All Sections Alpha Gives Space: 1999 a New Life

I actually own the original The Making of Space: 1999 paperback that was published in 1976. It has been one of the few substantial books available about the classic science fiction series in North America. For years, Space: 1999 fans have had limited options when it comes to behind-the-scenes books, which is a real shame considering the show’s enduring popularity and influence on television science fiction.

Originally written by author, biographer, and journalist Tim Heald, the 1976 paperback offered readers a unique fly-on-the-wall look at the production of the series. At the time, Heald was granted unprecedented access to the cast and crew as the show entered production on its second season. His book gave fans a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain while the series was still fresh on television screens.

Now, nearly fifty years later, that original work has been transformed into something much bigger.

All Sections Alpha: The Making of Space: 1999 is a fully updated, revised, and expanded 50th Anniversary Edition. While Heald’s original book focused primarily on Year Two of the series, co-writer Fred McNamara has greatly expanded the scope of the project. The new edition thoroughly explores the origins of the show, its development from the proposed second season of UFO, the groundbreaking first season, the dramatic changes that occurred in Year Two, the spin-offs, merchandise, and detailed episode guides.

What makes this edition especially appealing is that approximately 80 percent of Tim Heald’s original present-tense narrative has been preserved. Readers still get that remarkable feeling of being right there on the studio floor as events unfold. The new material has been carefully woven into the original text, allowing the expanded history to flow naturally while retaining the spirit of the 1976 classic.

The visual presentation has also received a major upgrade. Designer Rob Hammond has transformed the book into a stunning hardcover volume packed with rare publicity photographs, behind-the-scenes images, concept artwork, and production materials. From everything I have seen so far, this is exactly the kind of deluxe treatment that Space: 1999 has deserved for decades.

Fans of the classic series are already calling All Sections Alpha the definitive update to what many consider the original Space: 1999 bible. Early readers and reviewers have praised both the wealth of behind-the-scenes information and the lavish redesign that brings new life to an already beloved book.

For longtime fans like me, this is an easy purchase. Books dedicated to Space: 1999 have always been few and far between, especially in North America. Seeing one of the most important books ever written about the series return in an expanded hardcover edition is both surprising and welcome.

If you love classic science fiction, television history, or Space: 1999 itself, All Sections Alpha: The Making of Space: 1999 looks set to become an essential addition to your bookshelf.

Street date: September 22, 2026