By Chris Thompson and Andrew Clements

Anderson Entertainment, out now

An in-depth guide to humanity’s first off-world colony, Moonbase Alpha, packed with schematics and operating procedures. 

What a great time to be a Space: 1999 fan. You can now sit down with your new Network Space Theater discs with this chunky hardback volume on your knees and immerse yourself in all things Moonbase Alpha. Written in-universe (there’s an welcome introduction by Commander John Koenig), Chris Thompson and Andrew Clements’ book is written with such conviction and passion that you wish this was all true. It’s based on the 1977 Moonbase Alpha Technical Notebook by David Hirsch.

History and External Layout chapter covers its phased construction, while Internal Layout covers key locales like Main Mission, Command Center and crew quarters. There’s a chapter devoted to Nuclear Waste (storage and disposal) though I’m guessing many fans will be turning first to the sections on the iconic Eagle Transporter and supplementary craft. The Uniforms and Equipment chapter is a great way to check your cosplay is on point and to understand the difference between the emitters on the stun guns. The chapter on Current Command Roster is the perfect opportunity to profile the main cast, and there’s even summaries of alien technology encountered in memorable episodes.

Verdict: If I’d owned this book in 1977 it would have been my bible. I might have had to wait 45 years to get it, but what a lovely volume. 10/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk