In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 1968 science fiction cult classic film the Planet of the Apes, a handsomely designed commemorative volume full of rich, behind-the-scenes detail and exclusive, never-before-seen photographs and illustrations.

Based on Pierre Boulle’s novel La Planete de Singes, the original Planet of the Apes was one of the most iconic films of the 1960s. Starring Hollywood stalwarts Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowell, the movie captivated audiences and sparked a franchise that included eight sequels, two television series, and a comic strip. Now, five decades after its theatrical release, New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Rinzler tells the thrilling story of this legendary Hollywood classic—a film the book’s author thought would be impossible to make.

With a foreword by Fraser Heston, Charlton Heston’s son, The Complete Making of the Planet of the Apes is an entertaining interactive experience that transports readers to the elusive alternate earth ruled by apes, bringing to life memorable characters such as Cornelius, Zira, Dr. Zaius, and George Taylor, the human astronaut whose fate becomes entwined with their lives. Jonathan Rinzler recreates how some of the greatest talents in Hollywood transformed the French novel to the big screen, drawing on material from a variety of sources, including early publications and interviews, Fox and Warner Bros.’ studio archives, and records from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Complete Making of the Planet of the Apes is illustrated by a wealth of artwork, ephemera, and never-seen-before imagery, including rare journal pages and sketches from Charlton Heston’s private collection, official color and black-and-white photographs, posters, lobby cards, and licensed material and merchandise. Meticulously designed to capture the look and atmosphere of the film, the book contains numerous spreads, each which tells a specific story. This keepsake volume also features exciting, removable interactives.

Comprehensive in scope, The Complete Making of the Planet of the Apes is the definitive look at the original film available and is a must for fans, film buffs, and collectors.