Published: October 1, 2020 (UK), October 20, 2020 (US)
Publisher: DK Books
Contributors: Pablo Hidalgo, Cole Horton, Dan Zehr
Formats: Hardback, eBook (Kindle)
Pages: 224
RRP: Hardback – £18.99/$25.00, eBook – £6.99/$10.99
The synopsis;
This is the Star Wars book you’re looking for.
If you want to comprehend the epic and intricate Star Wars saga, this is the book for you. It is a unique and insightful examination of this beloved franchise, including Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Written by Star Wars experts, including fan-favourite Pablo Hidalgo, this book is packed with stunning film and TV stills, illuminating infographics and curated essays that reveal the mysteries of the Star Wars galaxy. From legendary heroes like Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa to fascinating species like the Wookiees and Tusken Raiders, this book explores the central characters, technology, governments, and events that have shaped the epic saga.
The book is divided into key subject areas – the galaxy, science and technology, the Force, the Skywalkers, galactic governments and their dissidents, and galactic denizens. Whether you are a devoted Star Wars fan or a casual reader curious to learn more, The Star Wars Book is an invaluable roadmap to this galaxy, far far away….
The review;
Firstly, it’s great to see Dan Zehr get his ‘book debut’ alongside Cole Horton and Pablo Hidalgo. Dan is a popular member of the Star Wars online community, so a big congratulations to him.
Well, what have we hear? Like so many Star Wars fans, I have shelves crowded with multiple Visual Dictionary and Cross Sections books from DK. These are in a tried and tested format from DK Books, and while this book continues with the same feel about it, there is something very different about this one.
While the layout and feel of the book is very traditional, the way the content is packaged does have a cool difference to it. Many of the other books point out things you may miss on screen, this book goes deeper into characters, battles, and planets across the galaxy.
It doesn’t concentrate on just the movies, video games and TV series; the team also delve into the plethora of literature releases that we have been given over the years. There is crucial information in there about new key characters that so many may not know unless you have read certain comics or books. These include Thrawn, Aphra and Black Squadron to name a few.
I loved the use of timelines throughout the book helping you place the events and understand the chronological order of the events of the galaxy. I’m sure this will really help some of those fans new to Star Wars, and few older ones if I’m honest.
The other thing that stood out, was the galaxy map at the start of the book. In recent years, we don’t tend to get the galaxy explained in a map like the one shown. In the older Legends books, there used to be a map of the galaxy printed in the lead up pages to the novel. I have always had a fondness for maps, and I found it interesting to sit and study them and this one is no different.
You won’t finish this book in 10 minutes by any stretch of the imagination. This is a great read for Star Wars fans old and new. It is so well written, a cornucopia of information and well priced, what more can you want?
Availability;
The Star Wars Book was published by DK on October 1, 2020 in the UK and October 20, 2020 in the US. It is available from Amazon in the UK and US, as well as other online retailers and all good bookstores on the high street.
