Hercules, The Legendary Journeys: The Official Companion (Paperback)

~ Rob Weisbrot (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"Hercules:The Legendary Journeys" first burst onto television screens as a series of five action-packed movies. But unlike previous Hercules movies, these didn't feature togas and flowery language. Instead, the producers created a Hercules for the '90s, a regular guy who just happens to possess super-human strength and regularly fights monsters and evil-doers. The movies quickly became a hit and a series was born. Now more than five million viewers follow the weekly exploits of the legendary hero.

In this official companion to the series, fans of the show get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes "Hercules" so popular. Featuring interviews with the stars and producers; an episode-by-episode guide to the series; a look at the real gods and goddesses behind the myths; dozens of never-before seen photos; and intriguing "Legendary Facts," this companion is a must for fans of all ages.

Be sure to check out Xena: Warrior Princess--The Official Guide to the Xenaverse too!

From the Publisher

Half-man, half-god, all hero! This is the only official and complete guide to TV's hottest show!

A 16 page full-color insert and over 80 black & white photographs throughout!

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (January 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038532569X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385325691
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,167,313 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Every Fan, but......., January 11, 1999

By	[e-mail] (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

As it is - apart from the Unofficial Companion - the only sourcebook for H:TLJ, it is a must for every fan of the TV series. Aiming at everything you always wanted to know about the series, the characters and the actors, the book contains interviews with everybody from the producers, Kevin Sorbo and Michael Hurst down to the 'smaller' characters. The Companion starts with a general overview about production, casting, special effects and general storyline and ends with a detailed episode guide. The latter gives not only the cast of each individual episode, but also the main actors' thoughts, ideas and approaches to that specific storyline and their character. It is also a great source for those wonderful disclaimers at the end of each show (Season 3).

However, instead of several, generally available pictures, I would have liked to see more photographs of the actors behind the scenes and during filming.

In line with the television series, the book is inconsistent in places and embarassingly full of spelling mistakes. The editorial work on the book was less than accurate and you will find various comments by actors inserted under the wrong episodes.

Also, while filming for Season 6 is starting soon, the Companion only covers the show up to Season 3, missing out some of the best and most interesting episodes.

So one can only hope that a possible 'updated' version will be out soon and that that one will be more accurate!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have! But ..., December 3, 1998

By	[e-mail] (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a really incredible book for fans of the television show HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS. Not only are there many details (behind the scenes, production - etc.) but Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) AND Michael Hurst(Iolaus) add their candid thoughts, telling fans how they feel about individual episodes (what they felt worked and didn't work) and the actors hopes for the future of HERCULES and their characters. If there is anything to complain about, it's the fact that the episodes reviewed in this "companion" go to the series' third year while, currently, HERCULES is in its 5th season. Here's hoping there will be an update soon!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When The Gods Roamed The Earth And Ruled The Television Airways, August 3, 2008

By	Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (CA - USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

`Hercules: The Legendary Journeys' by Robert Weisbrot is the official companion paperback book covering the first three seasons of the six season television series. This 282 volume breaks down each episode into the following categories; title, writers / directors and original airing date, cast listing, story, mythic connections, highlights and Kevin's take, or Michael's take.

However if you're looking for more than just an episode guide there's also lots of other facts and trivia included chronicling the activities and people on the other side of the camera lens; the writers, set design, costumes, stunt work, special effects and much more! There are also lots of photos interspersed through this highly informative book and entertaining tidbits called "Legendary Facts" making this required reading (and owning) for every faithful fan of the show.

Postscript: Since this book only covers the seasons 1, 2 and 3 you'll have to also purchase Weisbrot's `Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, An Insider's Guide to the Continuing Adventures' to get seasons 4, 5 and 6.