1) Do you guys think this guide is worth it - http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Scrolls-Skyrim-Collectors-Official/dp/0307891402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320856443&sr=8-1 ? I want to buy it but don't know if it's a complete / detailed walkthrough or just somewhat of an introduction to the game (with maps and other big pictures making up most of the pages).

2) I like playing a mage but how do I fight melee enemies in this game if I'm wearing a robe and no shield? Will I be insta-gibbed if they get close? I'd like to avoid playing a combat and magic character (50-50 split) and go something like magic 80% and physical combat 20% (like an Orsimer?) but I don't know how I'm going to survive against melee enemies. Can my staff be used as some sort of a shield?

1) Read this: http://www.bethblog.com/index.php/2011/11/07/skyrim-official-strategy-guide-blog-1-something-to-shout-about/#more-17012

I pre-ordered the CE Game Guide today.

That's the official guide. It's 656 pages, you arent going to get more detailed than that

The Strategy Guide is a walkthrough of every quest in the game, so that is what you will be getting if you buy it.

As for your Mage. Armor may reduce your Magic in the game (I don't know for sure and don't want to know at this point), but I never saw it as much of a detriment in the past games when balancing it with physical protection. However, if your a Mage, you need Defensive spells as much as Offensive spells. So, learn how to cast Shield Spells if you feel you need protection and won't wear armor.

Alteration has spells to shield you from physicals and magical attacks.

The advice in Prima's Oblivion guide re: character builds was pretty much pants.

Give the forum 2 solid weeks with the game, and thre will be workable builds aplenty.

I think an official guide is overkill.

I don't know much about pure mages, but the Alteration school consists of shield spells that reduces damage.
The Illusion spell should contain the paralyze spell that can paralyze melee enemies.

So you should have plenty of spells that can help you.

Edit: How silly of me. I forgot conjuration. You can summon meatbags to distract your enemies while you kill them from afar.

The guides tend to be exact and specific paths on how to do xx and obtain yy.Builds? garbage dont even bother reading that section.I like having the book at my fingertips while im playing...I so hate wiki's and the like,they are just cumbersome and I have to leave the game to look anything up.

It looks amazing, a true fan's dream.

But as always with game guides, you can find everything for free on the wikis..

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Skyrim

Second that, I find it easier to simply open up a book (especially if it already has a physical bookmark, which the CE will have) than get on the web and search through wiki's. Plus, considering Skyrim will have just been released, I doubt that the information contained in online/public sources will be fully accurate or in depth for the first few days, as many other players will also be doing their first playthrough.

My favorite defensive move when things get to hot has always been the “run away”. Speed is big with me.