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In 1973, a young filmmaker named George Lucas scribbled some notes for a far-fetched space-fantasy epic. Some forty years and 37 billion later, Star Wars -- related products outnumber human beings, a growing stormtrooper army spans the globe, and "Jediism" has become a religion in its own right. Lucas's creation has grown into far more than a cinematic classic; it is, quite simply, one of the most lucrative, influential, and interactive franchises of all time. Yet incredibly, until now the complete history of Star Wars -- its influences and impact, the controversies it has spawned, its financial growth and long-term prospects -- has never been told. In How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, veteran journalist Chris Taylor traces the series from the difficult birth of the original film through its sequels, the franchise's death and rebirth, the prequels, and the preparations for a new trilogy. Providing portraits of the friends, writers, artists, producers, and marketers who labored behind the scenes to turn Lucas's idea into a legend, Taylor also jousts with modern-day Jedi, tinkers with droid builders, and gets inside Boba Fett's helmet, all to find out how Star Wars has attracted and inspired so many fans for so long. Since the first film's release in 1977, Taylor shows, Star Wars has conquered our culture with a sense of lightness and exuberance, while remaining serious enough to influence politics in far-flung countries and spread a spirituality that appeals to religious groups and atheists alike. Controversial digital upgrades and poorly received prequels have actually made the franchise stronger than ever. Now, with a savvy new set of bosses holding the reins and Episode VII on the horizon, it looks like Star Wars is just getting started. An energetic, fast-moving account of this creative and commercial phenomenon, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe explains how a young filmmaker's fragile dream beat out a surprising number of rivals to gain a diehard, multigenerational fan base -- and why it will be galvanizing our imaginations and minting money for generations to come.

From the Geonosian sonic blaster to the Wookiee bowcaster; from the Imperial energy grenade to the Yuuzhan Vong fire spitter; from dart shooters and laser cannons to Sun Crushers and World Devastators, find the facts about Star Wars firepower—and much more—in The New Essential Guide to Weapons & Technology.There’s more to the arms, artillery, and exotic equipment of the Star Wars galaxy than Jedi lightsabers and blasters. Species such as the tree-dwelling Wookiees, the amphibious Gungans, and the deadly Yuuzhan Vong have yielded a staggering array of unique weapons and devices. And as the Star Wars mythos continues to grow—in prequels and video games, on screen, in print, and beyond—these remarkable technical creations also multiply and evolve.The New Essential Guide to Weapons & Technology is the fully updated and greatly expanded reference resource that organizes and explains every key class, make, and model of Star Wars munitions—from the smallest personal sidearms to the most devastating interplanetary superweapons—along with a host of other high-tech paraphernalia. This exhaustive compendium includes:• New in this edition: A fascinating look at the historical significance of Star Wars weaponry and the major technological turning points—including the Clone Wars, the creation of the first Death Star, and the Yuuzhan Vong invasion• A roster of the major manufacturers who created the most powerful armaments for the Old and New Republics, the Empire, the Sith, the Rebel Alliance, andall of the exotic governments that populate the Star Wars galaxy• In-depth descriptions of more than 100 weapons and more than 100 additional devices used for defense, communication, survival, and security—including key technology featured in the films

Hermit. Mentor. General. Jedi.Overlooked as a Padawan, he was to become one of the most revered Masters of all.Sworn to serve the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order, his own apprentice would bring about their destruction.Powerless to retrieve Darth Vader from the dark side, he would train the only one who could.NYT bestselling author Ryder Windham brings together Obi-Wan's full life story, from his first meeting with Anakin Skywalker to his final meeting with Darth Vader--and beyond.

Based on the story by George Lucas and the screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence KasdanThe adventures of Luke Skywalker did not end with the destruction of the Death Star.Though the Rebel Alliance won a significant battle, the war against the Empire has only just begun.  Several months have passed, and the Rebels have established a hidden outpost on the frozen wasteland of Hoth. But even on that icy backwater planet, they cannot escape the evil Darth Vader’s notice for long. Soon Luke, Han, Princess Leia, and their faithful companions will be forced to flee, scattering in all directions—with the Dark Lord’s minions in fevered pursuit.

This deluxe omnibus edition of the New York Times bestselling series featuring Jacen and Jaina--twin children of Han Solo and Leia Organa--contains three complete novels: Lightsabers, Darkest Knights, and Jedi Under Seige. Original.

This set includes the NY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES from award-winning author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown!This set includes all three books from the NY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES Star Wars: Jedi Academy. Created by award-winning author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown, this series is a hit for readers of all ages. Whether you're familiar with Star Wars or if you're new to the galaxy, this heartfelt and hilarious adventure follows middle grader Roan as he navigates being a Jedi and dealing with bullies, aliens, robots, and even school dances.

Text by W. Haden BlackmanAll new full color illustrations by Ian FullwoodFrom the beat-up landspeeders that whisk travelers between desert towns on Tatooine to Jabba the Hutt's luxurious sail barge and the elegant Naboo Royal Starship, the vehicles and vessels in the "Star Wars universe have captivated millions of delighted fans. In light of the ever-expanding saga, the "New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels features completely updated entries that cover more than 150 ships, along with brand new, full-color illustrations by dazzling artist Ian Fullwood. This new volume encompasses craft from all five movies, the bestselling novels of the New Jedi Order, comics, TV specials, and games. Inside you will find: - Detailed profiles and vital statistics for each vessel, including data covering the vehicle's construction, size, maximum speed, and its role in "Star Wars history- A revealing Layman's Guide to Technology, covering common terms applied to each class of vehicle- An outline of engine technologies that drive the craft across the "Star Wars galaxy, and of the unique weapons they boast- Schematics for each vehicle, providing the reader with instant visual reference Discover the modifications Han Solo and Chewbacca made on the "Millennium Falcon to make it one of the fastest vessels in the galaxy; the secrets of the Imperial All Terrain Armored Transport Walker, possibly the most formidable military vehicle ever assembled; the reasons the Tribubble Bongo Sub is the chosen way to navigate the watery depths of Naboo; and the unique and lethal properties of the Yuuzhan Vong's "living starship, the Coralskipper. Skiffs, cargo haulers, shuttles, podracers, gunships, sandcrawlers- if it flies, glides, drives, or speeds in the "Star Wars galaxy, you'll find it in "The New" Essential Guide to Vehicle and Vessels!Ballantine Books/Science FictionVisit the official "Star Wars Web site at www.starwars.comVisit our Web site at www.delreydigital.com

Discover who’s who and what’s what in the Star Wars universe with this beautifully illustrated guide–now in full color for the first time.When it comes to extraterrestrial life-forms, there’s more to science fiction’s most famous galaxy than just Jawas, Wookiees, Ewoks, and Hutts. From the skylanes of Coruscant to the worlds of the Outer Rim, an untold number of species populate those planets far, far away. And if you confuse Gungans with Gamorreans, or don’t know a bantha from a tauntaun, you definitely need the in-depth data that only this revised, expanded, and updated guide can deliver.This comprehensive overview includes beings from all six of the classic movies–plus the novels, cartoon series, comics, and video games. It’s an even bigger cross section of species than what you’ll find in the Mos Eisley cantina. And each entry, from acklay to Zabrak, from amphibians to vacuum-breathers, features everything you need to know, including• complete physical description and official designation, so you can tell your sentients from your non-sentients, and your humanoids from your insectoids• homeworld: from dry and dusty Tatooine, stormy and waterlogged Kamino, to arctic Hoth, and countless other strange and varied worlds• phonetic pronunciation: Askajian, H’nemthe, Iktotchi, Ssi-ruu, and Xexto/Quermian aren’t as easy to say as they are to, er, spell• notable appearance: a listing of one of the more significant appearances of each species in the teeming Star Wars storylinePlus, this brand-new edition includes a glossary of crucial descriptive terms and a completely original, full color illustration for each of more than one hundred individual species. It’s a big galaxy, and someone has to organize it. Count on Star Wars®: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species–and don’t leave your homeworld without it.

To compliment the new Special Edition versions of the classic Star Wars films being released in theaters, these new editions of the bestselling companion books each include sixteen pages of all-new material, plus all of the breathtaking photos, and artwork that have made them a must for all Star Wars collectors and movie buffs. Complete scripts for A New Hope and Return of the Jedi are also included.Some highlights of the three volumes: Storyboards of action sequences detailing the evolution of the story and charactersSpectacular US and foreign movie postersCostume sketchesDesign and animation techniques used for the immense Imperial WalkersThe evolution of YodaModel construction of the new Death StarBlueprints and sketches of the Imperial shuttle designRebel and Imperial vehiclesAnd much more!

The ART OF STAR RETURN OF THE JEDI is a lavish, full-color volume that commemorates the creative genius and technical wizardry behind RETURN OF THE JEDI, the dazzling space epic. Illustrating the original screenplay are hundreds of sketches, storyboards, matte paintings, blueprints, production paintings, and costume designs -- the work of the conceptual artists and designers whose skill and imagination gave rise to the wonders seen on the screen by the whole world.