Few television science fiction series have had the enduring appeal of the original, late 1970s Battlestar Galactica. Despite lasting only one season (1978-1979), almost half a century later Battlestar remains a cultural touchstone and major influence on genre productions in a variety of media. For all its popularity, however, Battlestar remains a largely unstudied series, with relatively few resources available for those interested in learning more about the show, including both its development and its afterlife. This companion is the definitive resource for fans of the series. It contains all the essential facts that fans would expect, such as plot and other details of each episode, but uniquely also explores the scholarly and philosophical influences on the series. Battlestar Galactica borrows extensively from classical mythology and biblical sources, as well as from myths and folklore associated with nation-building and the timeless wonder of travel stories. In many regards, Battlestar is nothing less than an Aeneid in outer space, telling the story of how an exiled, defeated people seeks a return to their ancestral home, surmounting countless perils along the way. Fratantuono brings his expertise in classical mythology and ancient history to bear on the series. There are new interviews with stars Dirk Benedict (Lt. Starbuck) and Cathey Paine (the voice of Galactica's computer, C.O.R.A). Comprehensive information is provided on series merchandise, a concise overview of the short-lived Galactica, 1980), and the connection of the series to Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. There is no comparable guide available. AUTHOR: Dr. Lee Fratantuono is adjunct professor of Ancient Classics at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. A specialist in Augustan and Neronian Age literature and Roman republican and imperial history, he has published more than a dozen books on various aspects of antiquity, including studies of Pompey the Great, Lucullus, Caligula, the Roman conquests of Mesopotamia and Arabia, and the Battle of Actium. 20 colour illustrations
