As You Wish: A Delightful Peek Behind the Curtain of a Classic

Rating: 4.18 (Based on over 72,016 ratings) | Pages: 259

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More Than a Making-Of: It’s a Love Letter

If you have ever shouted "Inconceivable!" or told someone "As you wish," then Cary Elwes's As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride is a book crafted just for you. This isn't a dry, technical manual about filmmaking. Instead, it’s a warm, funny, and incredibly heartfelt collection of stories that feels like sitting down with an old friend to reminisce about a magical shared experience.

A Treasure Trove of Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Elwes, who played the heroic Westley, serves as our gracious guide through the creation of the 1987 classic. The book is packed with hilarious anecdotes that fans adore. You'll learn about the legendary actors like Andre the Giant, whose incredible kindness matched his enormous stature, and the comedic genius of Billy Crystal and Carol Kane, whose improvisations left the cast in stitches. Elwes recounts his own mishaps, most memorably the time he was actually knocked unconscious by Christopher Guest during the sword-fighting climax—a testament to the cast's dedication.

The Magic Was Real

The most powerful theme that emerges from the pages is one of genuine love and camaraderie. Elwes consistently highlights that everyone involved, from director Rob Reiner to the smallest crew member, knew they were part of something special. There was no ego, only a collective desire to honor William Goldman's wonderful script. This sense of joy and mutual respect is palpable on screen, and Elwes's book beautifully explains how that magic was made, both on and off camera.

The Verdict: Is This Book a Classic?

With a stellar 4.18-star rating from tens of thousands of readers, the consensus is clear: this book is a must-read. Its charm lies in its accessibility; it’s written with such warmth that both ardent fans and those new to the story will find it utterly engaging. Elwes's narrative voice is gracious, humble, and frequently humorous, making the 259 pages fly by. It’s the perfect literary companion to one of the most beloved films of all time.

In the end, As You Wish does more than just tell stories; it makes you feel like you were part of the family that created The Princess Bride. And that is, as we all know, inconceivably wonderful.