From bookworm2bookworm's Blog:
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This is the most comprehensive expression of episode 116 I have seen so I had to post. I hope you like it. Let's not forget.

Outlander – #1.16, Let’s discuss!

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Bookworm




It’s been over ten days now since this episode was broadcast and I’m still processing its content.




As a huge fan of the source material, I knew exactly what was coming and I was sure that it would be presented to us in “close to the book” as possible. I was right.



I also knew that if they did this the right way, showing one man’s depravity and another’s suffering, and also giving the attention to the consequences and the healing, they would have done the source material and the fandom proud.




Knowing all this, I thought I was prepared for the episode … I was wrong. Seriously, no matter how many times I’ve read the passage in which Jamie tells Claire exactly what was done to him and his reaction at the hands of Black Jack, my imagination never came even close to the visual!




Since you all have probably seen this episode at least once, I’ll spare you the details and I’ll just give you my thoughts on the episode.




While Ron Moore gave ‘Garrison Commander’ to Tobias Menzies to shine, he without a doubt gifted ‘To Ransom a Man’s Soul’ to Sam Heughan. Both of these men are gifted actors and both have done their best to make their characters three-dimensional and not some superficial cartoon cutouts. Trust me, in hands of a lesser committed actors or for that matter show runner, this could have easily happened.




In this episode these three characters, Claire, Jamie and Black Jack, went through a vast range of emotions and the actors and the scenes they were in had to be raw and unforgettable. And even though this showcased all three actors, Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan and Tobias Menzies, I think this particular episode rested on Sam Heughan’s broad shoulders and he pulled it off magnificently.



Watching every excruciating moment of Jamie’s torture had to be not just hard to watch, but it had to touch us on so many levels. I shook from anger, swore a mean streak from devastation I felt at not being able to do anything. If I as a viewer felt that, what do you suppose Jamie felt as he was going through this ordeal?




Jamie’s rescue and the subsequent healing was just as compelling to watch as his torture, and that’s why everyone is praising the way this episode was done.




Many feel that the show went too far in showing exactly what Black Jack did to Jamie and while I might have liked the torture to be shown in two scenes and not three [four with the opening scene in the dungeon], I wonder if I would have had such a visceral reaction to it? I’ll never know because it never played that way.




The scenes in the monastery were just as heart wrenching and heartbreaking to watch as the ones of torture.




Sam Heughan plunged Jamie in the deepest place of despair and Caitriona Balfe’s Claire wasn’t about to give up on him. She made me believe that she would sell her soul to the Devil himself just to save the man she loves.




Both actors were magnificent as they showed the strength and tenderness for each other as Jamie realized that this woman loved him not only with her heart but with her life. Claire saw no point in living without him, and if he was willing to die, then she would willingly join him.




To see them sail away to their next adventure was bittersweet, if only because we can tell that Jamie has only begun to heal, and Claire is a bit weary in telling him that they’ll be parents soon. With Jamie’s answer to her question if he’s happy about it, their embrace and a kiss is welcome to us all.




They leave us filled with hope that Jamie will eventually heal as he embraces the future with his Claire and their wee one to come. France awaits with uncertainty but our duo has decided to face it head on and try with all their might to change the future by stopping the uprising and the battle of Culloden.




This episode, as many before it, had so many great scenes but my favorite two are:


The scene in which Claire tries to give him something to want to live for. Caitriona Balfe just knocks this scene out of the ballpark! I was right there with her, doing my version of “ugly crying”.




The scene in which Murtagh is trying to talk some sense to Jamie, and I didn’t understand a word they said, yet I cried like a baby.




Pure genius to have the whole scene in Gaelic without any need to be translated as Duncan and Sam’s performance was enough to effectively express to us the meaning of the conversation.

Thanks to Mandy Tidwell we now know what was said:


Jamie – How ​can I be left to ​this pain?

Murtagh – We shall do our utmost to heal you.

Jamie – Some things can’t be healed. As is my desire, put an end to this now.

Murtagh – I’ll suffer no more of this.

Jamie – I won’t get over ​this. Will you force me to beg?​

Murtagh – I gave a promise to your mother, peace on her soul, that no harm would come to you.​

Jamie – Late is the hour, oh Godfather​.

Murtagh – And Claire? Would she just be a widow, forsaken? Your head’s in the porridge (you’re not thinking straight). You haven’t a single thought for her.


Jamie – I have​n’t a single​ thought ​of anything but her.


For me, the first season of Outlander was the best TV I’ve seen in a long, long time. As it premiered, I felt butterflies of excitement, and then every episode that followed I was riveted and emotionally invested with not just Jamie and Claire, but Frank and Rupert and Angus and Mrs. Fitz and Geillis and Dougal and …just about everyone in it!



sam cait source nikascottdottumblrdotcom


The show developed so many wonderful characters that they all became my family. By the last episode, I was devastated for our hero and heroine, but also filled with hope for their future.

I also realized that my book Jamie isn’t the same as the shows Jamie. Sam Heughan may have put a perfect face to my book Jamie, but there are things that the book Jamie would have never even thought of doing or saying some things that the show’s Jamie did. And that’s perfectly fine with me. The creative road that Ron Moore chose for his show’s Jamie isn’t bad or wrong. It is however different and I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and trust that somewhere along the way, in not so distant future, my book Jamie will converge with the show’s Jamie and then I’ll have the complete picture.

What Outlander did in its first season was powerful, brave and gripping! The writing, acting, directing and every behind the scene department involved from set decorating, costuming and make-up, all were superb. I greatly enjoyed every episode this season and can’t wait to see what they’ll do with Season 2.

That said, there have been things that should/could have been done different, and still
maintained its originality and integrity.



Don’t misunderstand, I love the show. I love the books even more. I can tell the difference and I appreciate them when they’re called for because they enrich and surprise. However, it’s a fact that even RDM admitted in his podcasts. This is his first time adapting a series from a book, and it’s a learning curve for him. I know that he’s a genius at what he does and that he is doing the best he “sees” this project and his vision and mine aren’t the same. In the end, that really doesn’t even compute. I am no writer or a show runner. LOL! I am a fan. Period. Thank God I’m not obsessed to a point that the things that I wasn’t happy with would bother me much. At this point in the game, I’ll take the adaptation and Jamie any way they offer it to me, warts and all :)

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

Behind the scenes look at Culloden Battlefield and the National Trust for Scotland

Women of the ’45

May 15, 2015 dreid1746 History1745, 18th Century, Culloden,Jacobites, NTS, women

Most of what you read and hear of the ’45 Rising was about the men of the time so here we’ve decided to do a quick tribute to the some of the women who played an important role in the Jacobite Uprising.

Today, we focus on two Annes; Anne MacKintosh and Anne Mackay.

Portrait of Anne MacKintosh

Anne MacKintosh was the wife of the Clan Chief of Clan Chattan who fought on the government side. However, Lady Anne was an ardent Jacobite. When Prince Charles landed in Scotland at the age of 22, Anne took a pistol and money to threaten and bribe the men of Clan Chattan to join her and fight for the Prince whilst her husband was away. In total she managed to raise some 300 men who affectionately christened her Colonel Anne.

As Prince Charles retreated back up towards Inverness in early 1746 Lady Anne put him and some of his men up at her home of Moy Hall. Unfortunately, Lord Loudon of the government army heard of this and sent 1,500 of his men to attack Moy Hall and capture the Prince. Lady Anne and the Prince were vastly outnumbered but they didn’t give in just yet…

Lady Anne sent just five men out in the lands surrounded the house and they ran about screaming as many different war cries as they could, holding their kilts aloft to make them look bigger and crashing their weapons. The Govenment hearing the cries of many clans and spotting men around the house found their courage failing and retreated back without firing a single shot. Lady Anne had helped pave the way for Prince Charles to march back into Inverness.

Lady Anne didn’t quite get off scot free though and she was later arrested for her Jacobite activities and put in a town house. After six weeks during which time she was allowed visitors she was released into her husbands care. She later went on to meet the Duke of Cumberland at a ball in London where he apparently asked her to dance to a Government tune which she agreed to on the condition he would then dance with her to a Jacobite tune.

This just shows what money could do for you. Those less well off didn’t get treated so kindly, which brings us to Anne Mackay. A poor woman from Skye she moved to Inverness with her two children to await news of her husband who was fighting for the Jacobites.

Whilst in Inverness the Government used Annes cellar to imprison two Jacobite men, Ranald MacDonald and Robert Nairn after Culloden. Anne was convinced by a women of higher standing (no prizes for guessing who that might have been) to distract the guards thereby helping them escape for which Anne was arrested. She was offered 10 guineas to tell the Government where the men were hiding but she refuse to do so.Her unwillingness to cooperate resulted in her being punished. She was beaten by the government men and forced to stand for 3 days without food or water. At the end of this she was so weak she had to crawl away and would never be able to walk properly again. Her son complained over the treatment of his mother and was beaten so badly he later died from his wounds.

These two women highlight the role women played in the ’45 but also the difference in treatment that was given based on your standing within the community.

Whilst we realise this may not be the most fun post we’ve written we hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about 18th Century life and as always do like, share, follow, tweet and tell all your friends about us.

All the best. K & D

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD

Behind the scenes look at Culloden Battlefield and the National Trust for Scotland


The Secret Symbols of the Jacobites
July 31, 2015 dreid1746 History, NTS1745, Amen, Glass,Jacobite, O Come All Ye Faithful, Rose, Secret, Symbols


In the years before the ’45, any signs of Jacobite allegiance were suppressed. Jacobites had to meet and plot in secret. Because of this, a number of secret Jacobite symbols emerged, which revealed to those ‘in the know’ who was on their side.


These symbols included:
The White Rose – Used on its own it symbolized the exiled King James but it could be present with one bud symbolizing Prince Charles or two symbolizing Prince Charles and his brother Henry.
Oak leaf and acorns – The oak was an ancient Stuart badge and an emblem of the Stuart Restoration. Charles II hid in an oak in the grounds of Boscobel House during the English Civil War, and in 1660 he wore oak leaves as he returned from exile in France to assume the throne. In a withered or ‘stricken’ form frequently with the motto ‘revirescit’ (it revives, it grows green again, it shoots again) the oak is a symbol of restoration and regeneration. Medals struck in 1689 to celebrate the coronation of William and Mary they show a dead oak or a stump together with a flourishing orange tree an obvious reference to the ancestral title of the new ruler
Sunflower – a symbol of loyalty as the head of a sunflower constantly follows the sun
Butterfly – known for its spectacular hatching from a chrysalis may symbolise hope for the Stuarts’ grand return from exile.
Bundles of sticks – representing strength in numbers.
Medusa head – the name Medusa in Greek translates as ‘protector’ or ‘guardian’
Thistle – representing the Stuarts’ claim to the Scottish throne. The thistle surmounted by a crown was an ancient badge of Scotland.

The White Jacobite Rose




As well as symbols certain phrases were also often used on Jacobite items. “Fiat”, meaning “let it be” or “let it come to pass” and Redeat, Redi, or Revirescit, suggesting hope that the prince will return.


Due to the treasonous nature of Jacobite affiliation symbols were an important way of conveying Jacobite loyalties in a covert way. Jacobites would often drink a toast to the king ‘over the water’ in glasses encoded with these secret symbols. Often a glass of wine would be held above a bowl or glass of water as a toast to the health of the king was offered; thus literally toasting the king over the water.


Some of the earliest Jacobite glasses are the so-called ‘Amen glasses’. These are engraved with a crown, representing the Stuart kingship, and one or more verses of the Jacobite Royal Anthem – sung to the tune of ‘God Save the Queen’ – all of which conclude with the word Amen (Let it be thus). The anthem probably dates back to the time of James II, its reference to the ‘true-born Prince of Wales’ being a refutation of the rumours surrounding the legitimacy of James III’s birth.





A Jacobite Amen Glass




Less than 40 Amen glasses are known to have survived. The majority of Amen glasses are engraved with the first two verses of the Jacobite anthem, and a smaller number with the first three or four verses. Analysis of the handwriting on genuine Amen glasses suggests that they are all the work of a single hand, and were all executed between 1743 and 1749. The artist concerned has been suggested as Scottish line-engraver Sir Robert Strange. Strange trained as an engraver in Edinburgh, joined the Jacobite army in 1745, married ardent Jacobite Isabella Lumisden in 1747 and moved to France in 1748. He returned to England in 1750 and pursued a highly successful career as an artist.


One final hidden Jacobite message which is just a little bit different. Some believe that the popular Christmas carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ is actually a Jacobite call to arms. The Latin version of the carol, Adeste Fideles, celebrated not the birth of Jesus but the birth of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. It was written by John Francis Wade an English Jacobite who fled the country after the failed 1745 Rebellion. Fideles is Faithful Catholic Jacobites. Bethlehem is a common Jacobite cipher for England, and Regem Angelorum is a well-known pun on Angelorum (angels) and Anglorum (English). So ‘Come and Behold Him, Born the King of Angels’ really means, ‘Come and Behold Him, Born the King of the English’ – Bonnie Prince Charlie. The English translation was not made until 1841 by which time the Jacobite connotations had been lost.


Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this post and as always please like, share, tweet, comment, follow, reblog and raise a glass of your own to whomever your ‘king over the water’ may be.


All the best, K & D

Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser

SCOTLANDNOW

10 times CLAIRE FRASER SASSASMACKED THE PATRIARCHY
03 AUGUST 2015 09:58 AM
BY CONNIE VERZAK
OUR Outlander guest blogger Connie Verzak looks at ten times Claire leaned in when others may have pushed away.


EVERYONE loves a man in a kilt, but in my book there is much to be said for an intelligent woman who tells you to stuff it when you shush her.

My love affair with Claire Randall Fraser began in the books and Caitriona Balfe’s spirited portrayal only enflamed my lady-crush.

At the heart of Outlander’s chronicle of a marriage, this practical healer with knowledge of the future lives in not one, but two time periods when her outspokenness was not the norm.

It is maybe because of this that her agency is a thing of beauty, a unicorn out of time that trots on despite danger, convention and even her own better judgement.

The point isn’t whether or not Claire is always right —in fact she is often not— but that this is a woman who trusts herself as her best resource, and that’s a message that is crucial. The greatest love of all, ladies.

Here are ten times Claire leaned in when others may have pushed away:



1. That time she got hers.

Remember in the premiere when Claire subjugated her sexuality to her husband’s and resigned her needs to luck and fate? Of course you don’t, because that is not how the Notorious CRF rolls. What Claire needs, she is not scared to insist upon. Dust and creaky beds, you are on notice.

2. That time she volunteered as tribute.

When war broke out and her husband joined British intelligence, Claire could have stayed home and worked at home or in a factory to support the cause.

Instead, she joined the army as a nurse despite Frank’s objections and found an identity as a healer that has transcended space and time.




3. That time she tried to peace out.

After a brief flirtation with hopelessness post-stones, Claire brushed her shoulders off and came up with an almost-successful plan to escape Leoch.

Are we glad it didn’t work? SURE, but it’s a show of character from a woman who looked at a system that seemed unbeatable and thought to take an impossible chance before entertaining resignation.



4. That time she tried to change the tide of history.

When Claire realized the Mackenzies were Jacobites, she tried to protect them from the eventual outcome of the war. Claire cares deeply about others. It’s one of her most endearing qualities, and her affection for and knowledge of her adopted people informs her second marriage so deeply that it’s become the mission statement of Season 2. Now that’s influence!




5. That time she boomeranged from a bad situation into a worse one.

Claire’s encounter with British soldiers at the end of “Rent” seemed like a chance for salvation. However, once she realized she had entrusted her well-being to Lucifer, she exercised her prerogative to course-correct.

This is one of many times (*cough* escaping Willie *cough*) in which her instinct leads her astray but she doesn’t dwell, wallow or doubt herself. Claire knows her brain is as good as anyone’s and that includes the occasional mistake.




6. That time she didn’t fake it.

Anyone looking for a vanity-O is knocking on the wrong door if you come (ha!) to Miss Claire’s Sexporium. She could have lied, faked being asleep, or she could have given Meg Ryan a run for her money, but instead did none of those.

Claire owns her sexuality, and part of that is letting your partner know that you are just as entitled to a grand finale as he is. Sorry Jamie, you’ll have to try again. Maybe even a third time.




7. That time she gave her final word on corporal punishment.

When suffering through a ‘necessary’ spanking, Claire shouts, kicks and lashes out in enthusiastic disagreement before she is subdued – or so it seems.

At the end of “The Reckoning,” Claire forgives her husband but only after she makes the terms of access to her body VERY clear, taking back her power in a moment that is as delicious in its revengeful deviousness as it is memorable for its methods.

Don’t mess with a woman who knows how to use a scalpel.




8. That time she put hoes before bros.

Sure, Geillis was questionable, problematic and very nearly led to Claire’s death for witchcraft but the outsider friendship of two women who were unapologetically themselves and who backed each other in the worst of circumstances was one of the most satisfactory relationships of the season.

Love is great, y’all, but when people accuse you of being a handmaiden of Satan, there’s nothing like a girlfriend.



9. That time she exhausted all possibilities.

After Jamie was taken by the English, Claire got herself a Murtagh and tried everything short of alchemy and voodoo to get him back, and if she would have had access to either of those I bet she would have given them a go as well.
This was a time of great fear for her, and it could have paralyzed her. Instead it led her to acts both courageous and ridiculous, but always to action.




10. That time she bared her soul.

Great fight scenes and moments of sass are amazing, but so is the de-stigmatization of the expression of raw emotion that so often marks women as weak.

Claire is practical and methodical, but her emotions run deep, and their expression is always grippingly honest.

From her tortured goodbye in “Wentworth” to the demanding insistence of ownership and eventual despair of “To Ransom a Man’s Soul,” Claire teaches us that our loves don’t negate our minds, our instincts are worth following, the deepest strength can sometimes come from the frailest emotion, and that a woman with a good handle on herself might just change history.




And now I’m off to drink whiskey and work on my 1940s Claire/Peggy Carter cosplay, “Agent Fraser”.




NO ONE STEAL THIS IDEA.For more Outlander hiatus fun, follow Connie on Twitter @conniebv

FROM THE VERY RESOURCEFUL OUTLANDISH OBSERVATIONS

Information and FACTS about 2 new Outlander companion books.

Diana Gabaldon is in the very final stages of working on theOUTLANDISH COMPANION, Volume 2, which will be published on October 27, 2015.

Here's her explanation of what the production process involves. I think you'll agree that it's exhausting just to read about! (Yes, I was the one who suggested that she repost this, and I'm thrilled to be called "delightful"!)

For more information about the OUTLANDISH COMPANION books, please see my OUTLANDISH COMPANION FAQ page.


WE HAVE INCLUDED THIS PAGE BELOW

Posted by Karen Henry at 7:21 AM 0 comments

July poll results

Here are the results of the July poll, which asked the question, "What's your favorite way to read or listen to Diana Gabaldon's books?"
21.17% - Reading the books in paperback.
20.87% - Reading on my Kindle, Nook, or other e-reader.
17.96% - Reading the books in hardcover.
8.45% - Reading on my iPhone, iPad, or similar device.
8.45% - Listening to the audiobooks on my iPod, smartphone, or other portable device.
4.17% - It depends on the situation, or what mood I'm in.
2.91% - Listening to the audiobook and following along in the text at the same time.
2.14% - Listening to the CDs.
9.71% - All of the above.
1.55% - I haven't read the books, but I've watched the OUTLANDER TV series.
2.62% - Other

Here are the responses for "Other":
braille audio
Watching the DVD
All of the above and TV!
First time through - I read hardcover - then audio - later paperback...
I first read a new book in hardback and then have paperbacks for re-reading.
I switch - reading on iPad & listening on Audible
Read most of them as ebooks but book 7 & 8 read in hardcover.
whatever I have on hand when I need a Jamie and Claire fix!
Read the series before electronics, but would use my kindle now.
side by side in bed with my husband
Paperbacks or Kindle. Although I do have MOBY in hardback.
no audio books, but everything else
Until e-readers, I began the series in hardback. Loved it, bought 5 in ppbk.
I read on my iPad and switch to the audiobook version when I am on the go
reading the books in any form. I can't get into the audio books. I
And watched on Starz. Great show follows book pretty well.
No distinction but def'ly book form.
I listen to Audiobooks with Davina Porter
listening on my ipod or reading on my Kindle
On my nook or my phone
Either paperback or hardcover.
Reading the books in the large paperback version.
reading the books first, then listening to Davina Porter reading them to me! :-)
Any printed version.
1, 2 & 3
I also like to buy a used paperback, separate sections, and take one or more wit
I hat to step away from the books in order to enjoy the TV show.

There were 1030 responses to this month's poll. Thanks very much to everyone who participated! I didn't vote in the poll myself, but I've been addicted to the OUTLANDER audiobooks for years.

Here is the latest information on Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume One (Revised and Updated Edition) and OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume Two. (Last updated August 2, 2015)





Diana Gabaldon has two books coming out this year:

THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume One (Revised and Updated)

Includes: OUTLANDER, DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, VOYAGER, and DRUMS OF AUTUMN

Publication Date: March 31, 2015

THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume Two

Includes: THE FIERY CROSS, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, AN ECHO IN THE BONE, WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD, and possibly the Lord John books as well

Publication Date: October 27, 2015

A lot of people have been asking about these books recently, and I hope this FAQ page will help to clear up some of the confusion.

1) What is THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION?

For those of you who are not familiar with the original OUTLANDISH COMPANION, Diana Gabaldon described it this way, in a post on Compuserve on January 14, 2015:

[It's] a non-fiction book, with a lot of information about the first four books of the series: OUTLANDER through DRUMS OF AUTUMN. It has detailed synopses of those books, for the use of people who can't remember what happened and want to catch up before reading the next book, but don't have time (they think) to go back and re-read the earlier novels.

It has numerous essays by me, about how I came to write the books, where characters come from, doing historical research and a few other things, an annotated Bibliography of all the references I used while working on those four novels, a Gaelic Glossary, a few fun things like professionally-cast horoscopes for Jamie and Claire, and so on. My husband describes it as "the perfect bathroom book," since you can pick it up and open it anywhere. <g>

Please note that word "non-fiction"! This is NOT one of the OUTLANDER novels.




The original version of THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION (pictured above) was first published in 1999, at a time when there were only four books in the OUTLANDER series, the Lord John books and stories did not yet exist, and none of us (including Diana Gabaldon!) had any idea that there would someday be a TV series based on OUTLANDER.

It's an interesting book, and definitely worth reading, but a lot of things have changed since 1999, to put it mildly!




2) I already have a copy of the original OUTLANDISH COMPANION. What's new or changed in the Revised and Updated Edition?

The sections on "Work In Progress" and "Outlandish Websites and Online Venues", which had become badly outdated, have been removed, and obsolete material has been removed from some of the other sections as well.

As for what has been added, Diana Gabaldon posted this on Facebook on February 18, 2015:

I put _in_ four new essays, and a new Section dealing with the TV show. The essays are: Jamie and the Rule of Three (about the hows and whys of Wentworth Prison), Book-Touring for Beginners (for those who think this is a glamorous thing to do <g>), A Brief Disquisition on the Existence of Butt-Cooties, and "The Shape of Things" (an essay on How I Write, and what the internal geometry of each book looks like to me).

Now, these essays have all appeared in one place or another on the internet, though the first three were originally done as blog-posts, and thus have been formalized and tidied up a bit for their appearance in the OC I. ("The Shape of Things" appears as a back-matter add-in to the 20th Anniversary edition of OUTLANDER.)

The new TV section has several pieces, describing the book-to-screen process (how we got from an option to a TV show), the adaptation process in theory and in practice, the actors and what they do, and an account of "My Brief Career as a TV Actor." Also a section including photos from the show kindly supplied by Sony.

For the full explanation in Diana's own words, look here.



3) What will be included in THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume Two?

In addition to detailed plot synopses and an updated Cast of Characters for THE FIERY CROSS, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, AN ECHO IN THE BONE, and WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD, the OC II will include a number of other interesting topics. Diana Gabaldon posted a "rough" Table of Contents for the OC II on her Facebook page here on February 19, 2015. I would definitely recommend that you take the time to read through it!

Please note that Diana Gabaldon is still writing this book, and some of the items listed in this Table of Contents might not end up in the finished book. But personally I think it sounds terrific, and I can't wait!

4) When will these books be available?

THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume One (Revised and Updated Edition) was published on March 31, 2015.

THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume Two will be pulbished on October 27, 2015.

5) How can I get a copy of the new OUTLANDISH COMPANION books?

The updated OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume One is available in print and e-book editions from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume Two is available for pre-order from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

If you would like an autographed copy of either book, you can contact the Poisoned Pen bookstore in Arizona. The Poisoned Pen is Diana Gabaldon's local independent bookstore, and they ship autographed copies of her books all over the world.

Please note: Signed copies of the updated OUTLANDISH COMPANION Volume One are available, but you will not be able to get personalized inscriptions at this time. Contact the Poisoned Pen if you have questions.

6) Will the updated OUTLANDISH COMPANION and the OC II be available in the UK and other countries?

I asked Diana Gabaldon on Compuserve recently about the availability of the updated OC Volume One in the UK, and she said, "Probably. Eventually. <g>" The situation in the UK is complicated because there are several different publishers involved. See Diana's explanation here for more information. If I find out anything more definite regarding UK availability of either of the two new OUTLANDISH COMPANION books, I will update this page.

As for other countries, I have no information at this time.

7) Are there plans for an audio version of either of these books?

Yes! Diana Gabaldon says there will be audio versions of BOTH of the OUTLANDISH COMPANION books. I have no further details at this time, but I will update this page when I find out more.

8) What about Book 9??

Diana Gabaldon is still in the early stages of writing Book 9 of the OUTLANDER series. It takes her 3-4 years to write one of the Big Books. The fact that these new OUTLANDISH COMPANION books are coming out this year is NOT slowing down or delaying her progress on Book 9. Diana likes to work on multiple projects at once, because she says it keeps her from getting writer's block. Please try to be patient!

Here is a link to OUTLANDISH OBSERVATIONS
http://outlandishobservations.blogspot.com

Sam's choice in graphic novels 

Stay tuned for our upcoming original interview with creator!

Saltire - Graphic Novel Series

A series centring round Scotland’s first comic book superhero, the dark and gritty world of the main character is a pseudo-history of the country and its mythology. Set entirely in the landscape of Scotland during pivotal moments from the past the novel will be familiar to those who enjoy the rich legends and traditions of Scotland.

Creator John Ferguson says “Saltire is an immortal being created thousands of years ago to protect Scotland and its people. He’s big, he’s blue and he’s ginger. He has Scottish values but he’s a traditional comic book superhero with a variety of super villains to contend with as the story progresses, a Scottish competitor to Batman and Spiderman if you like.”

Saltire: Invasion 

Nominated for "Best British Comic" at the True Believer Comic Awards (Eagle Awards)

Nominated for "Best Cover" at SICBA Awards

Saltire - INVASION out now and available in all good bookshops. The first book tells the story of the legendary Ninth Legion and its attempts to expand the Roman Empire to the north, to the land of Saltire.



Saltire – Invasion. Full Colour Graphic Novel by John Ferguson. Art by Gary Welsh & Tone Julskjaer.
Cover by Jim Devlin. Published by Diamondsteel Comics Ltd. 

When a peaceful land is faced with the might of all conquering Rome, its legendary guardians must stand as one or kneel before an oppressive empire. As the sun rises, the immortal protector awakens to face the ultimate battle for freedom.

For more info to purchase
http://www.diamondsteelcomics.com/shop

NY Post Article on Àdhamh Ó Broin, Gaelic Tutor on ‘Outlander’
A little bit on Adhamh Ó Broin, thanks to our Cast Follow.

There is a new NY Post article on the Gaelic tutor on the set of Outlander, Àdhamh Ó Broin. I think we can all agree that the sounds coming out of the actor's mouths on the show are impressive. That is all due to Àdhamh.

As English became the pervasive language throughout Scotland, Gaelic began to die out. “My grandmother thought it was an injustice, and that someone in the family should learn it and bring it back,” he says. “Once I got a taste for it, I got bitten by the bug. For the past 10 years, it has been an obsession.”

“I wish I spoke Gaelic,” (Graham) McTavish says. “It’s a beautiful language, but it’s a difficult one to learn.”

That’s where Ó Broin comes in, constantly coaxing sounds from the actors they’ve never previously made. He hopes that exposing millions of people to the language will help save it. 

Here's how you can help:

Save Dalriada Gaelic: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/dalriadagaelic
Adhamh is seeking to raise £10,000 by August 31st in order to fund his project to save his native Dalriada dialect. He's about 70% there, but needs our help!

Check out our "Charities and Other Good Works page for more info on this and other charities that the Outlander stars support!


NY Post article
HOUSE OF TUTOR. DIALECT COACH BRINGS GAELIC AUTHENTICITY TO OUTLANDER.

The producers of “Outlander” are all about making the show as authentic as it can be.

That starts with shooting in the foggy hills of the Scottish Highlands — including turning real-life ruin Castle Doune into fictional Castle Leoch, home of the MacKenzie clan, whose exploits are recounted in Diana Gabaldon’s best sellers — garbing the men in real kilts, which are composed of some 10 yards of tartan and then folded by hand; and having the Scots speak Gaelic, the language of the time. That’s why resident hunk Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) often affectionately refers to Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) as “Sassenach,” which means “outlander” in Gaelic, a derisive term that Jamie turns into a pet name.

Since Gaelic is nearly a dead language, sprinkling it liberally through the scenes took some doing. For starters, the show hired Àdhamh Ó Broin to serve as the show’s Gaelic dialect coach.
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Photo: Starz


Jamie’s (Heughan) pet name for Claire (Balfe) has Gaelic roots

The series, which has been renewed for a second season, was lucky to find Ó Broin. The married father of four has dedicated much of his life to the study and preservation of the language and its multiple dialects, and he brought that expertise to bear on “Outlander.”

“I grew up on the western coast of Scotland, where I was surrounded by Gaelic place names, so I was aware of it from a very early age,” he says.

As English became the pervasive language throughout Scotland, Gaelic began to die out. “My grandmother thought it was an injustice, and that someone in the family should learn it and bring it back,” he says. “Once I got a taste for it, I got bitten by the bug. For the past 10 years, it has been an obsession.”
Photo: Starz

Irish-born Balfe is the one member of the cast who knows the Gaelic language.

The show is taking some risks with its use of the language, mainly by not subtitling it. However, Claire doesn’t speak Gaelic either, so there’s usually someone standing next to her translating. Ironically, Irish-born Balfe is the one person in the cast who actually knows Gaelic.

The ancient language came easier for some actors than others. Gary Lewis (“Billy Elliott,” “Gangs of New York”), who plays clan leader Colum MacKenzie, hails from Glasgow, and gives several long speeches in the language. Another Scotsman, Graham McTavish (“The Hobbit”) plays Colum’s powerful brother, Dougal, and he’s also frequently called on to speak in Gaelic.

“I wish I spoke Gaelic,” McTavish says. “It’s a beautiful language, but it’s a difficult one to learn.”

That’s where Ó Broin comes in, constantly coaxing sounds from the actors they’ve never previously made. He hopes that exposing millions of people to the language will help save it.

“If you want to destroy a people, destroy their language. It contains their entire history and their way of looking at the world,” he says. “It will be fantastic to have a whole new generation of people interested in Scotland, our language and our culture.”