First off I have to make an admission. I never watched Alias when it started on TV here. I looked at the premise and decided not to tune in. I have, however, picked up the occasional episode on a re-runs channel and have some regret in not watching the series, and I have to admit to the fact I am currently considering buying the show on DVD to catch up.

So that's where I stand when I picked this book up, and I am reviewing this from a position of not being a fan, but having had some exposure to the series.

I've read (or referenced I think might be the better word) episode guides before. I've not seen one with this much detail and as good a presentation style before though. So much work must have gone into the compilation of this book - it's so comprehensive. In the pages of this book is a detailed background of the characters and the organisations, details of the gadgets and then the mission profiles (read – episode listings). And these are superbly presented.

This book helped me in one respect. Having watched a few episodes here and there this book filled in some of the details I needed - gave me the background on the events and character interactions I'd seen in the episodes.

The mission descriptions themselves are informative, interesting to read and all accompanied by good photographs of the action and characters.

And at the end of sampling sections of this book my wish to start again watching this series from the first season...

Synopsis
The Ultimate insider's guide to all things Alias, Authorized Personnel Only is essential reading not only for committed fans but also for latecomers coming to the show on DVD who are interested in catching up with the characters, storylines and background. The book is divided into five main sections: a mission-by-mission analysis of the series; a catalogue of the agents' personal histories and psychological profiles; Jack Bristow's own extensive coverage of the Enemies of the State; descriptions of the high-tech gadgets used by Sydney and her team; and Project Black Hole's official report on the shadowy figure Milo Rambaldi. The book also includes exclusive bonus material such as a colour-coded global 'mission map.' Compelling and comprehensive, this fully-illustrated large-format companion volume is the next best thing to being a field agent yourself.