There are hundreds of reference books to the Star Wars Universe, the making of the films, the art, the characters, the vehicles, the robots, the fandom, and so much more. We don’t have the time or the space to give you all of them. Instead here’s a half-dozen or so of the best examinations of Star Wars from different angles and perspectives.
Star Wars Scrapbook: The Essential Collection by Stephen J. Sansweet
A must have for fan who grew up with the original films capturing all kinds of collectibles including original stationary, newspaper articles, press photos, cardboard masks, stickers, posters, a numbered invitation and ticket to an advance screening of Return of the Jedi, and so much more including (my favorite) a “Revenge of the Jedi” cardboard backplate for the Boba Fett action figure. This fan scrapbook is perfect for any Star Wars fan who grew up in the late 70’s and early 80’s. [$35.00, but hard to find]
The Unauthorized Star Wars Compendium by Ted Edwards
Nice collection examining the Star Wars Universe from the films, to the novels, to the comics, to the radio dramas. Also notable for it’s final section “Fifty Reasons Why Jedi Sucks” as Edwards looks at the why’s an wherefore’s of Jedi failing to live up to the first two films (reason #1: “Ewoks, Ewoks, Ewoks”). Includes good basic background of the script and production stage to the original trilogy. [$18, but hard to find]
Empire Building: The Remarkable Real-Life Story of Star Wars by Garry Jenkins
One of the best behind-the-scenes Star Wars books ever printed includes a detailed look at the making of the first film and it’s two original sequels. Great stuff including how hard Lucas had to fight to keep his vision, and how the unexpected success changed everyone’s lives (including a great introduction about Lucas and his wife’s first understanding of just how big the original film was going to be way back on May 25, 1977). The book also has chapters set aside for Lucas’s earlier films like American Graffiti and his work with Francis Ford Coppola. Filled with great anecdotes (including Carrie Fisher telling her mother to Fuck Off!) it’s a must-read. [$15.95]
The Science of Star Wars: An Astrophysicist’s Independent Examination of Space Travel, Aliens, Planets, and Robots as Portrayed in the Star Wars Films and Books by Jeanne Cavelos
Ever wondered just how realistic Star Wars really is? Well, here’s a book for you. In this paperback Cavelos examines the different planetary environments, robots, weapons, how Wookies can communicate only by gruning, hyperspace travel, the possibility of creating a operational lightsaber, and the Force itself. Interesting scientific approach that shows how well Lucas’s universe holds up under scrutiny. [$14.95]
Star Wars Encyclopedia by Stephen J. Sansweet
How can you be a Star Wars fan and not own a book like this? The perfect hardcover reference tool to help you remember the difference between a Bothan and a Bith, and so much more from characters to races, to locations, to weapons to more. It’s all here from A to Z. [$49.95]
The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures form the Entire Star Wars Saga by DK Publising
A great addition to the DK books which brings all six films together in one volume (most of this material had been published separately in previous four volumes). My only complaint is the prequels take up 2/3 of the book leaving only 1/3 for the original series. This hardcover is great for fans of all ages with large pictures and detailed, but easy to read, entries on characters, planets, and more from all six Star Wars films. [$40.00]