Synopses & Reviews
When the character of Xena first appeared on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, executive producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert had no idea how popular this new creation would become. Now the focus of her own series, Xena: Warrior Princess (the number-one ranked syndicated television drama in the United States) the evil warrioress-turned-good has been hailed as a feminist icon, with fan demographics ranging from four-year-old girls to 75-year-old men, and everyone in between. Most fans will agree that the show owes much of its popularity and acclaim to Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, who play Xena and Gabrielle, the show's main characters.
The book features various Internet websites that fans will find intriguing, as well as convention reports. This first book-length analysis of the show includes input by several fans themselves, explaining the infamous subtext, why they hate or love Joxer, and which episodes stand out as the best. To deliver a book that the fans will love, author Nikki Stafford has spent a lot of time with other Xena fans, listening to their ideas about the show and what they'd like to see in this book.
Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor: Warrior Stars of Xena also features a detailed episode guide unlike any other: using the show's references to various ancient myths, Stafford offers a historical background and analysis of each episode to provide viewers with knowledge to enrich their experience of each episode. Featuring a 16-page color photo section and photos from the episodes, this is a fascinating book that Xena fans won't want to miss!
Synopsis
This informative and engaging book chronicles Lucy Lawless's journey from a budding opera singer to the surprising story of her landing the role of Xena. The book also tells the story of Reneé O'Connor, the blond-haired Texan who plays Xena's storytelling sidekick, and the undying support of Reneé's mother, who helped garner a fan base for her daughter that rivals Lucy's. Focusing on the unprecedented fan phenomenon that surrounds this highly inventive show, this book features a guide to various
Xena Internet web sites, fan clubs, and e-mail listserves, including interviews with many of the fans who run them. It also includes reports by fans about the infamous subtext issue that has lured in the biggest single fan demographic, experiences of seeing Lucy in the Broadway production of
Grease! in fall 1997, and why they love or hate Joxer. Also featured is a detailed episode guide. Using the show's references to various ancient myths, Stafford offers a historical background and analysis of each episode to enrich viewers' experience of each episode. Featuring a 16-page color photo section, exclusive photos from conventions, appearances, and autograph signings, and original illustrations, this is a fascinating book that Xena fans won't want to miss.
About the Author
Nikki Stafford is the editor of
Trekkers and
How Xena Changed Our Lives and the author of
BITE ME! Sarah Michelle Gellar and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.