The Star Wars Encyclopedia - Hardcover

Stephen J. Sansweet

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0345402278 ISBN 13: 9780345402271

Publisher: Ballantine, 1998

Synopsis

Its vast history and environs have been explored, studied, and chronicled extensively for more than twenty years. Now, this landmark volume--a definitive reference devoted exclusively to the Star Wars milieu--draws together data from films, radio dramas, novels, short stories, computer games, and more, running the full gamut of this extraordinary galaxy.

From science and technology to history and geography; from culture and biography to ecology and cosmology; from "abo" and "Abrax" to "zwil" and "Zirtran's Anchor," this all-encompassing, fully illustrated, alphabetical reference covers all the elements which have developed and expanded the Star Wars universe, creating a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. Its scope ranges from the renowned and infamous ("Luke Skywalker," "Darth Vader") to the obscure and enigmatic ("Tnun Bdu"); from the history of the Sith Wars to the Galactic Civil War that pit the Rebel Alliance against the Empire. It introduces us to the natives and customs of planets as diverse as Tatooine and Dagobah, and even to the secrets and beliefs of the Jedi Knights.

As a bonus for the intensive researcher, this massive reference includes the complete timeline of major events in Star Wars history.

Every key element that exists in the world of Star Wars is supplied here--in clearly defined entries that have been researched and written by one of the leading authorities on the Star Wars universe.

About this title

Review:

Since 1977, the Star Wars universe, conceived by George Lucas, has been explored by authors and artists eager to build on the foundation laid by the blockbuster movies. The Star Wars Encyclopedia is the essential guide to every detail of the history, planets, vehicles, politics, aliens, and weapons described in countless books, comics, stories, and (of course) movies. You'll find extraordinary details about old favorites here--for instance, did you know that Luke Skywalker helped rescue Han and Leia's children from the dark side of the Force? Or that the primary food of Jawas is the hubba gourd? Endless hours of browsing pleasure await you, from A-1 Deluxe Floater (a luxury air speeder) to ZZ-4Z (Han Solo's housekeeping droid). Each item is cross-referenced to the book, movie, or comic in which it appears, but fans looking for "real-life" information about the Star Wars phenomenon won't find it here--this is strictly a resource for those who want to keep track of how all the stories and characters fit together, the clothes they wear, the foods they eat, and the planets they call home. --Therese Littleton

About the Author:

Stephen J. Sansweet was a feature writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer before joining The Wall Street Journal. There, he was named deputy bureau chief in 1983 and, four years later, served as the Journal's Los Angeles bureau chief. In 1996, Sansweet joined Lucasfilm Ltd. as Director of Specialty Marketing to help promote Star Wars to fans both old and new. He started collecting robots and space toys in the mid-1970s and over the years has created the largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. He is the author or coauthor of six books, including The Punishment Cure, Science Fiction Toys and Models, Star Wars: From Concept to Screen to Collectible, Tomart's Price Guide to Star Wars Collectibles, and Quotable Star Wars: I'd Just as Soon Kiss a Wookiee.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ballantine
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0345402278
• ISBN 13: 9780345402271
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 354