The Essential Reader S Companion Star Wars

Presents a bibliographic reference to all Star Wars fiction, from film novelizations to ebook novellas, complemented by full-color artwork.

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 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.

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.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE INTERGALACTIC BATTLEFIELD Like many a great epic, Star Wars is rooted in a rich history of armed conflict. Now, for the first time, the facts, figures, and fascinating backstories of major clashes and combatants in the vast Star Wars universe have been documented in one fully illustrated volume. Extensively researched and inventively written, Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare combines action-filled narrative with encyclopedic knowledge that: • explores notable military units and groups • traces the development of significant armaments and technologies • profiles key warship classes, ground units, and manufacturers • provides capsule biographies of great military leaders • presents eyewitness troopers’ accounts of combat • plus—enough additional profiles, intel, history, and lore to span the cosmos! Encompassing all of the Star Wars media, including the legendary films, the hit TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the bestselling books, comics, and videogames, and packed with original artwork, Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare is a conquering achievement.

"After the fall of the Empire, many archives were opened and hidden information came to the attention of scholars across the galaxy. We are at a crux point in history . . . Citizens of the New Republic must know their history--a rich and glorious tradition, [with] many dark mistakes. We must learn from both." --New Republic Historical Council The story is one that began many thousands of years before the birth of Luke Skywalker . . . or Anakin Skywalker . . . or even Obi-Wan Kenobi. It spans galaxies, encompasses kingdoms and powerful dynasties, chronicles wars, and charts the rise and fall of individuals who changed the course of their times. Now, at last, the many strands of this extraordinary saga are drawn together--from the original movies, from the novels, from every verifiable source--and tied together in one, comprehensive volume. - Learn about the Great Hyperspace War that divided the ancient Jedi Knights - Discover the colorful adventures of the rogue heroes Han Solo and Lando Calrissian - Experience the overthrow of the Empire, the birth of the New Republic, the founding of Skywalker's Jedi academy, the marriage of Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa, and much more! Relive the legendary events. Catch up with the action you missed. Explore the saga of Star Wars from the very beginning--in one, authoritative essential guide!

THE READER'S COMPANION TO MILITARY HISTORY is the first major reference work on military history to represent a global perspective. More than 150 distinguished military historians, biographers, and journalists contributed nearly 600 articles to this remarkable chronicle of warfare that combines compelling historical narrative with the latest in contemporary scholarship. Here is essential information on major events and battles, commanders, weaponry and technology, and strategy and tactics. Other topics include courage, discipline, the effects of weather on warfare, military justice, the role of propaganda, the evolution of uniforms, psychological warfare, and morale. Filled with surprising anecdotes and little-known facts, THE READER'S COMPANION TO MILITARY HISTORY

A detailed look at one hundred of the most exotic locales in the Star Wars cosmos.

A brand new 'Star Wars' adventure, set in the time between 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' and featuring the young Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa and the beloved Mara Jade.