roger Moore guys...etc..
I even thought Pierce Brosnan was the best since Connery. So when the announcement of Daniel Craig as Bond surfaced I was not too thrilled. But as soon as I saw the movie I was sold! If not actually better than Connery (I'm still debating), he's right on par with a new take.
"Bond on Set" is a great picture essay all about the making of "Casino Royale". It puts you there like a little visit to the set. If you like Bond and if you like the reboot of "Casino Royale", pick it up!

Fans of Daniel Craig and Casino Royale will love this book.......2007-03-30

This stylish coffee table book is filled with stunning color and black and white behind the scenes shots. The book also contains concise and interesting commentary about the filming of Casino Royale and its various cast members, Daniel Craig in particular. I could not resist buying this book. Not only is Daniel Craig my favorite actor, but I also collect film/cinematography books.

I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series

Average customer rating:

Enormously rewarding
Superb Piece of Research
Savor It Slowly
The "Wonderfulness" of the "I SPY" Book
superlative history of great show

I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series
Marc Cushman , and Linda J. LaRosa
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786427507
Release Date: 2007-01-25

Product Description

One of the most popular and award-winning television series of the sixties, I Spy was the first weekly broadcast to star both a white and a black actor. In 1964, though, producer Sheldon Leonard had, with heavy risk, financed the show himself, and his idea for a racially incorporated cast had earned his show the moniker "Sheldon's Folley." Pairing established white actor Robert Culp with Bill Cosby, a black comedian with barely an acting credit to his name, certainly turned some heads at NBC, and many wondered whether affiliates in the South would ever air the show. Only two years later, Cosby accepted the Emmy for leading actor-and I Spy cemented its role in history. This is a complete history of I Spy and the profound change it evoked in broadcasting, social ideals and racial equality. Rich with interviews and photographs, it discusses I Spy's unique approach to race, co-starring interracial actors as equals. It also describes how the show became the template for popular "buddy genre" shows and films that followed, covers the show's significance as the first series to shoot episodes around the world, and puts I Spy in context with other works within the spy genre at a time when spy books, shows and films exploded in popularity. A complete episode guide includes writers, directors, cast, crew, plot synopsis and commentary.

Customer Reviews:

Enormously rewarding.......2007-06-29

Most TV series histories/episode guides are either short on thorough research, perceptive criticism, or engaging prose -- or (typically) all three. This one, however, nails them, and it's got some cool, little-seen photos and fun, informative interviews to boot.

Cushman and LaRosa have done outstanding work here, and kudos to McFarland for packaging their work so attractively. This book is up there with David J. Schow's The Outer Limits Companion, which set a standard over 20 years ago that's rarely been met since.

Like the series it so exhaustively and passionately covers, the "I Spy" guide is a pleasure from start to finish. Impressive work all around.

Superb Piece of Research .......2007-03-17

This is a seriously excellent piece of work, and McFarland have done a superb job in translating Marc and Linda's text into an extremely attractive - and very hefty! - book.

I was surprised at the large dimensions of the book (I was already aware there was a generous page count). This is larger than HAWAII FIVE O (hardback version) and EXPLORING SPACE:1999 (paperback)...my two other 'main' McFarland's devoted to specific tv series. The general impression on opening the package is one of QUALITY.

The balance between the synopsis for each episode, and then script excerpts and behind the scenes stories is spot on, and I congratulate the authors. Episode Guides are everywhere these days, as are DVDs. So I'm glad that only the basics of the each story are covered because that allows much more space to be given over to what I'd regard as the meat of the book - the behind the scenes stories, the interviews and the background.

And photos - most of which I haven't seen before. Photo illustration is an aspect of McFarland's tv books which is often a bit of a let-down. Not in this case it isn't.

Anyone who thinks this is a cut and paste job is very wide of the mark. The research that has gone into the book is self evident and sets a very high bar for subsequent books of the kind to match.

I came very late to I SPY. I seem to remember that it was shown here in England, but in the sixties my age wasn't even into double figures. I bought the three DVD box sets from Image Entertainment a few years back, after hearing the Film Score Monthly CD of some of Earle Hagen's scores. Other than what I've gleaned off the Internet and occasional references in cultural media (and the Culp commentaries on the DVDs), I have been ignorant of the behind the scenes stories and background to the show and its genesis.

Time, I think, to work again through the series, episode by episode, with the book as a companion!

Savor It Slowly.......2007-03-01

What truffles are to regular chocolate is what I Spy by Marc Cushman and Linda LaRosa is to any other book covering this remarkable series. (Not to mention being so rich and flavorful it has to be enjoyed in very small bites.)

Chapter One does open a bit slowly, with so many references to other novels, movies, and shows that I almost had to check the cover to remember what I was reading about. I was also Jarred by the Editorial Choice to Capitalize the Racial terms Black and White. While this may have been a common style in the 1960's, when I Spy was being broadcast, it doesn't match the modern vocabulary and writing style of the book.

However, reading on, the material redeems those small faults. You get everything here - the backstory to the development of the show; tasty tidbits about the writers, directors, actors, and producers; and a frame of what else was happening in television at the time. The episode guides are wonderful, and offer honest criticism of the weaker episodes as well as praise for the stronger ones.

If you were or are an I Spy fan, you'll probably want to sleep with this book under your pillow. If you're not an I Spy fan, you will be after you read this book. Buy it!

The "Wonderfulness" of the "I SPY" Book.......2007-02-19

What a terrific book!!! More than worth the 40 year wait for any fan of "I SPY," Robert Culp, Bill Cosby and TV nostalgia. This comprehensive and extremely well researched book covers all aspects of the series - and the careers of both Culp and Cosby. The book includes extensive interviews with Robert Culp and many of the writers, plus the families of the producers, the man behind the music - Earle Hagen, the production staff, guest stars, and, of course, Bill Cosby, too. The book is beautifully written, filled with stories and anecdotes to delight every fan - capturing the humor, drama, and adventure of the series that made it such a standout.

The book thoroughly covers the "behind-the-scenes" stories of Sheldon Leonard's daring experiment filming a TV series in exotic locations around the world and the problems that entailed. Stories about all aspects of production, location, the actors, and in-depth episode reviews are included. There is also an intriguing " Story Behind the Story" highlighted for each episode, filled with fascinating information few have ever heard until now, including the re-writes done by Culp and Cosby. Fascinating and often funny stories about the censors, and delightful "Mail Bag" letters sent in by fans, make for entertaining reading.

The book sets "I SPY" in the context of the times it was first aired. Race relations, Cosby's and Culp's relationship, and "the wonderfulness" of their friendship and camaraderie are examined, along with magazine articles giving a flavor of the times. The show is discussed with a historical and sociological perspective, including the impact and import of having the first black actor to star in a prime-time TV show. "I SPY" is also discussed as the forerunner for "the buddy genre" with two equal partners fighting the bad guys to save the world.

This book is "extremely" well-written and researched - and the many stories and extensive photographs will definitely delight everyone who opens the pages of this book.

superlative history of great show.......2007-02-03

One of the all-time great and truly groundbreaking television shows, I SPY had somewhat disappeared from the public consciousness until the DVD revolution made the episodes available again. Now, a book many fans thought would never arrive does, and it's stacked; over 400 pages of history, commentary, reviews, interviews (including brand new ones with Culp, Cosby, writers, editors and directors such as Richard Sarafian), arcane trivia, discussion of the never-to-be-fourth season, the Culp-directed HICKEY AND BOGGS, the reunion tv flick, the board games and so forth.
It's particularly useful to Robert Culp fans, as he's never had a book published on his career; it does cover his entire career in some detail, with Culp's own commentary on it, but anyone who loves I SPY, spy television, 60s television, or Culp or Cosby (whose entire career is overviewed as well) should find this book a welcome addition to their library. Mcfarland books can be overpriced, but this one is actually worth the cost. I ordered mine directly from the publisher; it should be available by traditional outlets later this year.

James Bond and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy)

Average customer rating:

"Oh, Grow Up, 007!"
Mel Brooks Had It Right
This is no light read, however
"The name's Blair. Tony Blair."

James Bond and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy)

Manufacturer: Open Court
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812696077

Book Description

“Bond. James Bond.” Since Sean Connery first uttered that iconic phrase in Dr. No, more than one quarter of the world’s population has seen a 007 film. Witty and urbane, Bond seduces and kills with equal ease — often, it seems, with equal enthusiasm. This enthusiasm, coupled with his freedom to do what is forbidden to everyone else, evokes fascinating philosophical questions. Here, 15 witty, thought-provoking essays discuss hidden issues in Bond’s world, from his carnal pleasures to his license to kill. Among the lively topics explored are Bond’s relation to existentialism, including his graduation “beyond good and evil”; his objectification of women; the paradox of breaking the law in order to ultimately uphold it like any “stupid policeman”; the personality of 007 in terms of Plato’s moral psychology; and the Hegelian quest for recognition evinced by Bond villains. A reference guide to all the Bond movies rounds out the book’s many pleasures.

Customer Reviews:

"Oh, Grow Up, 007!".......2007-05-15

As a big fan of both James Bond and Open Court's Popular Culture and Philosophy series, I might be somewhat biased in this review. I read "James Bond and Philosophy: Questions are Forever" with some relish, and came away very impressed.

Fifteen philsophers, (not 17), have a go at bringing their philosophical meanderings to the phenomenon and cultural icon of Bond. No mean feat, especially in a book only 227 pages long, (not including the bits at the back). These people cover everything from epistemology, phenomenology, existentialism, morality and ethics and healthy doses of Nietzsche. The fifteen essays are divided into five broad sections: "Bond, Existentialism and Death", "The Man Behind the Number", "Bond, Politics and Law", "Knowledge and Technology", and "Multiculturalism, Women and a More Sensitive Bond".

It should be noted that the book makes extensive use of the novels. While those who have only seen the movies will not be greatly disadvantaged, it would be useful to have read some of the books.

Also, this is perhaps the most difficult book of the series that I have read. While not completely odious, there were parts that I found tough to digest. This was more noticeable than in other volumes in the series.

Overall, this is an excellent book, and will leave you with much food for thought. I enjoyed the look into the deeper side of James Bond, (including his dietary choices!), and found myself absorbed. A great volume in a great series!

Mel Brooks Had It Right.......2007-02-13

In the film "History of the World Part Two" there is a scene with Mel Brooks in ancient Rome applying for a job. The clerk asks him for his profession. He replies that he is a "standup philosopher." The clerk replies, "Oh a B S artist". There is certainly a lot of that in this book. It is a collection of essays by people who are reputedly at the top of their field and who attempt to define the character of James Bond, 007.

Of course I may be prejudiced as a Bond fan since the fifties and one who has seen all the films and has shelves of books on Ian Fleming, the Bond films and of course all the Bond novels and short stories. I have even used the Bond films in the classroom. My expectations may have been too high as the writers in this book have good credentials. I will admit they know philosophy and they cover every philosopher from Plato to Nietzsche to prove their points. Actually more time is spent by some of the writers on examining the philosophers than Bond. I'm sure that as professionals and Bond fans (I would hope) they had fun writing this. More fun than the reader will have.

Some of the authors do a good job in what they are supposed to be selling while others just natter on in a most boring fashion. They would have done better to have followed the lead of the excellent "James Bond Dossier" by Kingsley Amis and so many other authors in following decades who have attempted to analyze Ian Fleming and James Bond.

The problem is that you cannot pin down James Bond from the various author descriptions by Ian Fleming, Kingsley Amis, the brilliant John Gardner and Raymond Benson married to the twenty one Bond films and portrayals by all the Bond stars, from Connery to Craig, as scripted and directed in the films. There are differences.

You cannot make an analysis of the books and films together or separately without looking at Ian Fleming himself. The James Bond of Ian Fleming originally was based in looks on "a young Hoagy Carmichael" and in personality on Fleming himself. The book Bond was not originally the lady killer that Sean Connery portrayed.

The book is interesting only as an exercise in thoughts and I do appreciate the attempt of each writer in this collection to tie their interpretation of Bond in with their own philosophic beliefs. However I must say that from my view the book does not add anything to understanding the James Bond phenomena and how it relates to our world today.

This is no light read, however.......2007-02-06

'Questions are Forever' in James Bond and Philosophy, another addition to Open Court's popular 'pop philosophy' series linking popular culture with philosophical ideas and insights. This is no light read, however: seventeen philosopher scholars examine the underlying philosophical issues in the Bond universe, providing weighty connections, reflections, and insights relating Bond to Nietzsche and others. College-level courses in philosophy seeking such connections between the genre and modern life will find this sparks classroom interest and debate.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"The name's Blair. Tony Blair.".......2006-11-12

The Open Court Press series Popular Culture and Philosophy has reached twenty-five volumes and this book is one of the most interesting.

There are a slew of Bond books out now to coincide with the appearance of the "new Bond," Daniel Craig. (I've seen good and bad reviews of the film Casino Royale, so if I see it in the theater before it comes out on DVD it will be to watch Judi Dench as M. Her M is more intelligent - - and more vicious - - than any master criminal 007 ever went up against.)

Like other books in this series, it uses it's popular culture subject to illuminate philosophical ideas, not the other way around. (It's Heidegger's views on why technology makes us human that matter, not how Q always knows exactly what kind of gadget 007 will need.)

The most important essays to me were the ones blending political and moral issues that are pertinent today. Just what kind of "democratic oversight" is necessary before you give an agent a "license to kill" (or torture, or waterboard)?

It's fascinating that M's real-life counterpart in MI5 just announced that the so-called war on terror would last at least a generation. The implication is, "You need us." Of course lately the terrorist suspects MI5 has shot and/or killed have been completely innocent. Like the man shot and killed by a US sky marshall for running off the plane while the victim's wife (who was with him on the plane) told everyone he was on medication.

Blair's in trouble for selling honors in exchange for political contributions and may soon be getting a visit from the police himself. But for now the police (at least the secret departments) and Blair's government are propping each other up.

It reminds me of what someone supposedly said when he saw Napoleon's foreign minister on the arm of the secret police chief. "Vice supported by crime."

But I suspect several of the authors in this book would disagree with me about current politics. What I took from the book may not be what you will.

Most of the philosophers find something in the Bond stories (if not in Bond himself) to defend. But not all of them. I especially liked Dean Kowalski's essay looking at Bond from the viewpoint of Eastern philosophy. I also like the fact that the Philosophy and Popular Culture series seems to try to include as many women and other varied perspectives as they can.

There are so many interesting ideas in the world, it is enough after all.

The Incredible World of Spy-Fi: Wild and Crazy Spy Gadgets, Props, and Artifacts from TV and the Movies

Average customer rating:

60's Spy Show Expose
UNIQUE PRIVATE COLLECTION PUBLICIZED
CAN'T PUT IT DOWN, AND I'M A GIRL!
Absolute Nirvana for the Inner Spy Geek in All of Us
Great Gift for the Spy Who Loves You

The Incredible World of Spy-Fi: Wild and Crazy Spy Gadgets, Props, and Artifacts from TV and the Movies
Danny Biederman
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 081184224X

Book Description

In page after page of colorful imagery, The Incredible World of Spy-Fi captures four decades of espionage eye candy from our favorite fictional spies. From Maxwell Smart's Shoe Phone to James Bond's Walther PPK to Austin Powers' eyeglasses and classic spy gear from Alias, Mission: Impossible, The Wild Wild West, and more, this visual gallery reveals to the public for the very first time the world's largest collection of spy props and artifacts. Danny Biederman, creator of the Spy-Fi Archives, has spent the better part of his life tracking down over 4,000 rare pieces. So thorough is his collection that the CIA visited the Archives and invited Biederman to display a portion from his massive treasury at CIA headquarters. Here, Biederman profiles over 200 of his coolest, most captivating gadgets, offering enough juicy trivia and insider stories to make any spy proud.

Customer Reviews:

60's Spy Show Expose.......2005-07-28

If you were born in the 1950's this book is for you! All the great shows are here (U.N.C.L.E., Wild, Wild West, Mission Impossible, etc) The book is nicely illustrated and features the author's incredible collection of props from many different shows. Much of the author's prose illustrates his considerable knowledge and love of the subject. I wonder if the former Soviet Union has books like this one? It is my theory that the Soviet Blok collapsed because it simply wasn't very fun. This book is fun. Buy it, or you will be shot with a sleep dart (while you are sleeping, of course, so you will never know that you have been shot with a sleep dart)

UNIQUE PRIVATE COLLECTION PUBLICIZED.......2005-07-13

Danny Biederman is the actual author--the forward was by Robert W. Wallace. Biederman's collection of fictional spy artifacts is interesting to both movie buffs and to those involved in real-world espionage. I hadn't heard of most of the movies in "the Incredible World of Spy Fi," so I'll be looking them up on DVD. The spy gadgets and props are almost as important as the actor--the gimmicks are characters, too! Who can forget John Steed's steel-lined bowler, Maxwell Smart's shoe phone, the U.N.C.L.E. Special, James Bond's PPK and tricked-out sports cars, or Jim Phelp's self-destructing tape recorders? I enjoyed reading this book and it will be a valuable reference in my personal library.

CAN'T PUT IT DOWN, AND I'M A GIRL!.......2004-12-26

Christmas present, birthday present, valentine's present, no-special-occasion present: this book makes me HAPPY! I can't imagine anyone not falling in love with it. It brought back floods of ecstatic memories -- and of course, I had to read it while drinking a shaken/not/stirred martini! BRAVO! MORE BOOKS from Mr. Biederman's archives -- and WOW, can he write! Wry, witty, charming, impeccably researched -- 10 STARS!

Absolute Nirvana for the Inner Spy Geek in All of Us.......2004-12-25

Danny Biederman's THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF SPY-FI is not only the perfect coffee table book for those of us who grew up wanting to be James Bond (and maybe still DO want to be James Bond), it's also a brilliant and deeply enjoyable work of scholarship and pop-culture history. Biederman's personal collection of props, costumes, and other arcana from the Bond films, TV shows like THE MAN FROM UNCLE, and even spoofs like AUSTIN POWERS, has been justifiably legendary for years; now he's given us the gift of an intense look at just a fraction of that collection. One word of warning: Don't just get lost in the incredible photos, because Biederman's insightful, humorous, and intelligent prose (which accompanies the pics) is every bit as pleasurable as the visuals. My only complaint? I just wished this book was six times longer. Can we hope for a SPY-FI 2 sometime in the future, Mr. Biederman? Sure hope so.

Great Gift for the Spy Who Loves You.......2004-11-17

This book should be in the library, or, more likely, on the coffee table of every aficionado of espionage. Most of us of a certain generation were weaned, so to speak, on the exploits of the imaginative and edgy TV spy series of the 1960s, so there's much here to bring one back to one's formative years. Danny Biederman gives it all his intelligent, informed, and indulgent commentary. There is simply no book like this.

Average customer rating:

Good Read, Entertaining

Namesakes (Alias)
J. J. Abrams , and Greg Cox
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416924426

Book Description

What's in a name? Apparently everything.

A killer is targeting women in the Los Angeles area who share a name with Sydney Bristow's former aliases. Sydney wants the case, but she's already hot on the heels of a terrorist armed with a secret formula for a super-explosive.

While Sydney and Dixon try to prevent the terrorist from creating a man-made tsunami aimed at the United States, Weiss and Nadia are tasked with catching the Alias Killer. Jack and Vaughn quietly embark on their own investigation into the alias killings and begin to suspect that the murderer may be an ex-coworker resentful of Sydney for shutting down the shadow organization SD-6 years ago.

As Sydney struggles to stay focused and stop a ruthless man with mass destruction on his mind, she can't help but wonder, Will APO find the Alias Killer before another one of my unsuspecting namesakes pays the price?

Customer Reviews:

Good Read, Entertaining.......2006-08-03

This series so far has been pretty entertaining, obviously more so if you were a fan of Alias. It's an entertainig story, well written and easy to ready. It won't win any awards so don't expect a classic, but it's worth the price and you won't be disappointed. I was a huge fan of Alias, so honestly, I may be a bit biased, but like I said, the story was entertaining and the series is a winner.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing
A true Alias dream guide

Authorized Personnel Only (Alias)
Paul Ruditis
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1416902155

Book Description

Internal Memorandum
For Your Eyes Only

The contents of the dossiers herein are top-secret government files. This information must be kept completely confidential to ensure not only the safety of the field agents who risk their lives daily but also the continued effectiveness of the agency.

Enclosed is a comprehensive collection of Agent Sydney Bristow's mission briefings, beginning with her time working as a double agent for SD-6 and the CIA. These files chronicle the downfall of SD-6, the rise of the Covenant, and the creation of Authorized Personnel Only, a secret branch of the CIA that's existence is at once sanctioned and denied by the federal government.

In addition to these briefings, the attached files contain profiles detailing each agent's personal history and psych evaluation, comprehensive analyses of the members of other U.S. intelligence agencies and enemies of the state, a combined SD-6/CIA ops tech report on the gadgets supplied for various missions, mission maps, and the official report on Renaissance prophet Milo Rambaldi, including a catalog of all collected artifacts and deciphered codes leading up to his apocalyptic prophecy.

Should these CIA files fall into the wrong hands, the results could be disastrous for the United States and its allies. Proceed with the utmost caution.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2006-10-23

After Mark Cotta Vaz's adequate first volume, I was hoping for a follow-up from Ruditis that at least matched it and hopefully surpassed it. Sorry. Didn't happen.

This guide is kinda flashy but isn't constructed well. It's written as fiction, like you've been handed a dossier on Sydney Bristow and the gang and are having their missions explained to you. But all the energy spent on assigning made up file numbers and access codes comes across as taking focus off the show and sounds just plain corny. As usual with Ruditis books, there's little real-life info on the show. Do they not like this guy?

If you've collected the 'Alias' magazine, you've got a thousand times more info than you'll get from this. For the completist only.

A true Alias dream guide.......2006-01-28

It's been a long time since the Alias TV series went on air, but there hasn't been an official guide to complement with its popularity. And now finally, there is this book to satisfy our need for Alias(and give us "the story so far...")while we watch the current fifth season.

I got this book from a store, but initially I hesitated on buying it, since I'm reliant on book reviews and there isn't one as yet on Amazon right here. This official guide is written by Paul Ruditis, who wrote several tie-ins to Alias, Star Trek and Charmed, to name a few. He also co-wrote Angel: The Casefiles Vol.2 and Vol.3 of the Watcher's Guide. I bought Angel: The Casefiles Vol. 2 and I must say I was quite disappointed that Paul Ruditis' version was not as detailed and long as the previous Vol.1, which was written by another group of writers. So I was quite wary when I bought this guide, but it turns out Paul did a good job on this one.

Enough on the history already. Let's get on with the contents of this official guide. Inside, the Alias: Authorized Personnel Only guide is fully coloured with photos from the series. Contained in this book are:
(a) Agent Profiles
A fully detailed description of every single core member in the SD-6, CIA, the recently formed APO unit, civilian information and their current status.
(b) Milo Rambaldi
The history of this visionary architect from the past is detailed in this section, plus a full guide on the various devices he created and the items that revealed his prophecy on the Chosen One and the Passenger.
(c) Mission Archives
In this part of the guide are the detailed mission logs from Season 1 to 4. There are also major plot points that move the story and profiles found scattered throughout this section.
(d) Op Tech Manual
This section contains all the equipment and gadgets featured or mentioned (surveillance, computer processing equipment, stealth technology, lockpick/entry tools, tranquilizing agents, weapons, assorted items) throughout the series.
(e) Mission Key
A list of all episodes from Season 1 to 4, their original airdates and the mission log nos. that were featured in the episodes.
(f) Travel Log
A guide detailing the travel log of Agent Sydney Bristow on missions throughout the world, and the organisation she was doing the missions for.

Overall, I must say this has been a good official guide, if not more, and I'm satisfied with the way this guide was written. I highly reccommend this book to fans and ongoing viewers of Alias, plus first-time viewers who are interested and intrigued in this suspense and action drama series.

Average customer rating:

Very entertaining spy story
Good story with an interesting twist
Alias Fun
Cliche Characters
Keep 'em coming.

Sister Spy (Alias)
Laura Peyton Roberts
Manufacturer: Bantam Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553494015
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Book Description

Alpha Kappa Chi sorority sister Jen Williams has recently died of “natural causes.” Turns out that Jen was also a rookie agent for SD-6. AKX is spending spring break in Waikiki, and Jen was supposed to undertake an important mission for SD-6 there. But now Jen is dead, and it’s up to Sydney to infiltrate the sorority and carry out Jen’s Hawaiian mission . . . and find out what really happened to her sister spy.

Download Description

Alias: Sister Spy is a prequel novel based on J. J. Abrams' TV series Alias.

Alpha Kappa Chi sorority sister Jen Williams has recently died of "natural causes." Turns out that Jen was also a rookie agent for SD-6. AKX is spending spring break in Waikiki, and Jen was supposed to undertake an important mission for SD-6 there. But now Jen is dead, and it's up to Sydney to infiltrate the sorority and carry out Jen's Hawaiian mission... and find out what really happened to her sister spy.

Customer Reviews:

Very entertaining spy story.......2006-11-13

I've enjoyed all of the Alias books, and this one was one of the most enjoyable. Fun for all ages! It's so great to keep entertained by these books since the series was ended.

Good story with an interesting twist.......2004-10-06

Sister Spy is about Sydney's mission to join the Alpha Kappa Chi sorority at UCLA. At first, this seems to be an interesting and challenging mission for Sydney. She is not the type to hang out with sorority girls and fraternity guys. In fact, she hates the whole college party scene. As part of her mission, she learns of another college student at UCLA who was an undercover agent for SD-6. The girl recently died of natural causes. Sydney feels some sort of bond with the girl which helps her through the mission. It is Sydney's job to join the sorority, find out what happened to the girl and find out who could have possibly killed her. Sydney has do to all this without telling her best friend and roommate, Francie, about her real intentions. Sydney and Francie check out Alpha Kappa Chi together and even go on a trip with the sisters to Hawaii. Sydney focuses her attention on the murderer and attempts to perform a mission while in Hawaii. Just when you think you have the story figured out, there is a big twist.

Alias Fun.......2004-06-22

As a big Alias fan, I thought this was a fun little read, seeing what the unsinkable Sydney was like back before the TV series started. Better writing than I had expected from a novelization.

Cliche Characters.......2004-04-22

while i totally enjoyed reading this short novel (mainly because i love love love sydney!!!), the college sorority characters all seemed to fit into cliche grooves--what you expect to find in a hoity toity sorority is all there. the author seemed to manipulate us and sydney into suspecting the wrong person. however, it is true with sydney's character that she does have a tendency to jump to conclusions and about 40% of the time she is wrong, so i suppose that would fit into her character development. (especially when she jumps to conclusions regarding her father.) and sometimes i wonder what era sydney is living in. i mean, who wears spandex to go running these days? spandex isn't even 90's, it's totally 80's! i know in the tv series they try to keep sydney's wardrobe very classic and timeless, so it would be nice if the authors would try the same. but maybe i am being too critical. i just cannot picture sydney wearing spandex shorts to go running.

this was my least favorite alias book so far, but i still enjoyed it. but mainly because Noah shows up here and there. when he was introduced in the tv series, i loved him. he was smart, hot, confident and cocky. and in response to the girl who wrote how she couldn't wait to see how their relationship ends up, if you paid any attention to the series you know what happens: noah runs away from sydney because he cannot handle doing what he does and being crazy in love with her at the same time. he emails her before he leaves for his new post in europe and and she never reads it because her junk mail gets automatically deleted. she never knows he tried to say goodbye, she thought he just left without a word. and then they hook up again & she finds out he's the Snowman and all heck breaks loose. But even though i know their reltionship is ultimately doomed, i COMPLETELY enjoy reading about how they met and how their romance develops through this and every other alias novel. sydney and noah totally sizzle.

Keep 'em coming........2003-07-28

As a hopelessly devoted "Alias" fan, OF COURSE I'm going to buy all the Alias merch I can get my greedy little hands on. Laura Peyton Roberts is quickly becoming my favorite Prequel author, but I'll reserve further judgement for the Michael Vaughn novels (they feature different authors than Sydney's). I love the situations Roberts puts Sydney in... and gets her out of. It's amazing what kind of situations you can put a secret agent through if you have a big enough imagination and let your pen do the talking. Of course, I screamed when she and Noah finally hooked up. In the show, Noah came off as kind of dry, but through the books, he's starting to grow on me. I can't wait to see how the Syd/Noah thing ends.

Average customer rating:

A good start
Poor research
Too Long Winded
Alias book review.

Two of a Kind? (Alias)
Greg Cox
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416902139

Book Description

Taking orders again from Arvin Sloane is enough for agent Sydney Bristow's life to feel turned upside down. But when an old adversary resurfaces and begs specifically for her help, Sydney is forced to confront ever-changing alliances -- and the disturbing question of just how much she and her former enemy have in common.

United by an urgent goal but for separate reasons, an inconceivable team is forged. From the luxury hotels of downtown Singapore to the frenetic streets of New Orleans's French Quarter, Sydney finds herself with little time to decide if she's been given the chance to amend ancient history or if she's being lethally played.

Customer Reviews:

A good start.......2006-06-22

I was terrified of starting this book because the author, Greg Cox. In Tales of the Slayer volume 2, his big monster, is an overly massive vampire squid???! Vampire Squid? You're kidding me, right? Luckily this book wasn't so crazy. Most parts were pretty realistic, except for the end. I enjoyed it, but the most of the other books in the series. Read it if you want, but not 100% neccesary unless you're a fan.

Poor research.......2006-05-21

Nice enough story, but if you include German in your book, please please do NOT run it through some online translator but get someone who actually speaks it.
page 190 : "Töten Sie sie! Lassen Sie sie entkommen nicht!" should be: "nicht entkommen!".
page 195 : "Verdammen sie!" Is just the literal translation of Damn you. "Verdammt noch mal" might be what's used in stead but that's more of a general curse.

Too Long Winded.......2005-06-24

A top secret prototype plane has been stolen. It just took off and kept flying. Recovering it is the top priority of the CIA.

APO has received a lead from an unlikely source. Maya Rao is an Indian assassin who has crossed paths with Sydney in the past. But she steps forward with a lead and a request to work together with Sydney. Naturally, Sydney doesn't like the idea, but what else can she do? Even more disturbing are Maya's constant comments that she and Sydney are more alike then different. Can this be true? What are Maya's real motives? Will they track down the plane?

This book started out well, but died under the weight of its story. It felt entirely too long. Maybe it's just that this is longer then the prequels were, but I was ready for it to be done long before the climax came. I was also distracted by the constant references to events from the show. While a few are good, it got to the point of excess very quickly. The climax did stretch believability; I didn't have as big a problem with it as I might have, probably because I was ready for the book to be over.

While never classic literature, I have enjoyed the Alias tie in novels in the past. Hopefully this is an exception and the next will be back to the enjoyable quick reads that the others have been.

Alias book review........2005-06-14

I liked this book. It had a lot of action and was not hard to follow. Some parts in the book where a little out there. I also like how it follows the tv series. I won't tell you what happened because I have read some of there and had the ending spoiled so I won't do that. I would read this book if given the chance.

Average customer rating:

The Ghost (Alias)
J. J. Abrams , and Brian Studler
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416924442

Book Description

The Ghost, a legendary figure who has gone by so many aliases his real identity is a mystery, has created a double-edged hallucinogen that is both a blessing to psychiatry and a powerful weapon that can ignite mass hysteria. When the mad scientist is double-crossed by one of his own minions, Agent Sydney Bristow must accompany him to his undercover clinic in Switzerland and help him learn which of his protégés stole the drug and sold it to a chemical weapons dealer.

However, this plan doesn't sit well with Jack Bristow, who shares a past with the Ghost....In fact, he thought he killed the man in a Vietnamese jungle years ago. Now Jack must determine if his mind is playing tricks on him, or if their wartime encounter was just another one of the Ghost's twisted psychological experiments....

Book Description

Agent Sydney Bristow has always held her own in the traditional boy's club of espionage. In fact, she's grown comfortable in her well-earned role as respected go-to girl. But with the recent addition of her half-sister, Nadia, dynamics inevitably shift as Sydney finds herself with a new partner, roommate, and -- even if unintentional -- competitor.

APO's mission to retrieve a mysterious biological weapon is compromised, and in the melee Weiss is infected. Driven by concern and guilt, Sydney searches for the only known vaccine -- until her cover is blown and she must watch Nadia assume her field role next to Vaughn. But when Vaughn and Nadia's cover is blown, only Sydney and Nadia's collective strength can keep Sydney's "family" alive.

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant and Entertaining.......2006-02-23

Sibling rivalry is a fascinating and intricate motivation for a story line. Replaced captures just the tip of the iceberg of potential stories in this journey into Sydney's emotionally handicapped family. I am looking forward to future scenarios from this author on the subject.

Jealousy.......2006-01-19

This is a great read. For everyone who reads all these definatly don't miss this one. It lacks none of the action you expect from an Alias novel. Sydeny is starting to find that she gets a little jealous and annoyed of Nadia. Its a great read and fills in a lot of the gaps. The author lets you in on how Sydney really feels about staying with Nadia.

Frustration Builds as the Book Progresses.......2005-08-31

When the APO team goes to arrest Dr. Lance Bergin, things go from bad to worse. It ends with his escape and Weiss being infected by a deadly virus. With time running out, Sydney tracks the bad doc to South Africa, where she is sidelined. While she fumes, Vaughn and Nadia are called in to complete the mission. Only with this case, nothing is ever easy and the bad news just keeps coming in. Can the three agents stay alive long enough to find the cure for Weiss?

The Alias books seem to be hit or miss recently, and this one is no exception. The story starts out well, and I was enjoying it. As the book progressed, I got more and more frustrated. The plot relies on the agents making critical mistakes. While I found the first few believable, by the end I was rolling my eyes as they were doing things I knew better then to do. Sydney gets more and more annoying as the story progresses as well, snapping at everyone around her. And one final complaint, although this one is minor. The book keeps saying they need to find a vaccine for Weiss, when in reality they should have been looking for an antidote.

Making the Alias books longer has not been the best decision. I am about ready to stop reading them and just enjoy the series on TV when it comes back on the air.

Sydney and Nadia in APO - Finally!.......2005-08-22

Finally, the authors stopped writing the prequel series and starting filling in some of the gaps in between seasons. This book is one such novel. While the storyline is great, and the action is typical Alias action, I took issue with the fact that Sydney was made to be ALOT more immature in this book. By now, she's almost 30 years old, and is the older sister between her and Nadia, yet several times she's acting like a petulant child who doesn't get her way. She becomes socially and emotionally stunted for a while in this book. I love that the writers are giving more backstory on why she's hesitant to get back with Vaughan, but they are making her regress in age instead of progress and mature. Overall, an excellent read for Alias fans worldwide!

Just okay........2005-08-02

I really enjoy these books because I love anything Alias-related. I did enjoy this book BUT Sydney was just whiny and insecure. Nothing like she is on the show. Take out all the silly whiny parts and it would have been a lot more readable.

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