Pages and Pages on the World of Show Biz

This season’s show biz gift books feature inside guides to such cult series as “The Simpsons” and “Babylon 5,” a lavishly illustrated history of the cinema, a novel written by a teenage country singer and a coffee-table book on celebs and their pets. There’s something priced for every pocketbook.

“CHRONICLE OF THE CINEMA,” editor-in-chief Robyn Karney, DK Publishing ($59.95). Updated version of the 1995 history chronicling more than 100 years of cinema. The 941-page book is brimming with film stills, studio photos, behind-the-scenes pics, classic posters, movie facts and figures.

“MOVIES UNLIMITED VIDEO CATALOG,” Movies Unlimited ($8.95). The 1998 collectors edition of the world’s most extensive video catalog is a must for movie buffs searching for rare and hard-to-find titles. The catalog offers 40,000 titles for sale. The special edition also features movie trivia and top 10 lists from fans. To order call (800) 4-MOVIES.

“THE REAL WORLD: THE ULTIMATE INSIDER’S GUIDE,” by James Solomon with Alan Carter, MTV Books, ($18). Get the inside scoop on the last six seasons of MTV’s hit reality-based series. Tons of photos, plus a look at what’s happening with the casts from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London and Miami.

“ROAD RULES PASSPORT ABROAD,” by Alison Pollet and Leif Ueland, MTV Books ($18). Find out what really happened on the last two seasons of the MTV reality-based series when the cast and crew ventured abroad.

“THE SIMPSONS: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO OUR FAVORITE FAMILY,” created by Matt Groening and edited by Ray Richmond and Antonia Coffman, Harper Perennial. ($15.95). Ay, carumba! The ultimate book for the fans of the longest-running animated series on TV chronicles every “Simpsons” episode and is filled to the brim with factoids, behind-the-scenes stories, the skinny on secret jokes you might have missed and all of Bart’s chalkboard sayings.

“CREATING BABYLON 5,” by David Bassom, Del Rey ($18). Behind-the-scenes companion book to the long-running syndicated sci-fi series that begins its fifth season in January on TNT. Bassom examines the creation of the series set in 2258, plot developments and special effects. Also included are interviews with the main cast and key production crew members and a complete listing of episodes from the first four seasons.

“THE OFFICIAL GENERAL HOSPITAL TRIVIA BOOK,” By Gerard J. Waggett, Hyperion ($8.95), and “WHAT’S YOUR X-FILES IQ?” By Marc Shapiro, Citadel Press ($15). Trivia fans will find the entire history ABC’s beloved “General Hospital” or 1,112 tough trivia questions on Fox’s cult hit “The X-Files.”

“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY TELEVISION; A COMPLETE HISTORY,” by Bill Cotter, Hyperion ($24.95). Perfect for baby boomers who grew up watching “The Mickey Mouse Club” and “The Wonderful World of Color,” this 628-page journey down memory lane offers anecdotes and vital stats on the inception and history of Disney programs. Each entry includes a complete schedule of aired episodes with full cast and crew listings and plot synopses.

“THE UNOFFICIAL MURDER, SHE WROTE CASEBOOK,” by James Robert Parish, Kensington ($15). Unauthorized companion guide to the Angela Lansbury CBS mystery series which ended its 12-year run in May 1996. The book offers up a history of the series, plot summaries, a look at the private life of Jessica Fletcher, biographies of the stars and guest stars, as well as behind-the-scenes stories and trivia.

“THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL 1972-1981: LATE NIGHT’S ORIGINAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SHOW,” by B.R. Hunter, MTV Books, ($18). Don your boogie shoes as you groove to this history of the long-running NBC late night music series. The book showcases episodes from the series, including interviews with the music producers and talent bookers. Also featured are special tributes to hosts Wolfman Jack and Helen Reddy.

“NIGHTLIGHTS: MORE BEDTIME HUGS FOR LITTLE ONES,” By Debby Boone; illustrated by Gabriel Ferrer, Harvest House (19.99). Twenty years ago, Boone scored an enormous hit with “You Light Up My Life,” and now the daughter of Pat Boone is lighting up the lives of youngsters as a children’s book author. Her latest looks at the lights in children’s lives--flashlights, candles, fireplaces and fireflies. The book was illustrated by her artist husband Ferrer.

“HOLIDAY IN YOUR HEART,” by LeAnn Rimes with Tom Carter, Doubleday ($14.95). The 15-year-old country-western singing sensation has now written her first novel, a Christmas story about--who else?--a teen country-western singing sensation who learns to deal with life’s adversities from an older and wiser country singer.

“ANGELS ALONG THE WAY: MY LIFE WITH HELP FROM ABOVE,” by Della Reese with Franklin Lett and Mim Eichler, Putnam ($23.95). The star of CBS’ hit “Touched by an Angel” chronicles her life story from her childhood in the Detroit slums to becoming a backup singer for Mahalia Jackson at age 13 to suffering a near fatal aneurysm to becoming a minister in 1983.

“THE BOND: PEOPLE AND THEIR ANIMALS,” essays by Roger A. Caras; photographs by Shel Secunda, Simon and Schuster ($30). For your favorite animal lover. This beautiful coffee table book looks at the bond between 46 people and their animal companions. Carol Burnett, James Earl Jones, Jack Lemmon and Judy Collins are among the celebrities who pose with their pets.

“THE AMERICAN DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE,” by Don and Susan Sanders, Classic Motorbooks ($29.95). This illustrated history of the drive-in chronicles the evolution of the outdoor movie theaters across the country. Included are examples of drive-in architecture, artwork, marquees, lights, snack bars, playgrounds, advertising and promotion.

“NOT FADE AWAY: THE ROCK & ROLL PHOTOGRAPHY OF JIM MARSHALL,” forward by Michael Douglas; edited by David Fahey, Bullfinch Press, ($50). Terrific collection of the veteran rock ‘n’ roll photographer’s evocative, candid images of such legends as Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Cream, the Mamas & the Papas, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and the Beatles.