Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition

by Tara Bennett

Alternate Cover for 976-1-61893-127-6

Go inside the clubhouse and behind the scenes of the #1 smash hit FX television show "Sons of Anarchy" with this official book, the only one officially sanctioned by the show's creator and FX, which offers the definitive insider's guide to all seven seasons, including the series' memorable final episode.

Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition is an awesome tribute to the Teller-Morrow family. Inside you'll find:


An introduction by and interviews with Kurt Sutter, series creator on how the show came to be
Revealing interviews with the cast, including Charlie Hunnam (Jax), Katey Sagal (Gemma), Maggie Siff (Tara), Ryan Hurst (Opie), Theo Rossi (Juice), Kurt Sutter (Otto), and more
"Creating the Chaos:" an all-access tour of the sets, the bikes, the tattoos, and much more
The actors' most memorable scenes and moments, in their own words
An oral history of the pivotal Season 6 finale "A Mother's Work"
A look back at Season 7, the series' end and the Teller family legacy
Complete with a deluxe package, and hundreds of striking full-color photographs throughout, Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition is the must-have book for any "Sons of Anarchy" fan.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Pop Culture

207 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2014

About the author

Tara Bennett (formerly DiLullo) is the author or co-author of 30 official movie and TV companion books including The Story of Marvel Studios:
The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sons of Anarchy: The Official Companion, The Official Making of Outlander Companions (Seasons 1 - 4), The Lost Encyclopedia, and September's Notebook: A Fringe Companion which was an Amazon Best Book of the Year.

She has also written nearly a thousand interviews and features for print and online publications such as: Total Film, Paste Magazine, IGN, SYFY WIRE, LOST: The Official Magazine, Alias Magazine, 24 Magazine, SCI FI Magazine, WSJSpeakeasy, Fandango/Movies.com, Fancast, Newsarama and VFXWorld.com. She is also the U.S. Editor for the world’s premiere sci-fi/fantasy publication, SFX Magazine.

Tara is also an adjunct professor at Rowan University in New Jersey, teaching Film and Television studies. As part of her curriculum, Bennett utilizes programs such as LOST and 24 to teach her students how to write for television.

Reviews

[Rachel the Book Harlot · Rating 5 out of 5]

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

Anyone who is a die-hard fan of Sons of Anarchy knows how committed Kurt Sutter, show creator and writer, was to the show and to its fans. When a few distributors mistakenly shipped pre-orders of the collector's edition book one week before the series finale was to air, Mr. Sutter took to Twitter to issue a personal apology to fans in true Kurt Sutter style:

FAN APOLOGY

It has been brought to my attention that our SOA Collector's Edition Book has been sent out a week early by some distributors and book outlets. This book contains details about the final episode of the series. This, my friends is a storyteller's worst nightmare. I wanted this book to be a compliment to the show. It contains personal messages and photos from the cast, in-depth behind the scenes information and detailed breakdown of episodes. It's a smart, well-conceived book that I was very excited for the fans to have. AFTER the motherfucking finale. There are a thousand fucking people I can blame. And I assure you, by the time I am done, my fucking basket will be filled with heads of incompetent cunts. But as far as the fans go, the burden is on me. I fucked up. It was my idea for the book, so ultimately, I am to blame. So if you received a book, I apologize. I ask that you not share your wrath or pain or opinion in social media so as to not spoil the experience of others. There is no excuse for utter ineptitude. It pains me that this will be the parting memory of some fans. I hope you all tune in for the finale. It plays much better than it reads.

Sincerely

ks

This same passion and commitment is truly apparent within the pages of the SOA Collector's Edition. According to Sutter he wanted to give fans "something all encompassing. A potluck feast you could sink your voracious teeth into." And both he and Tara Bennett deliver. This book is absolutely gorgeous. It's filled with stunning photography:





There is information ranging from the inception and evolution of the story, including research into MC history and culture (yes, Jax's white kicks are actually part of modern biker culture!), to the thought processes behind set designs and music selection. But for me, the biggest treat was the insight provided by Kurt Sutter, Charlie Hunnam (Jax), Maggie Siff (Tara), and the rest of the cast into the minds of the characters--especially as related to Jax and Jax's journey. While I loved the behind the scenes "making of" information, what I loved most was reading about the story dynamics and the perspective of the characters as they faced their most poignant, life-changing moments. It was such a wonderful reminder of the reason I fell in love with this show to begin with: the well-written, complex characters.

This book is a true love letter to both show and fans. The blurb does not lie: it's a must-have for Sons of Anarchy fans.

Final Rating: 5 Stars

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I never made a concious decision to have the club become one thing or another. It just happened. Before my eyes. Each savage event was a catalyst for the next. And by the time violence reached epic porportion I couldn't see it." - John Teller



A wonderful companion book for fans of the tv show. Well thought out and beautifully put together. My favorite part was the commentaries from the actors. I loved all of the insight that was provided, especially by Kurt and Charlie. I enjoyed reading about all of the research that went into creating the show, and all of the behind the scenes details. It took me on a trip through memory lane and reminded me why I loved this show so much.

"I realize, as I think you did - a good father and good outlaw can't settle inside the same man." - Jax Teller

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will always love this book. Gosh how I miss the series!

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on the TV Show Sons of Anarchy with great ‘behind the scenes’ info, insights from the creator Kurt Sutter and the cast & crew, episode recaps, character analyses. A must for all SOA fans.

[Leesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

CORNY AND CLICHE ALERT! But truly, this is a beautiful book for any fan of the show. And for a ride or die fan like me, I prettymuch wanna carry it around the house with me like a baby. I love reading the behind the scenes stuff abt everytlittlething like the fabric of Jax's plaid shirts and the SAMCRO jewelry/belt buckles and everysinglelittletinything. The book is beautiful to hold and the pictures are pretty and there's a lot of stuff in here. I'M IN LOVE I'M IN LOVE AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT AKA ERRYBODY KNOWS IT ALREADY.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Massive Sons Fan, great book except for the fact that they left out info on main characters' (who propel the story line in the show) - Nero and Wendy - as well as 'Happy' who is a Samcro member.
Really don't like that there is so much info on other characters but these 3 were left out when these 3 are very important. (Not to mention Lyla) Still- Must have book for any Sons Fan. An official Collectors edition.

[Colleen Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply, a gorgeous book. Wonderfully bound, and printed. GREAT pics! I love it and will treasure it for years to come......

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent companion to the series. Every actor gives an overview of some of the most powerful scenes throughout the entire 7 seasons.

[Alisha Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing way to let fans in on the behind the scenes making and works of SOA.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this after listening to the Reaper Reviews I went back and watched SOA again. This was quite a nice book, thick paper, glossy pictures. But if you've listened to the podcasts or seen a lot of interviews you'll have heard a lot of these stories before. It was also strangely biased. Like Nero, despite being a regular and Gemma's love interest for 3 seasons was ignored except for one paragraph. Likewise Wendy wasn't included or Unser much. And Stahl didn't get nearly as much as she deserved either. Still interesting and fun to look at.

[Jevron McCrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I can thank the Coronavirus quarantine for; giving me the time to discover (and binge) Kurt Sutter's brutal and brilliant treatise on the outlaw biker lifestyle, the 'not-for-the-faint-of-heart' FX series, Sons Of Anarchy.

The show didn't grab me immediately but insidiously by increments. The bikers looked cool as hell, there was violence aplenty, half naked sexy chicks and a pounding soundtrack but halfway through the first season, I was surprised how quickly I found myself caring for the characters and later, utterly shocked by how emotional I became over the unfolding events. The series is NOT for those easily offended. It's extremely violent and often exists in a moral vacuum - at least by some character's standards. It's often a bumpy ride but a fantastically satisfying one.

I sought this book out online minutes after finishing the final seventh season and I'm so glad I did. Like the numerous TV/movie celebration hardback books I already own, this one scores HUGE! Massive photographs adorn each page with TONS of behind the scenes details and interviews with major and minor cast and crew. It covers all bases. Characters, locations (including beautiful on-set photography), bikes, weapons, props, you name it. Like all good TV/movie books, it is simultaneously a celebration of the show and a sincere love letter to the fans who supported it. I read this in a matter of days and I know I will be reading it again soon.

This is very simple; if you are a fan of SAMCRO (and if you know what that means, then you are), you MUST own this book!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a pre-order way back when it was time for the series finale.

It arrived BEFORE the finale aired and thankfully Kurt Sutter posted a heartfelt ass chewing to whomever was responsible for sending it out a week early because I didn’t read it at that time.

In fact…. I watched the finale….. has a good cry that the series ended and immediately began missing Teller Tuesdays.

I forgot all about this book. I had stored it in a bookcase waiting to read it right after the series ended and just never got around to reading it.

I found it this past week when I decided to make a book dump for my public library. Too many books taking up too much space.

I found the book to be very interesting and liked all the behind the scenes stories about how it came to be, how and where it was filmed. How the casting was done.

I also learned that I was thinking their vests were called cuts when they are actually spelled Kuttes. Still much to learn!

I fell in love with this series by hanging in through season one due to exceptional acting and the good looks of Charlie Hunnum. He was the perfect Jax Taylor and he intrigued me.

Season 2 was getting its stride. I got bored with Season 3 and all that Belfast shit. I hung on and really the only good episode to me was the season finale.

Season 4 was the best for me. It started to really come together. Season 5 was also good and then Season 6 started the downhill slide for me. Still good, but getting a bit tired. By Season 7…. The final season I felt like it had lost its way and even though I was devastated by the ending…. It needed to be put to rest.

The book gives a season by season recap with little side notes added in. The pictures were a welcome treat.


It was a well written, well thought out book.

If you are SOA fan you will enjoy it.

If you are thinking of watching the series Do Not Read this book first!! It is one huge spoiler!!

You should google Kurt Sutters post about its untimely early release. In true Sutter style…. He says what is on his mind!!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully presented but sort of light on content. I wanted a bit more. I felt like I wasn't given as much behind the scenes knowledge as I could have had. Still. Beautifully presented, some quality content, Sutter offers some insight on some of the choices he made for the show without sounding like too much of a dick. There wasn't much included from the actors what was was mostly from Charlie Hunnam and Katey Segal. There was some tiny little tidbits from Kim Coates about the doubts he had about his character which was enlightening considering he played the deviant so well.

There is an overview of each season, the episodes and the progression, story arc decisions made and played out. But yet, again, I still felt there could have been more from this. I certainly feel like I've read more comprehensive looks at the work behind tv shows and movies. I don't necessarily feel that this is fault of the author but more... possibly... what was restricted from publishing.

It was enough, I guess.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you aren't a fan of SoA or Sutter, there really isn't anything here for you.
Nice little book slapped together as a money maker, but I'm debating on if I even wanna keep it as I can't see myself reading it again. So much of the information presented can be found in special features, loaded onto the DVD sets. So basically you are getting a written form of interviews and such from the DVD extras. I don't feel that I learned much of anything new, but it was nice flipping through memory lane of one of my favorite shows to ever grace the small screen. Could have had more behind the scenes pictures instead of just still from the show and some new, exclusive interview stuff would have been nice too.

[Michele Brack · Rating 5 out of 5]

#43 A book with a family-member term in the title

It's no secret that I LOVED this show. I mean, come on... It's Hamlet on motorcycles. What's not to like?

But seriously, I loved seeing inside the show and some of the thoughts of the show-makers including the creator himself. I had no idea how much minute detail went into the though-process of the show and all of the props-costumes-tattoos-etc. It boggled my mind how much prep work went in to each episode and how much the actors had input into the running of the show.

I think Kurt Sutter is brilliant. He knows what he wants form the very beginning and he gets there without compromise. He is the end-all-be-all of decisions (even the tiniest ones) and it all adds up to this gargantuan opus that will last a very long time.

Now I wanna go watch the show again.

[Macey Morcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must-have for fans of Sons of Anarchy and even anyone who’s interested in what goes into making a TV show. The book I full of behind the scenes information from the production team and the actors, and every fascinating page is supported with vibrant images from the show, both pre and post-production. It goes into great detail about every aspect of making the show, right down to the tattoos and scars. It’s so beautifully put together that now that I’ve finished reading it, it will be a coffee table book. I definitely plan on going through it again, too. Easy five stars!

[Fiorella · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I never made a concious decision to have the club become one thing or another. It just happened. Before my eyes.
Each savage event was a catalyst for the next. And by the time violence reached epic porportion I couldn't see it." - John Teller

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must get for fans of the show. Great tidbits from throughout the seasons.

[Diane Boudrias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the whole t.v. series, absolutely amazing 😍

[Nancy Laflamme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of the show will no doubt appreciate this in-depth look at the series. It is filled with fun and pertinent information. It would make watching the show a second time an interesting experience as well!

[Sara Bourassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book for any SOA fan!! Really cool to get a behind the scenes look at the series.

[Liz Van Pay · Rating 5 out of 5]

While coffee table books aren't my typical review fare, the Sons of Anarchy coffee table book by Tara Bennett can be an exception. As a fan of the show who got into it between the third and fourth seasons, Sons has been a part of my Tuesday nights for the past four years, and I am the type who has re-watched time and time again. Most television shows can come and go without incident, but this one had such a great story from beginning to end that there is a hole in my Tuesday nights that may never be filled.

An introduction by showrunner Kurt Sutter begins this well-thought out ode to the show, which begins with the origins of the show, and goes on to give the SAMCRO family tree, with outlines of all of the main characters. For those unfamiliar with "biker speak", they have a mini glossary to help. This book has bits and pieces of production information, including prop work and makeup, as well as the hidden stories behind many of the tattoos seen on the show. There are portions for each season, and a separate portion for the final act.

Without giving too much away (which is why I only posted a photo of the cover), this is a great book to add to any SOA fan's collection. Including photos and information not before seen, there is definitely a reason that it's a #1 bestseller on Amazon.com, and is sold out more often than not.

[Ashley N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-done, lovely coffee table book for the popular Sons of Anarchy television drama. The book has a nice weighty feel, with glossy, thick pages and big pictures. Layout is eye-catching, sections flow well with a mix of origin, recap, behind the scenes and quotes. Heavy focus on the core characters. With such a large cast, I'm sure they had to edit it down, but I was a bit disappointed to see very little mention for Unser, Nero, Wendy, or Lyla, and virtually nothing for Happy, Ratboy, or guest actors (Tully). I would have welcomed about 50-100 more pages of info, and a few less pictures. Still a must have for serious fans of the show.

[Emmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I wish Kurt had covered was the homeless woman and maybe all of the symbolism in the finale. And maybe more of the tattoos. There's a site for the member's tattoos that they were releasing each episode but there are still three members' artwork that have yet to be released. Other than that it was a beautiful book. Thank you Kurt for creating such a legendary show that will go down in history and for getting in depth and really understanding those characters and sharing that with us.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, but seemed a bit shallow. Rushed, maybe. Not sure exactly what I expected, or really wanted, since I really enjoyed the show. I thought the show's presentation and acting was pretty good. Not that the book was bad, mind you. Perhaps I wanted a little more trivia, in-depth reporting on the inner workings, squabbles, problems, maybe even more about biker reaction. Juicy stuff, greater depth beyond simply retelling the story I already knew. Even the pics were not all that exciting. Fans will like it anyway, but I wanted more than I got.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sons of Anarchy: The Official Collector's Edition by Tara Bennett (Liberty Street 2014) (791.4572). This is a play-by-play guide to the popular television series “Sons of Anarchy” about a fictional California motorcycle gang. This guide introduces the characters, the locations, the backstories which explain the show, and a complete listing of the episodes. I picked up this guide while looking for something to watch on Netflix when I finish watching "Breaking Bad"; "Sons of Anarchy" looks like something I might enjoy. My rating: 7/10, finished 12/11/15.

[Changey Mcsubject · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book as a fan of the show. It complimented the series well and gave us some details we did not know. Who knew so much detail went into just choosing the clothing the Sons wore or which tattoos they had? It also answered some questions that were not quite cleared up. This was a very high paced show with a lot of characters and details, this helped tie things up with a beautiful book. A great addition for any fan.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the show, it was just perfect! SOA took 7 years of my life - and I would give Kurt Sutter 7 other years... Can't wait for The Bastard Executioner!! - and although I wasn't waiting for another kind of end, it took me months to get over that end, still sometimes when I think of it..!! As for the book, I just wish they'd have explain the weird woman, the homeless one, she was such a big mystery to me!!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book not only gives you great insight into the cast and creators, but it also brings you right back into the series, and you're 're-living all of those moments once more. It really gives merit to just how amazing this show has been, because now I'm feeling all of the emotions that the show evoked. Even though I've seen the series, reading about these episodes still brings out the same feelings as if I'm seeing it for the first time.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing, visually pleasing deep dive into the inner workings of the successful FX series that wrapped in 2014. Nearly everything is covered—Sutter’s original vision, the wardrobe, bikes, makeup, and all the behind-the-scenes details from its seven-season run.

There’s great material here, but it’s undeniably a niche read. If you weren’t into the show to begin with, this might not be for you.

For the fans, though? Absolutely worth it.