The Planet of the Apes Chronicles (Paperback)

~ Paul A. Woods (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Planet of the Apes Chronicles analyzes the science fiction and allegorical themes that run through the original Planet of the Apes films as well as Tim Burton's remake released in August 2001. The book describes the original story, which evolved into a closely followed cycle of five films, and examines the impact of the movies upon popular culture. Fans and cult movie enthusiasts will appreciate the author's tracing of the evolution from the original films to the current remake.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Plexus Publishing (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859653129
• ISBN-13: 978-0859653121
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,233,380 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Apes Compandium., September 8, 2002

By A Customer

I have just concluded the POA Chronicles and have enjoyed very much the diversity of the book - which covers the original movie- cycle, the off-spring TV series, and various publications which have been later introduced.
Particularly interesting, were the interviews (Pieree Boulle, the various Producers, Directors, etc.) and the original movie reviews - retrieved while the POA phenomenon was at it's zenith -in the early 1970's. Also provided is a good breakdown on the Apes TV Series, Cartoon Series, and a (detailed) pulp fiction POA industry which has intermitently resulted.
One element the book lacked - was a pre-1963 study (which could perhaps be corrected in future printings), covering the literary background on idea/originator/author Pierre Boulle. Not so much with the emphasis on his previous works (Bridge on the River Kwai, etc...), but concerning his literary colleagues, and enviromental influences (WWII participation) - which may have influenced his original 1963 thesis/idea. For example, Aldous Huxley wrote Ape and Essence in 1948 - concerning a post-nuclear vision, where enlightened apes initially anhiliate the world - before humans re-evolutionize?. It is therefore quite conceivable, Boulle was familiar and influenced by this 1948 work - yet nothing is mentioned. The concluding chapter in Huxley's work also introduces a Forbidden Zone where humans can escape - to a more liberal/tolerant natural enviroment. The Chronicles however, commences from 1963 - onwards, including the most recent 2001 film. The interviews and outtakes of Boulles original ideas though, are terrific.
Since all of life/creation is ultimately inter-related - and the Arts is included here-within, it appears the gensis of Boulles 1963 idea/concept may not have originated in France - circa. 1963, but may have resulted following a post-WWII (and P.O.W.) contemplation - combined possibly with Aldous Huxley's purported influence. But if the reader is just interested in the resulting media industry/contribution/hype post-1963, then it's all found here - within Paul A. Woods very well researched Hollywood phenomenon. (RobertKirk-CPC)

16 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A MISSED OPPORTUNITY, December 29, 2001

By	William A. Peter "nixon37" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was somewhat disappointed with this book. The book had alot of potential but fell flat. First of all, the book had no introduction which was necessary to explain how the subject matter was obtained, how the book would approach the subject, etc. The book was also not organized well. The book was basically old articles the author dug up with the author interjecting his thoughts in various chapters. There were some inaccuracies in the book, also. For example, the author refers to General Urko from the T.V. series as Ursus (p. 125). One of my biggest complaints was the author's denouncement of Charlton Heston due to Mr. Heston's being President of the NRA. The author mentions the Columbine shooting (p. 92) and the apes being hypocritical about the human's propensity for violence due to the apes "possession of firearms" (p. 127). The author's ignorance of the United States Constitution and disdain for firearms has no place in a book about The Planet of the Apes. (GIVE ME A BREAK!) It was interesting to read old articles about The Planet of the Apes but one could have acheived this on ones own with a little effort.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent reference, September 21, 2002

By	JEB (Laurel, MD United States) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed this book: the summaries of the Apes media, information on the previous versions and possible alternate versions of the original Apes films, background info on the remake, and the timeline (bringing it all together) were all interesting. I suspect, however, that someone who isn't a casual Apes fan like myself might be disappointed, as I'm sure similar info could be had on the web.