Review ''If an overview of the series and an exploration of its core and recurring themes is what you're after, then look no further than this well-written and well-researched offering.'' - Entertainment Focus With The X-Files FAQ, John Kenneth Muir presents us with a well-written . . . look back at our favorite show. The book covers all nine seasons and two movies, going so far as to delve into precursors, spin-offs, and homages that would later be produced. The X-Files FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week is a result of either painstaking research, or abiding love. I suspect it's a combination of the two. . . [T]his is a solid guide to The X-Files and would make a great addition to any Phile's bookshelves. --XFiles NewsJohn Kenneth Muir, who also penned 2013's Horror Films FAQ for Applause's ongoing pop-culture line of guides, has the unenviable job of distilling a decade-plus of content into a single trade paperback, yet rises to the challenge by refusing to do what the average reader might expect: give an episode guide. Although Muir does tackle many episodes, he tends to do so in thematic groupings while exploring what made The X-Files click (and sometimes not). Later chapters tackle the guest stars, the two movies, the official spin-offs, the countless knock-offs and, yep, even the porn parodies. The truth is in here. --Bookgasm''The X-Files FAQ: All That's Left to Know About Global Conspiracy, Aliens, Lazarus Species, and Monsters of the Week delivers on its title. This book tackles everything, from the political climate that set the stage for Chris Carter's inspiration to Fox Mulder and Dana Scully action figure sets still available for diehard fans. Muir chronicles every season, pulling out the important details and episodes and deconstructing the ''Mytharc'' as it was slowly revealed over the nine years The X-Files was on the air.'' - Horror Talk ''From a season-by-season breakdown of major storylines, recurring themes, and minor (but still key) moments in the show's evolution, [The X-Files FAQ] takes new readers into the world, unlocking the show's secrets for them, while offering a thoughtful trip down memory lane for the diehard fans who already know so much of this by heart.'' --Manhattan Book Review Read more About the Author John Kenneth Muir (Charlotte, NC) is the author of 25 reference books, including Horror Films of the 1970s and Horror Films FAQ. John's blog, Reflections on Cult Movies and Classic TV, was selected as one of the Internet's “100 Top Film Study” sites in 2010., In 2009, John appeared in the documentary Nightmares in Red, White and Blue with John Carpenter and Joe Dante. Muir is a communications and journalism teacher at South Piedmont Community College. Read more
N**S
Great resource book for X-Files fans
I am enjoying this book a lot. More than just an episode synopsis, it delves into themes, source material, social influences, and conditions that existed at the time, all the factors that went in to creating a world-wide phenomenon that is still going to this day. I do and will refer to it often. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the amount of typos and occasional incorrect names. Still, it is a fantastic resource for X-Files fans.
J**G
As a new fan this a great book to read and learn about all your favorite ...
As a new fan this a great book to read and learn about all your favorite ep. It also talks about the new season 10 (it hadn't aired yet) to get you excited:)
A**R
What a treasure of information!
I love this book so much! it brought back so many wonderful memories of The X-Files. The show is very near and dear to my heart and this book was very enjoyable to relive so many iconic, funny and mysteries moments. A definite must have for X-Philes!
J**S
This is an amazing must-read for all fans of The X Files
This is an amazing must-read for all fans of The X Files! The episode reviews contained in this book are the most intelligent and insightful that I have ever read, and I have read many reviews over the past 20 years. I truly come to appreciate the mastery of the series even more than I did before!
C**J
X-Files must
Good book but does not cover every episode,that being said,the informationis very helpful on many episodes
R**S
Wonderful!
Wonderful!
M**R
Thought-Provoking Guide to THE X-FILES!
John Muir's fascinating examination of THE X-FILES should prove catnip to devoted fans. It offers a wide-ranging, thoughtful description and analysis of Chris Carter's classic TV series, exploring various aspects of the show, its origins, cast and characters, themes, critical and popular reception, influence and so on. In short, it provides ALL THAT'S LEFT TO KNOW ABOUT GLOBAL CONSPIRACY, ALIENS, LAZARUS SPECIES, AND MONSTERS OF THE WEEK.The X-FILES FAQ, a 2015 Applause Theatre and Cinema Books release, tops off at 368 pages. It provides a wealth of information and informed opinion on the show, including: the origins/inspirations of THE X-FILES' details of the stars, supporting actors/actresses and behind-the scenes crew; notable characters and 'monsters of the week' that populated the series; notable guest stars; 25 classic X-FILES moments; a season-by-season breakdown of the show, analyzing select episodes; an examination of the various themes that ran through the show such as politics, science, religion, etc.; the X-FILES feature films; other Chris Carter projects/shows; and so on.The book is illustrated throughout with b&w photographs.All in all, having read a number of X-FILES book, I found John Muir's THE X-FILES FAQ to be an entertaining, informative and thought-provoking chronicle of the show. Recommended.
E**9
A great book for the extreme X-Files fans as well as the casual ones!
I bought this book for my wife, a X-Files fanatic, for her birthday since I knew the show was coming back on the air. I thought skimming through it, there might be some things she would like to review about the show before the new episodes. I also thought, selfishly, I might steal some time with it as well. Time passed and I have enjoyed the parts of the book I read, but more importantly, my wife came up to me just the other day and said thank you, I have loved this book; it's been great. So the X-Files lover who has watched all the episodes, has countless magazines about the show, and already has two other guidebooks about the show, found this book to be great. I like how Muir touches some highlights from each season, reviews overarching themes of the series, and looks at how other shows influenced X-Files and which shows were influenced by the X-Files. A great book for the extreme X-Files fans as well as the casual ones!
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