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The Official Guide to The X-Files #1
The Truth Is Out There
Don't hide from the truth -- you'll find it in hereFor inside information on TV's hottest show, turn to this unique compendium of The X-Files facts and figures. Everything you must know is in here, including:
A complete and detailed episode guide
Scores of never-before-seen photos
A look behind the scenes and on the set
Fascinating stories that trace the show's origin, including interviews with creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson -- everyone in front of and behind the camera that brings The X-Files to life.
Biographies of cast and crew
A detailed look at the extraordinary special effects, who creates then, and how they are done
Character studies of Mulder and Scully -- as well as detailed breakdowns of favorite villains and recurring characters
Plus, intriguing trivia and sidebars of "Mulderisms" and "Scullyisms"
Your passport to the unknown is here.
A complete and detailed episode guide
Scores of never-before-seen photos
A look behind the scenes and on the set
Fascinating stories that trace the show's origin, including interviews with creator Chris Carter, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson -- everyone in front of and behind the camera that brings The X-Files to life.
Biographies of cast and crew
A detailed look at the extraordinary special effects, who creates then, and how they are done
Character studies of Mulder and Scully -- as well as detailed breakdowns of favorite villains and recurring characters
Plus, intriguing trivia and sidebars of "Mulderisms" and "Scullyisms"
Your passport to the unknown is here.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 23, 1995
10 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 30, 2017
The Official Truth is in here!
SMOKIN' GOOD!
Obviously, due the recurrent theme of government conspirancies, the appealing of those so many "unofficial" guides to The X-Files (that I have several of them too!) is quite catching, but it's refreshing good to find that there is a truly "official" guide for the iconic TV show.
Of course, due the publication date, hardly covers even the whole original run of 9 seasons, but still this is a wonderful option to expand your knowledge about The X-Files from the "official" angle.
Definitely a valuable addition to any X-Files library of reference books.
SMOKIN' GOOD!
Obviously, due the recurrent theme of government conspirancies, the appealing of those so many "unofficial" guides to The X-Files (that I have several of them too!) is quite catching, but it's refreshing good to find that there is a truly "official" guide for the iconic TV show.
Of course, due the publication date, hardly covers even the whole original run of 9 seasons, but still this is a wonderful option to expand your knowledge about The X-Files from the "official" angle.
Definitely a valuable addition to any X-Files library of reference books.
March 18, 2011
You'd laugh if you knew how important this book was to me back in 1996. Because 1996, for me, was the time before the internet (I'm slow, so what), and before DVDs, and before I knew about fandom, and online episode guides and all the shiny stuff that is out there these days.
1996 was the time when I watched the X-Files with a friend every week, excited and scared and just crazy about it, and really, when I saw the well-known logo on a table in a local bookstore,only an immediate alien abduction could have stopped me from purchasing it.
It was one of my most treasured fannish possessions for a long, long time.
*is nostalgic*
1996 was the time when I watched the X-Files with a friend every week, excited and scared and just crazy about it, and really, when I saw the well-known logo on a table in a local bookstore,only an immediate alien abduction could have stopped me from purchasing it.
It was one of my most treasured fannish possessions for a long, long time.
*is nostalgic*
May 22, 2019
"That which makes miracles, can also make great evil."
This book covers the first two seasons and the first two episodes of season three. It has a very brief bio for some of the main characters and some chapters on 'Behind the Scenes'. I was mainly interested in the episode guides, mainly the mythology episodes, but the 'Behind the Story' parts for each episode are quite interesting. It didn't really shine any new light on the series, but I feel the first two seasons they were still figuring out the mythology of the series, and that is evident in the amount of content for the mythology episodes, the further in you go the longer the episode guides. You could get all this info online, but it's always better to pick up a book...3 🌟
This book covers the first two seasons and the first two episodes of season three. It has a very brief bio for some of the main characters and some chapters on 'Behind the Scenes'. I was mainly interested in the episode guides, mainly the mythology episodes, but the 'Behind the Story' parts for each episode are quite interesting. It didn't really shine any new light on the series, but I feel the first two seasons they were still figuring out the mythology of the series, and that is evident in the amount of content for the mythology episodes, the further in you go the longer the episode guides. You could get all this info online, but it's always better to pick up a book...3 🌟
January 22, 2022
Oh so ‘90s in the best possible way. This was a fun blast into the past for my very favorite TV show. A bit cheesy but it works and I loved learning all the fun little tidbits from set.
August 9, 2010
Read this encyclopedia of the first season of Fox TV's hit sci-fi classic, X-FILES, alongside the shows themselves, and you'll find that author Brian Lowry--or perhaps the editors--could have taken more time to catalog the very circuitous and complex stories of the show's first season.
Too often, the summaries provided for each episode are either too abbreviated or poorly worded to replace watching the show itself. Would-be fans looking to "speed read" their way through the entire first season of the show in order to catch up won't find some of the plotlines easy to comprehend, based on this particular edition.
With that written, this particular volume provides a comprehensive look into the pre-production process of the series, complete with fears that the show would never see the light of day because of the pains that creator Chris Carter endured to ensure that his envision was realized.
In the margins of the book, there are also included very interesting X-factoids pertaining to each episode. Some of them relate to the production itself and other explicitly address the mythologies that inspired the episode.
Despite some lapses in writing style--chock full of dangling and misplaced modifiers--this volume is probably the best companion available to watching the show's first season. Hold it close, though, and do not rely on this volume alone to supplant the viewing of the program itself.
Strange, isn't it? You've just been told to watch the "film version" rather than read about it.
You heard it here first, and that's the truth.
Too often, the summaries provided for each episode are either too abbreviated or poorly worded to replace watching the show itself. Would-be fans looking to "speed read" their way through the entire first season of the show in order to catch up won't find some of the plotlines easy to comprehend, based on this particular edition.
With that written, this particular volume provides a comprehensive look into the pre-production process of the series, complete with fears that the show would never see the light of day because of the pains that creator Chris Carter endured to ensure that his envision was realized.
In the margins of the book, there are also included very interesting X-factoids pertaining to each episode. Some of them relate to the production itself and other explicitly address the mythologies that inspired the episode.
Despite some lapses in writing style--chock full of dangling and misplaced modifiers--this volume is probably the best companion available to watching the show's first season. Hold it close, though, and do not rely on this volume alone to supplant the viewing of the program itself.
Strange, isn't it? You've just been told to watch the "film version" rather than read about it.
You heard it here first, and that's the truth.
May 30, 2015
More of a reference/ textbook sort of thing, which covers the first three seasons. I was hoping for more juicy insider information. It does have some, and the project's genesis was really interesting, but after that, it was more of a summary of episodes. I suppose this would have been handier during the time of publishing, when the internet wasn't so quick and comprehensive. Another niggling thing was that it also seemed a bit Duchovny-centric at times; I wish there was more interest or humor in the passages regarding Anderson, my favourite.
February 7, 2011
Della serie : "tutto quello che avreste sempre voluto sapere sul telefilm culto degli anni novanta".
Una guida agli episodi di X-Files con l'aggiunta di tante curiosità, aneddoti e tanto di riassunti delle prime due serie, immancabili anche le riviste, che sono una chicca per ogni vero appassionato.
Per appassionati.
Una guida agli episodi di X-Files con l'aggiunta di tante curiosità, aneddoti e tanto di riassunti delle prime due serie, immancabili anche le riviste, che sono una chicca per ogni vero appassionato.
Per appassionati.
September 28, 2009
Like the other behind the scenes X-Files books out there, this one has interesting bits of trivia and interviews. It's fun to read once.
June 17, 2025
Man darf von solchen Begleitbüchern keinen kritiscchen (also negativen) Äußerungen und eingehenderen Analysen erwarten. Sie sind journalistische Begleitbücher, die informieren wollen. Lowry hatte selbst Zugang zu Schauspielern und Produktionsteam, so kommen sie viel selbst zu Wort, was ich durchaus postiv finde. Auch gibt der journalistische Teil einen lebhaften Einblick in den Arbeitsalltag einer TV-Serie, deren Erfolg zu Anfang gar nicht abzusehen war. Ich war überrascht zu lesen, dass der Sender FOX, in dem die Serie ausgestrahlt wurde, mehr auf "Die Abentuer auf des Brisco County Jr." setzte, die am gleichen Tag gesendet wurde. Ich mag diese Serie, die ich als Vorläufer des Steampunk ansehe, aber ich kann verstehen, dass sie nicht das Interesse wie die "X-Files" erregten. Aber so ist das TV-Serien- und Filmgeschäft nun mal.
Was die Serie zum Erfolg werden ließ, wird in diesem Buch immerhin ansatzweise deutlich. Es war eine sehr gut gemachte Serie, die den Nerv der Zeit traf, sprich bei Zuschauern weltweit Begeisterung auslöste. Dazu tragen die Schauspieler David Duchovny und Gillian Anderson viel bei. Die Serie ist ebenso spannend und mysteriös wie sexy, auch mehr als 30 Jahre nach Ausstrahlung der ersten Folge.
Auslöser für die Lektüre sind die Folgen am Montag Abend auf Pro7 Maxx, die ich nun schon seit ein paar Monaten ansehe. Das geht mittlerweile ziemlich durcheinander, es wird nicht ausbleiben, dass ich in den chronologischen Rewatch einsteige und mich mit der Serie eingehender beschäftige.
Das Buch ist vor dem Erscheinen der dritten Staffel hierzulande erschienen, es gibt Folgebände. Die Infos zu den einzelnen Folgen sind eher etwas zum Nachschlagen, weshalb ich diesen Teil übersprungen habe. Schlecht an dem Buch sind auch die wenigen Abbildungen, die meistens keinen zusätzlichen Informationswert haben. Das Papier ist hochwertig, die fotografischen Illustrationen zu den einzelnen Folgen jedoch nicht.
Was die Serie zum Erfolg werden ließ, wird in diesem Buch immerhin ansatzweise deutlich. Es war eine sehr gut gemachte Serie, die den Nerv der Zeit traf, sprich bei Zuschauern weltweit Begeisterung auslöste. Dazu tragen die Schauspieler David Duchovny und Gillian Anderson viel bei. Die Serie ist ebenso spannend und mysteriös wie sexy, auch mehr als 30 Jahre nach Ausstrahlung der ersten Folge.
Auslöser für die Lektüre sind die Folgen am Montag Abend auf Pro7 Maxx, die ich nun schon seit ein paar Monaten ansehe. Das geht mittlerweile ziemlich durcheinander, es wird nicht ausbleiben, dass ich in den chronologischen Rewatch einsteige und mich mit der Serie eingehender beschäftige.
Das Buch ist vor dem Erscheinen der dritten Staffel hierzulande erschienen, es gibt Folgebände. Die Infos zu den einzelnen Folgen sind eher etwas zum Nachschlagen, weshalb ich diesen Teil übersprungen habe. Schlecht an dem Buch sind auch die wenigen Abbildungen, die meistens keinen zusätzlichen Informationswert haben. Das Papier ist hochwertig, die fotografischen Illustrationen zu den einzelnen Folgen jedoch nicht.
December 22, 2023
An interesting jump back in time to the early 90s, with lots of fun facts and perspective on the process of building a successful TV show out of a premise that garnered plenty of skepticism. But the episode descriptions miss a lot of the charm that the episodes themselves have, and as a whole I think dedicated fans looking for a book on the X-Files in 2023 can probably find one that covers the whole run (even the revival!) and doesn't read quite as hacky.
September 20, 2020
This is a nicely researched and written guide to the first two seasons of "The X-Files", written when the show was hot and trendy. Lowry has talked with many of the people involved in making the show, getting their insights. Lots of behind-the-scenes stories and explanations of some of the series more obscure titles.
April 13, 2025
Read this as a way to catch up when I fell off watching the show a couple years ago. Served it purpose in reminding me of the big plots, and allowed me to mark down what my favorite episodes were in the event of a rewatch. Between Star Trek and X-Files, I'm getting obsessed with physical episode guides, though I will still read a Wiki after each episode as well.
June 19, 2022
Thoroughly engaging tv series guide to an intriguing sci-fi show.
This guide prompted me to go back and re-watch the first two seasons with the details and behind the scenes additional materials presented.
Well done.
Highly recommend
Thanks for reading
This guide prompted me to go back and re-watch the first two seasons with the details and behind the scenes additional materials presented.
Well done.
Highly recommend
Thanks for reading
November 22, 2018
If you like this you're an original x-phile
April 27, 2020
Doesn't really feel like the author was a big fan or that I learned anything that new.
June 30, 2022
Ler esse livro hoje é como voltar aos anos 90 indo usar a internet da biblioteca da faculdade pra pesquisar guia de episódios em HTML.
May 10, 2023
Lots of background info on the first and second season episodes, and part of the third. Helps clarify the overall world of the show.
September 7, 2023
Nepostradatelný průvodce pro fanoušky Akt X, který úplně zničil totálně zpackaný český překlad. Původní anglická verze je jistota! To samé platí i pro ostatní díly vydané v češtině.
April 25, 2025
It was okay. It was pretty informative, a bit TOO informative even!
January 9, 2026
Watching X-files for the first time and reading the guides as I go.
December 4, 2017
The Truth Is Out There: The Official Guide to the X-Files attempts to unravel Fox’s hit television series. Author Brian Lowry explores how Chris Carter created the show and brought together the creative team that would develop the series into the cultural phenomenon that it became. He also provides a “day in the life” of the show, visiting the set during the filming of an episode; describing what goes on during the production and shooting of the scenes. There are also profiles for most of the main characters as well as career bios for the cast. Additionally, full episodes guides are included for seasons 1 and 2; with each episode accompanied with background information and trivia questions. However, Lowry’s Back Story section is rather scant and mundane. Also, there’s a lot of fluff, like episode ratings, award nominations, and selected magazine and newspaper reviews. While it’s entertaining and provides a lot of interesting information, The Truth Is Out There: The Official Guide to the X-Files is uneven and is kind of all over the place (much like the show itself).
December 7, 2018
This book,released during the third season, was the essential reference for fans early on. Today,this book and its successors have been superseded by online wikis and other resources, I still enjoy browsing through this and consult it when I need to remember something.
This is the first of six volumes in The Official Guide to The X-Files, covering seasons 1 and 2. The book contains a recap of each episode, followed by background information on the episode, which is often where it gets very interesting. It also has sections on making the show, character profiles, and things such as reviews and ratings.
The book is written in a way that is very readable, whether you just read it straight through or browse through the episode entries.
While this was crucial for fans back then, especially when trying to understand the unfolding mythology, today it might seem incomplete and useless, because it was written so early on and there are now easier ways to find this information. However, if you are watching the show for the first time, you don't have to worry about ate season spoilers with this book. It could also help when bingewatching, because it's easier to miss or forget details in a show like this.
This is the first of six volumes in The Official Guide to The X-Files, covering seasons 1 and 2. The book contains a recap of each episode, followed by background information on the episode, which is often where it gets very interesting. It also has sections on making the show, character profiles, and things such as reviews and ratings.
The book is written in a way that is very readable, whether you just read it straight through or browse through the episode entries.
While this was crucial for fans back then, especially when trying to understand the unfolding mythology, today it might seem incomplete and useless, because it was written so early on and there are now easier ways to find this information. However, if you are watching the show for the first time, you don't have to worry about ate season spoilers with this book. It could also help when bingewatching, because it's easier to miss or forget details in a show like this.
January 9, 2012
Yes, the truth is out there, but not so much in here. This book, published during the hype that was, and for the most part, still is a phenomenon today was obviously made to reach in to viewer’s pockets and make some of their cash disappear.
It covers seasons 1 and 2 episodes completely but only the first 2 episodes of season 3. Written by Brian Lowry, it gives some insight into the creation of the X-files and we learn (like any X-Phile wouldn’t?) That inspiration came from ‘Kolchak, the Night Stalker’. Oh, and exciting news. Kolchak the Night Stalker has been released on DVD - yes, go snap up your copy . . .
Ummm, but back to the book. I would say it is not worth the cover price, but if you can get one for a lot less (like I did for 2 dollars) it’s a good quick read into the behind the scenes production of the show (when it was happening) and a good explanation of the major players (Cancer Man, etc) and themes (alien abductions, etc)
Bottom line - it may be ‘the official’ but it’s not really too good. You are way farther ahead just saving up for the DVD sets and getting them instead.
It covers seasons 1 and 2 episodes completely but only the first 2 episodes of season 3. Written by Brian Lowry, it gives some insight into the creation of the X-files and we learn (like any X-Phile wouldn’t?) That inspiration came from ‘Kolchak, the Night Stalker’. Oh, and exciting news. Kolchak the Night Stalker has been released on DVD - yes, go snap up your copy . . .
Ummm, but back to the book. I would say it is not worth the cover price, but if you can get one for a lot less (like I did for 2 dollars) it’s a good quick read into the behind the scenes production of the show (when it was happening) and a good explanation of the major players (Cancer Man, etc) and themes (alien abductions, etc)
Bottom line - it may be ‘the official’ but it’s not really too good. You are way farther ahead just saving up for the DVD sets and getting them instead.
September 14, 2018
Some interesting behind-the-scenes info, but given that this was published right in the middle of the show, it only has details for the first two seasons. It was pretty funny to hear the author discuss the online fandom for the show, wondering about how this whole world wide web thing was going to work out (the book was published in 1995.) Worth it for fans, but there aren't many juicy secrets here.
August 5, 2011
My brother bought this years ago but left to collect mounds of dust so I'm keeping it for myself..haha. During those times..aliens were BIG and people all become obsessed with anything extra terrestrial. Wah..wishing trends like that came back rather than watching all these stupid reality shows..(sigh).
April 3, 2022
When I find a world or characters I love, I want to consume all of it and squeeze every last drop of detail out of it. This book is full of details that opened up the stories and characters of The X-Files even more. Good read. Great book to keep on my shelf for reference.
August 12, 2007
Characters and episodes through season 3 (it's an old book).
October 30, 2007
I was a huge x-files addict. I went out and bought this in hardcover almost as soon as it came out. It didnt do much for me, very blah.... but it helped calm my craving...
January 25, 2009
En este libro me entere que toda la serie se filmo en Canadá
April 23, 2013
171/277
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