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Star Wars: Essential Guides
Series · 13
books · 1995-2012

Books in series

Star Wars book cover
#1

Star Wars

The Essential Guide to Characters

1995

The Star Wars universe is expanding faster than ever before, and Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Characters has received an exciting new face-lift–with completely updated text and more than a hundred brand new, full-color illustrations by extraordinary new artist Michael Sutfin. This all-new Essential Guide features detailed profiles of more than one hundred and thirty characters from across the Star Wars galaxy, including all of your favorites–such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Mara Jade–as well as, from Episode II: • Jango Fett • Count Dooku • Anakin Skywalker • Zam Wesell And the key players from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace: • Queen Amidala • Qui-Gon Jinn • Mace Windu • Darth Maul Here is complete, updated coverage of the novels from the incredible New Jedi Order and all of the classic movies, books, comics, TV specials, games, and the rest of the Star Wars universe. This must-have book describes the essential history and personal data for each character–with vital statistics, homeworlds, and political affiliations. More characters, more information, brilliant artwork–the Essential Guides are hotter than ever!
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#2

Star Wars

The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels

1996

Text by W. Haden Blackman All new full color illustrations by Ian Fullwood From 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 Fiction Visit the official Star Wars Web site at www.starwars.com Visit our Web site at www.delreydigital.com
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#3

Star Wars

The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology

1997

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON! If your opponent pulls out a Stokhli Spray Stick, you pull a Heavy Blaster Pistol. That's the way you defend yourself in the Star Wars Universe! And these are the high-tech weapons found in that famous galaxy long ago and far away. Arm yourself with this comprehensive guide covering everything from the smallest Palm Shooter to the most massive Laser Cannon in the Imperial arsenal. Discover what separates Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber from Darth Vader's energy blade Master the workings of Chewbacca's Wookiee Bowcaster Find out the secret behind a Jawa's trusty Ionization Gun Match the might of a TIE Fighter Ion Cannon against X-Wing Proton Torpedoes You'll discover detailed data on every key weapon in the Star Wars universe—from the movies to the books and beyond, including the development and history of each weapon. DESCRIPTIVE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR EVERY ENTRY! So don't get caught on the wrong end of a Disruptor or a Ryyk Kerarthorr blade—before your next mission, know the essentials!
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#4

Star Wars

The Essential Guide to Planets and Moons

1998

THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE TO THE WORLDS OF THE STAR WARS GALAXY! From the sun-baked deserts of Tatooine to the frost-bitten snowscape of Hoth to the misty swamps of Dagobah, here's your expert guide to the hundred most fascinating worlds of the extraordinary Star Wars universe. Travel from the Deep Core to the Outer Rim Territories and discover the wonders of: ¸ Kashyyyk—the treacherous, arboreal planet where the Wookiee race dwells among the branches in elevated cities . . . and lethal predators rule the surface ¸ Bespin—the gas planet devoid of solid ground, in whose atmosphere hovers the formidable Cloud City ¸ Endor—The Forest Moon: home to the peaceful but powerful Ewoks and site of a decisive battle in the galactic civil war ¸ Coruscant—center of power, law, history, and culture in the galaxy . . . and once the location of Imperial City, the seat of the dreaded Empire EXPLORE THE TERRAIN, MEET THE INHABITANTS, AND UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF THESE AND MANY, MANY MORE REMARKABLE DESTINATIONS ON A CAPTIVATING, FULLY-ILLUSTRATED VOYAGE TO THE BRIGHTEST STARS OF A FANTASTIC UNIVERSE!
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#6

Star Wars

The Essential Chronology

1999

The latest "Star Wars( Essential Guide" chronicles the entire history of the "Star Wars" universe, based on the classic "Star Wars" movies, novels, and other adventures that began with "Star Wars: A New Hope" and starred Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. Illustrations.
Star Wars book cover
#8

Star Wars

The New Essential Guide to Characters

1995

The Star Wars universe is expanding faster than ever before, and Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Characters has received an exciting new face-lift–with completely updated text and more than a hundred brand new, full-color illustrations by extraordinary new artist Michael Sutfin. This all-new Essential Guide features detailed profiles of more than one hundred and thirty characters from across the Star Wars galaxy, including all of your favorites–such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and Mara Jade–as well as, from Episode II: • Jango Fett • Count Dooku • Anakin Skywalker • Zam Wesell And the key players from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace: • Queen Amidala • Qui-Gon Jinn • Mace Windu • Darth Maul Here is complete, updated coverage of the novels from the incredible New Jedi Order and all of the classic movies, books, comics, TV specials, games, and the rest of the Star Wars universe. This must-have book describes the essential history and personal data for each character–with vital statistics, homeworlds, and political affiliations. More characters, more information, brilliant artwork–the Essential Guides are hotter than ever!
Star Wars book cover
#10

Star Wars

The New Essential Guide to Weapons & Technology

2004

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 and 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, and all 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, security, and more–including detailed schematics of key technology featured in all five films 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 and Technology.
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#11

Star Wars

2005

At last, it's the ultimate history of the spectacular Star Wars saga, expanded, lavishly illustrated, and in full color for the first time. With the completion of Episodes I, II, and III, the epic story that's captivated millions can now be told in its entirety, from the dramatic adventures of the Knights of the Old Republic and the deadly Clone Wars to the birth of the Empire, from the destruction of the Death Star, to the birth of the New Jedi Order. Beautifully illustrated by Mark Chiarello, Tommy Lee Edwards, and John Van Fleet, Star Wars: The New Essential Chronology offers the comprehensive and official chronicle of that extraordinary galaxy so far, far away. Herein you'll find • the climactic events from all epochs of Star Wars-those explosive turning points in the shaping of the galaxy • a gripping account of the controversial Clone Wars-the treachery that fueled them and their terrifying aftermath • profiles of key players in the history of the Star Wars galaxy, along with all the most popular heroes and infamous villains • a full-color, carefully rendered and detailed map of the galaxy Follow Anakin Solo's perilous journey as he wrestles with the dark side; behold the black soul of each Dark Lord of the Sith, from Darth Sidious to Darth Vader; experience the fiery space battles that decided the fate of entire planets; and witness the ferocious invasion by the seemingly invincible Yuuzhon Vong. The training of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the invasion of Naboo, the capture of Princess Leia, the Battle of Yavin, the lightsaber death duel between Organa Solo and Beldorion the Hutt-all of the key events are captured andpreserved for all time in this drama-filled Stars Wars chronicle.
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#13

Star Wars

The New Essential Guide to Alien Species

2006

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 storyline Plus, 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.
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#14

Star Wars

The Clone Wars: Strange Allies

2007

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE ABSOLUTE POWER AT THE HEART OF THE STAR WARS GALAXY The Force, in the immortal words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, “surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.” The fortunate few who are able to tap into this extraordinary power have studied and cultivated the full spectrum of its potential–either embracing its virtuous qualities or succumbing to its evil temptations. The Jedi seek to bring peace and enlightenment to the galaxy, while the Sith hunger only for conquest and control. This comprehensive one-of-a-kind overview chronicles the known history of the Force and its wielders down through the ages, from the founding tenets of Jedi and Sith teachings to the landmark events and legendary figures who have shaped the struggle between the light and dark sides. In first-hand accounts by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa Solo, Darth Bane, Darth Vader, Count Dooku, Emperor Palpatine, and a host of other Jedi Masters, Sith Lords, scholars, and sages, Star Wars: Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force spans the breadth of available knowledge, including • the first recorded discovery of the Force • significant battles affected by the Force throughout galactic history • the purpose, construction, and importance of Holocrons • the evolution of the Jedi and Sith orders • Force-sensitive abilities–including battle meditation, telekinesis, and “mind tricks” • noteworthy Jedi and Sith lightsabers, and the seven forms of lightsaber combat • a vivid portrait of the Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker PLUS–More than one hundred brand new full-color illustrations! No Star Wars library is complete without this definitive guide to understanding the Force. Remember: the Force will be with you . . . always!
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#15

Star Wars

The Essential Atlas

2009

Navigate the Star Wars universe as you never have before–with this fully illustrated, full-color guide that maps the entire galaxy. You know the planets–from Alderaan and Corellia to Tatooine and Zonama Sekot–and the star systems, from the Deep Core to the Outer Rim. But now, for the first time, you can pinpoint their locations and chart the travels of your favorite characters through the vast reaches of space. Star Wars: The Essential Atlas is a galaxy-spanning trove of vital statistics and information ranging from the astronomical and geographical (“Systems, Sectors, Oversectors, and Regions”) to the historical and political (“The Sith Empire” and “The Great Hyperspace War”). Encompassing the entire Star Wars canon, including all the films, and the Clone Wars television series, plus the novels, comic books, video games, and more, this volume is packed with dozens of detailed maps and charts, as well as pertinent data and accompanying facts on • the Empire: its length and breadth, political regions, populations, trade routes, major attractions, and trouble spots • the Clone Wars: the trajectory of this decisive conflict across the universe, data on key battles and major Loyalist and Separatist worlds • the adventures of Han Solo: the heroic rogue’s exploits throughout the galaxy–including his captaincy of the Millennium Falcon and his first, fateful meeting with Chewbacca–before his life-changing alliance with Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi • the Sith Wars: the progression of the universal clash between the ancient Jedi Order, their dark side counterparts, and the Mandalorian warriors who fought against both orders • and much, much more From Hutt Space to the Unknown Regions, from the Knights of the Old Republic and Episode I to the Fate of the Jedi and Legacy era, Star Wars: The Essential Atlas is the ultimate gateway to space fantasy’s most brilliantly imagined and endlessly intriguing galaxy.
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#16

Star Wars

The Essential Guide to Warfare

2008

Anakin, Rex, Ahsokaand a host of other characters from the Cartoon Network seriesleap off the page in full color. Devoted "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" fans will find all the stats they need, from Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber skills to Ziro the Hutt's scheming, and everything in between.
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#17

The Essential Reader's Companion

Star Wars

2012

THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON STAR WARS FICTION The legendary motion picture Star Wars has spawned two big-screen sequels and three prequels—and decades of bestselling fiction. From the original movie tie-in novel through the monumental Fate of the Jedi series, legions of devoted readers have helped expand science fiction’s most celebrated film saga into a page-turning print sensation. Now, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of these sweeping Star Wars adventures is presented in one beautifully illustrated volume. Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion spans the entire galaxy of published Star Wars fiction—movie novelizations, original stand alone and series novels, short stories, eBook novellas, young adult titles, and comics—and features: • a concise synopsis of each story, including key characters and planets • exclusive behind-the-scenes facts and anecdotes about authors, plot and character development, continuity notes, and significance in the Star Wars Expanded Universe • details on which novels are linked to Star Wars comic books from Dark Horse and Marvel • a chronological listing of titles, spanning the 25,000-year history of the Star Wars universe and placing each story in its proper context • more than one hundred full-color original paintings throughout by some of fans’ favorite artists Whether skimming through fateful eras from the Old Republic to the New Jedi Order; delving deep into the ancient history of the Lost Tribe of the Sith or the tumultuous Clone Wars; crossing paths—and lightsabers—with Dark Lords such as Plagueis or Bane, Sidious or Vader; helming the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo; or mastering the Force with Luke Skywalker, this one-of-a-kind, one-stop reference is a must for fans looking to maximize their knowledge of the sprawling Star Wars Expanded Universe.

Authors

W. Haden Blackman
W. Haden Blackman
Author · 12 books
W. Haden Blackman is a writer who has long worked in the Star Wars universe. He is also the project lead on the MMO Star Wars: Galaxies and the video game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
Kevin J. Anderson
Kevin J. Anderson
Author · 132 books

Yes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series. I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps. I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest. My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.

Jason Fry
Jason Fry
Author · 44 books

I am the author of The Jupiter Pirates series published by HarperCollins—visit the official site at http://jupiterpirates.com. In addition to Jupiter Pirates, I've written or co-written more than 30 novels and short stories set in the Star Wars galaxy, including The Essential Atlas, The Essential Guide to Warfare, The Weapon of a Jedi, and the Servants of the Empire quartet. I spent more than 12 years at The Wall Street Journal Online, where I wrote or co-wrote the Real Time and Daily Fix columns. My non-fiction work has appeared on ESPN.com, Yahoo! Sports, Poynter.org, Deadspin and Baseball Prospectus. I blog about the New York Mets at Faith and Fear in Flushing and live in Brooklyn with my wife and son.

Ryder Windham
Ryder Windham
Author · 63 books
Ryder Windham is an American sci-fi author who has written over sixty Star Wars books, including novels, comics, reference books, and so on. He has also written junior novelizations for Indiana Jones movies. Since 1993, he has been working on Star Wars projects either by himself or with other authors. His reference book Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide had been on the New York Times Best Seller list for three weeks in 2005. Although he has written lots of books, accepted interviews, and appeared at several fan-conventions, little is known about his personal life.
Ann Margaret Lewis
Ann Margaret Lewis
Author · 3 books

Ann Margaret Lewis began her writing career writing tie-in children’s books and short stories for DC Comics. She then published two editions of Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Alien Species for DelRey/Random House. Moving from licensed publishing, Ann began writing science fiction/fantasy, historical fiction, and Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Her first book, Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes was the Independent Book Publisher’s Award Winner for 2010 and a finalist for the Catholic Arts and Letters Award. She followed that with another Sherlock Holmes novel entitled The Watson Chronicles: A Sherlock Holmes Novel in Stories. Her latest book, Warrior of the Kizan, is a space opera. And her work has appeared in the anthologies To Be Men (2019) and Luna (release 2020).

Bill Smith
Author · 6 books

Bill Smith worked his way through undergraduate school firing steam locomotives on the railroad, then paid for graduate school as a dormitory resident advisor. Three years later, he was the acting chief of television for a branch of the Air Force in Washington, then acting assistant to the under secretary of a federal department. He was the founding executive director of a state wide public broadcasting network, a founder of a seventeen state public broadcasting system, and the recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award. See more books by Bill Smith at www.bsmithbooks.com

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Star Wars: Essential Guides