Star Wars Collectibles: A Pocket Guide (Star Wars)
by Stephen J. Sansweet
from Running Press Miniature Editions
From Australian frozen treats filled with "Jedi Jelly" to AT-AT facial tissue, Star Wars completely revolutionized the way in which movies got licensed and merchandised. Some of the most unusual examples show up in this tiny book--thanks to über-collector Stephen Sansweet. Close-up photos and Sansweet's own commentary tell the story behind $2,500 Jawas and Darth Vader-Dog Chow tie-ins. An irresistible addition to any fan's desk or back pocket, this guide is guaranteed to produce more than a few gasps of "You've got to see this!" --Paul Hughes
The Empire Strikes Back
by John Whitman
from Chronicle Books
From the Rebels' defeat at the Battle of Hoth to the battle between Luke and Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back continues the story of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the others as they struggle to overthrow the evil Galactic Empire. This abridgment of the classic story is complemented by nearly 150 two-color illustrations--based on images from the film--drawn by Brandon McKinney in a style reminiscent of comic books from the 1950s. Star Wars fans of all ages will be delighted with this beautiful little gift book. --C.B. Delaney
Perhaps you think the Star Wars trilogy cannot be fully realized with audio alone. You think you'd miss the stunning visuals, the emotions of the actors, and the special effects. You think it would be a disappointment. As Yoda might say, "So impossible is it? So certain are you?" This production of The Empire Strikes Back was created by the same team that produced National Public Radio's amazingly successful presentation of Star Wars: The Original Radio Drama in 1981. Presented in 10 episodes, the longer format allows for a great expansion of the story and new scenes--though purists may be disappointed by the slight but significant change in the story line while the Rebels are on Hoth. Once again, Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels are on hand to reprise their roles as Luke Skywalker and C-3PO, and this time they are joined by Billy Dee Williams reprising his part as Lando Calrissian. A fine cast performs the rest of the roles, notably John Lithgow as Yoda and the very compelling Perry King as the "slimy, double-crossing, no good swindler" Han Solo. Sound effects and John Williams's score from the movie have been remixed to help create a convincing soundscape--so good, you can really "see" the movie by listening to it. The Empire Strikes Back: The Original Radio Drama will thrill all Star Wars fans, whether or not they enjoy audiobooks. (Running time: 5 hours, 5 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney
To coincide with the theatrical release of the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, Chronicle Books is proud to launch Mighty Chronicles—a brand new series with a nostalgic twist. Evoking the action-packed adventures of another era, these little books feel charmingly chunky in the hand and pack a wallop, featuring a thrilling story and two-color illustrations on every spread. What better way to kick off Mighty Chronicles than by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars with the classic tales Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi—three tiny dynamite packages sure to appeal to kids, the young at heart, and the millions of Star Wars fans worldwide. ?
?To the Official Star Wars Web Site
Check out other Star Wars titles published by Chronicle Books!?
Star Wars: Mighty Chronicles
by John Whitman
from Chronicle Books
"'I want to come with you to Alderaan,' Luke said, resolved. 'I want to become a Jedi like my father.'" This marks the start of Luke Skywalker's involvement with the Rebellion in George Lucas's grand narrative of good versus evil, Star Wars. You know the story, you've seen the film--but this chunky little book is a real gem. Star Wars fans of all ages will enjoy both the fine abridgment and Brandon McKinney's 146 two-color illustrations, drawn in classic comic book style. --C.B. Delaney
To coincide with the theatrical release of the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, Chronicle Books is proud to launch Mighty Chronicles—a brand new series with a nostalgic twist. Evoking the action-packed adventures of another era, these little books feel charmingly chunky in the hand and pack a wallop, featuring a thrilling story and two-color illustrations on every spread. What better way to kick off Mighty Chronicles than by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars with the classic tales Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi —three tiny dynamite packages sure to appeal to kids, the young at heart, and the millions of Star Wars fans worldwide.
To the Official Star Wars Web Site
Check out other Star Wars titles published by Chronicle Books!
Star Wars X-Wing: A Pocket Manual (Star Wars/A Pop Up Book)
by David West Reynolds
from Running Press Book Publishers
Playfully written as a primer for Rebel pilots, the mini-sized X-Wing--A Pocket Manual is both a fun way to kill a few minutes and an envy-inducing symbol of Star Wars street cred. The writing is tongue-in-cheek while still remaining meticulously faithful to the movies. The pop-up ships, assembled from real movie footage, are so convincing that you'll have the irresistible urge to "fly" them--complete with sound effects. Whether it ends up in a coat pocket or on a desktop, this manual will become a prized possession--especially if it's yours. --Paul Hughes
Star Wars Tie Fighter: A Pocket Manual (Star Wars/A Pop Up Book)
by David West Reynolds
from Running Press Book Publishers
Open the first pop-up TIE fighter in the tiny TIE Fighter: A Pocket Manual and the first thing you'll do (well, after saying, "Cool!") is imitate the high-pitched scream of the ship's twin ion engines as you send it out on an arm's-length patrol. Impossible not to play with (featuring pop-ups convincingly designed using stills from the movies), this little book is also fun to read. It poses as a tongue-in-cheek training manual for prospective TIE pilots, and is sprinkled with jingoistic Imperial bluster. Get one for your back pocket and one for your desk. Saying, "I have you now!" has never been so much fun. --Paul Hughes
Return of the Jedi (Mighty Chronicles)
by John Whitman
from Chronicle Books
"Watching from his throne, the Emperor laughed with evil glee. 'Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!'" Luke, of course, refuses and good triumphs over evil in Return of the Jedi. The final installment of the original trilogy--flawed, perhaps, by the Ewoks (what was Lucas thinking?)--is beautifully presented in this charming book. Images from the film provide inspiration for Brandon McKinney's crisp illustrations, which complement John Whitman's adaptation of the original screenplay. This book is a perfect little gift for Star Wars fans of all ages. --C.B. Delaney
Fifteen years after the dramatic success of National Public Radio's adaptation of Star Wars, the production team re-formed to create Return of the Jedi: The Original Radio Drama. Though the running time is scaled down to three hours, listeners are still treated to an expanded story line and new scenes. Another fine cast is assembled, with radio series veterans Perry King and Ann Sachs as Han Solo and Leia Organa, and newcomer Joshua Fardon as an excellent Luke Skywalker. While Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) is the only actor from the film, Ed Begley Jr. contributes a gravely voiced Boba Fett, John Lithgow adds a rather somber Yoda, and Edward Asner, hopefully not being typecast, makes a believable Jabba the Hutt--though only an expert would be able to tell if his Huttese pronunciation is correct. The characters of this radio production inhabit a stereo soundscape created by careful blending of sound effects and John Williams's music from the original films. As with the two previous productions--Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, Jedi is a treat for the ears--and the mind's eye. Any Star Wars fan will enjoy this production, even though it does mean imagining rather than seeing Anakin with his mask and helmet off or Luke defeating the Rancor. Besides, the Ewoks are much less annoying when you can't see them. (Running time: 3 hours, 3 cassettes) --C.B. Delaney
To coincide with the theatrical release of the Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, Chronicle Books is proud to launch Mighty Chronicles—a brand new series with a nostalgic twist. Evoking the action-packed adventures of another era, these little books feel charmingly chunky in the hand and pack a wallop, featuring a thrilling story and two-color illustrations on every spread. What better way to kick off Mighty Chronicles than by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars with the classic tales Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi—three tiny dynamite packages sure to appeal to kids, the young at heart, and the millions of Star Wars fans worldwide.
To the Official Star Wars Web Site
Check out other Star Wars titles published by Chronicle Books!
Star Wars Who's Who: A Pocket Guide to the Characters of the Star Wars Trilogy (Star Wars)
by Ryder Windham
from Running Press Book Publishers
Put this in your back pocket the next time you're cruising the cantina in Mos Eisley or hanging out on the Executor's bridge with Vader. Using actual footage from all three Star Wars movies, this mini-sized guide is packed with both big names and bit players. Can't remember which bounty hunter has it in for Wookiees? No problem. Forgot whether it was Biggs or Wedge who survived till Jedi? It's in there. Far from comprehensive but still a lot of fun, this handy reference is a prize for any fan. --Paul Hughes
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