SF reference books...

[Kaiser]

Never even heard of it, Kaiser, but I'll check it out.

Rob+

have fun its in my Photobucket or you can buy online usually runs about 20 bucks

 

[HMuddEsq]

Recently I purchased a non Trek reference book called Lost In Space: Jupiter 2 Technical Guide. While one might quibble over the overall result it's quite apparent that this book was a labour of genuine interest and devotion.

I'm impressed with the technical background and explanations. Granted you can see some of this has been retconned with a current understanding of sciences over what was known back in the '60s, but it doesn't seem to contradict or invalidate what was shown onscreen. Indeed I quite like this approach of using genuine science and plausible theory to make the show's science and technology more credible. I didn't get much sense of handwavium while reading the text. Overall this is the kind of thinking I'd like to have seen applied to some of the Trek reference guides I've seen and in this respect this LIS book and its companion(s) impress me as better than the Trek related counterparts.

In terms of images I found this book to be a mixed bag. I really liked the schematics although I felt there could have been more. I would like to have seen schematics of the Chariot, the Space Pod and the B9 Robot, but in fairness this is a reference book and not a set of general plans. I liked the use of actual photographs along with plan drawings in conjunction with the technical exposition detailing each aspect of the Jupiter 2. Candidly, though, I did not care for the 3D animation images and for me they looked out of place in an otherwise excellent book.

For the material contained in this book it is very fairly priced and well worth the purchase for anyone interested in science fiction speculative science and technology as well as fans of the Lost In Space television series. I also think it is a far superior work compared to the recent Haynes' Trek reference book.

The quality of this book is a reflection of genuine interest and fan devotion as opposed to just cranking out tie-in merchandise.

If curious then go here:
Jupiter 2 Technical Guide
Lost In Space Design

I also recently purchased and received both of these LOST IN SPACE books. I absolutely agree with your review of the Technical Guide book.

There's a reason for the bad 3D images. The person who put the original book together is a really bad artist. Go to Youtube and look up 3dartistguy. Watch his videos: you will never laugh so hard in your life.
Originally, the author tried to publish the book himself, and when that didn't work he submitted it to ARA press. The editor at ARA saw the book, and it was a mess: the art was horrible, and the writing was just as bad. So the editor essentially redid the book from front to back.
The author is well known in fan circles for picking arguments with other fans. I know several fans who were the target of his attacks. I'd recommend everyone stay clear. Putting money in his pocket will just add air to an already overinflated ego.