The Quantum Leap Book: The Official Publication of the Television Series

Since "The Quantum Leap Book" is "The Official Publication of the Television Series" the results are rather disappointing, especially for those of us who have been spoiled by "The Watcher's Guides" that serve as the official companion volumes to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." This is especially true since "Quantum Leap" is a series that lends itself to further exploration. "Quantum Leap" aired on NBC from March 26, 1989 to August 15, 1993 and became a cult favorite, which mattered because it aired in nine different time slots (covering four different days and three different starting times). Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula), was a physicist who ended up "leaping" into the bodies of strangers in other times and places, where his only contact is with an observer, Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell). Creator and executive producer Donald P. Bellisario set up a specific set of rules: Sam could only travel within his own lifespan, he appeared to the viewers as himself but to those around him as the person into whom he had leaped, and he could not leap into the next person until he had changed events (hopefully, for the better). If the idea was compelling, then the execution was often superb as proven in "The Leap Home." The strengths of "The Quantum Leap Book" put together by Louis Chunovic are the conservations with Bellisario, Bakula, and Stockwell, as well as with the production designer and costume designer. The book covers the episodes from the first three seasons in two ways. First, there is a listing of the shows in the order they aired, consisting of the title, the leap, the heart story, and the kiss with history. Second, there are synopses of the leaps in chronological order from 1953 to 1999. Throughout the volume there are a lot of pictures, both in black & white as well as color, representing both the episodes and behind the scenes looks at the series. If anything, the pictures tend to overwhelm the information and I have to admit to a preference for the latter, so I would have liked less pictures and more details on the background history, the guest stars, and the like. Also, there is the "problem" that this volume only covers have the run for the series, but for those who love the series and continue to catch it in syndication. this official publication is worth the trouble of tracking down.

As i am a serious Quantum Leap fan, it was nice to see some good photography and also an interverview with Dean Stockwell, he is very hard to get an interview with. I feel that there could have been a bit more of an indeapth view of the show it's self. I think if you want a good buy and also a good read then buy this book, it is one that time after time you will pick up and read again and again. Also well done to the auther and publisher, i would like to see more on the show and novels aswell.

this is a very good book about the tv series. for the fans of the show its a real treat and its very detailed also

The pictures, interviews and bios are great! However, the episode guide leaves much to be desired. The guide only runs through the 1990-1991 season (this book was published in 1993). There are also several errors in the episode summaries. Nowhere in the episode summaries does it list the guest star(s) for that episode. All in all if you want a book with some great pictures and interviews then this is the book for you. Otherwise, I'd look elsewhere.

Thre usual Boxtree "behind-the-scenes" fare here. Lots of pictures, interviews etc, but it doesn't go up to the end of the show's 5 years, and so feels a little weird when you read it. But the pictures of the Ziggy set and some of the props we hardly see on the show are quite nice. Worth a look.