Rating: 
Summary: Speaking for myself, in terms of guilty pleasures...
Review: ....being a hardcore nutball Xena fan ranked for me - but only for a short while - among the highest!But then,now that I've embraced this pleasure wholehartedly, let's put things like this: if anyone wants to understand the ideological linings of postmodernity, understanding the Xena phenomenon provides one of the shortest roads, and if anyone wants to study XWP one has to begin gathering extra information here. I would recommend, however to order this book with Ariele Dorfman's & Armand Mattelart's _How to Read Donald Duck_, if the purpose is scholarly; if you just like Xena, order the two neverthless.
Rating:
Summary: One of three new books for us rabid Xena fans
Review: Early 1998 has been bonanza time for us rabid reader-fans of Xena. While there have been dollies -- 'cuse me, "action figures" -- and coffee mugs and T-shirts, the written word has been woefully missing. Now there are three books about Xena and Lucy Lawless, the actor who plays her with such gusto. If you can, buy all three books since each offers something that the other two don't. If you can only afford one book, though, this is the one. As the author of the "official guide," Weisbrot had access to the cast and crew that the authors of the other two books obviously didn't. Too, Weisbrot is a college history professor, so this book is also the most literate of the three. It's obvious from his interviews that Weisbrot trekked down under to New Zealand during the preproduction phase of "The Xena Scrolls." The pluses to this book, in addition to details only available with access, are the photos (color and B&W studio stills) and the commentary about each episode of the first two seasons. (That, BTW, is a large portion of each book and as much as any of them cover since they were all written as the third season -- 1997-98 -- was getting underway.) If I could only buy two books, I would be hard-pressed to choose. But I'd probably go for James Van Hise's HERCULES AND XENA: THE UNOFFICIAL COMPANION solely on the basis of the color photos. If you've ever wondered what Lucy's parents and ex-hubby look like, here's your opportunity. Better yet, you'll see Lucy as she was as Mrs. New Zealand, complete with tiara! I find the Herc series a crashing bore, so half of this book is wasted on me. Besides the photos, I appreciated the bibliography. Finally, there is XENA X-POSED by Nadine Crenshaw. I got a definite sense that Nadine is as much an adoring fan as she is an author of unauthorized celebrity biographies. One reason that this book comes in only as third for me are the inexcuseable gaffes that should have never made it past even a mediocre proofreader: inability to distinguish between the homophones, principal and principle, for one. Switching character names, such as Meleager for Zagreus in the synopsis of "A Day in the Life," for another. I am always leery about the accuracy of everything else in a book where there are so many errors. Also, you won't be buying this book for the photos, which are B&W studio stills printed on newsprint-quality paper. So, what's its appeal? The bibliography (though unconventionally formatted) is extensive and even includes talk-TV show citations. The life 'n' times of Lucy Lawless is created from these sources and is more detailed than that of the other 2 books. (One can only hope that those details have been presented accurately!)
Rating: 
Summary: A Fine Tie-In But ...
Review: As much as I hate to disagree with the glowing reviews of other readers I found this book a disappointment, especially when compaired to the same book written of its friendly-competitor "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys". While the H:TLJ Companion is detailed and has in depth interviews with both lead actors (Sorbo & Hurst) we pretty much get Lucy Lawless in Xena's Companion, and that's it. While Miss Lawless is stunning and a wonderful actress as Xena her in book comments aren't enough to hold the episode guide together. I, personally, would have loved to hear from Renee O'Conner (Gabrielle) on many of the key episodes she and Lawless did together. Admittedly, the production notes and comments on costumes and background information is intriguing -- but also flawed. Now that "Xena, Warrior Princess" is heading into its fifth season let's hope fans get a more up to date companion book ... and one that is a bit more accurate.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Tie-In But ...
Review: As much as I hate to disagree with the glowing reviews of other readers I found this book a disappointment, especially when compaired to the same book written of its friendly-competitor "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys". While the H:TLJ Companion is detailed and has in depth interviews with both lead actors (Sorbo & Hurst) we pretty much get Lucy Lawless in Xena's Companion, and that's it. While Miss Lawless is stunning and a wonderful actress as Xena her in book comments aren't enough to hold the episode guide together. I, personally, would have loved to hear from Renee O'Conner (Gabrielle) on many of the key episodes she and Lawless did together. Admittedly, the production notes and comments on costumes and background information is intriguing -- but also flawed. Now that "Xena, Warrior Princess" is heading into its fifth season let's hope fans get a more up to date companion book ... and one that is a bit more accurate.
Rating:
Summary: Cheers to Mr. Weisbrot!!
Review: For fans from the slightly amused to the obsessive Xenite, this book delivers. There are great behind-the-scenes stories and a detailed episode guide. While it's not exactly Homer, it is an entertaining an informative look into the world of the Warrior Princess. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Nicely laid out, good in-depth interviews & reviews
Review: Get this book! Nice behind the scenes writing. Bonus: Lucy's take on every episode from the first & second seasons.
Rating:
Summary: No better book out there for zealous Xena Fans (like me).:0)
Review: I haven't found a better book out there yet about the warrior princess, and trust me, I've looked! After reading all other available books at the time, I've found this one to be the most professionally written and produced. And while others seem to focus on the Sapphic Subtext of the Show, not that I have anything agains lesbians, this book gets more into the details that no one thinks to write about. Such as talking with the cameramen, producers, and others. If you want a real in-depth look at Xena and the behind the scenes angle, then may I recommend this riveting piece of literature.
Rating:
Summary: book
Review: I love this book !My friend knows how much i like the show Xena! This book is the only xena book i have.It's the Greatest book i ever read.
Rating:
Summary: very good read
Review: I was impressed with this book, had it given to me by my boyfriend, and he had purchased it off of ebay, has a good description of every episode for the first two seasons, and has a great description of the cast members, thats why I give it the 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: A good book, but needs an update
Review: I've met Rob Weisbrot. You wouldn't think he's a hardcore nutball (what Lucy Lawless calls her most dedicated fans) but he is a Xenite through and through. He's also a professional historian who teaches at a northwestern college. The man can talk to a room full of people. But more importantly, he gave Xena fandom its first step into the world of print by impressing Renaissance Pictures and Universal Studios with his enthusiasm that when it became clear he was going to write some fan books they realized they'd better get him on board. So, we have the official guide to Xena written by a true Xena fan. Weisbrot took the time to interview producers, writers, and cast members. He visited the sets and watched all the episodes. He understands the subject matter thoroughly, and his love of ancient Greek mythology is an added bonus. You can't go wrong by buying this book!
| 
