Star Wars Encyclopedia

by Stephen J. Sansweet

Its vast history and environs have been explored, studied, and chronicled extensively for more than twenty years. Now, this landmark volume--a definitive reference devoted exclusively to the Star Wars milieu--draws together data from films, radio dramas, novels, short stories, computer games, and more, running the full gamut of this extraordinary galaxy.

From science and technology to history and geography; from culture and biography to ecology and cosmology; from "abo" and "Abrax" to "zwil" and "Zirtran's Anchor," this all-encompassing, fully illustrated, alphabetical reference covers all the elements which have developed and expanded the Star Wars universe, creating a rich and diverse history that spans millennia. Its scope ranges from the renowned and infamous ("Luke Skywalker," "Darth Vader") to the obscure and enigmatic ("Tnun Bdu"); from the history of the Sith Wars to the Galactic Civil War that pit the Rebel Alliance against the Empire. It introduces us to the natives and customs of planets as diverse as Tatooine and Dagobah, and even to the secrets and beliefs of the Jedi Knights.

As a bonus for the intensive researcher, this massive reference includes the complete timeline of major events in Star Wars history.

Every key element that exists in the world of Star Wars is supplied here--in clearly defined entries that have been researched and written by one of the leading authorities on the Star Wars universe.

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Reference, Fiction, Media Tie In, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fantasy

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Sansweet was born and educated in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He studied at Temple University from 1962 to 1966, majoring in journalism. Three years after graduating, in 1969, he began work as a reporter at the Wall Street Journal in both Philadelphia and Montreal. He was promoted to deputy bureau chief in 1984, and later the chief of Wall Street Journal's Los Angeles bureau in 1987. In February 1996, he joined Lucasfilm as director of specialty marketing. He is currently director of content management and in charge of fan relations.

Sansweet's collection has also been featured on the History Channel's Boy's Toys special "Private Collections".

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the entries are outdated due to new stories that have become Canon in the SW universe but this is still a really nice read. Recommended

[Ryan Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

While out of date now, still an excellent resource for original trilogy goodness.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge Star Wars nerd, I was thrilled by the depth of detail offered in the Star Wars Encyclopedia. Everything that occured in the Star Wars universe prior to its publication (everything approved by George Lucas, anyway)is given a mention at the very least. Backstory is provided on a number of distant-past issues that really ought to be fleshed out with their own books someday.

The internal consistency is very high--not as difficult as might be expected, given the requirement of direct approval and licensing by Lucas for everything added to the Star Wars Universe, but still an impressive feat. If I ever wanted to write a Star Wars book, the Star Wars Encyclopedia would be my weapon of choice for all of my reference needs.

It is also a fun way for a nerd to blow an afternoon.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taught me everything I've needed to know in life.

[Alex Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much expanded universe bullshit, and written before the prequels so a lot of it isn't even "real" anymore. I'm a dork.

[Drew Ck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most everything you ever wanted to know about Star Wars, however it is out of date now.

[Colton · Rating 5 out of 5]

great reference for the expanded universe, I still use it today some times

[Grimalkun Sithari · Rating 3 out of 5]

While interesting, all the Expanded Universe material makes this kinda pointless from a canon standpoint because the Expanded Universe wasn't part of the Official Star Wars canon. Rumors that Lucas personally approved all the stories in the EU are not true, his involvement with it was very small. The Official canon was only his direct works. Sansweet makes mention of that in the Preface.

"I get asked all the time, 'What happens after "Return of the Jedi"?,' and there really is no answer for that," he said. "The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends.""

~ George Lucas, Flannelled One, May 2008, "George Lucas: 'Star Wars' won't go beyond Darth Vader", interview with Los Angeles Times

"And now there have been novels about the events after Episode VI, which isn't at all what I would have done with it. The Star Wars story is really the tragedy of Darth Vader. That is the story. Once Vader dies, he doesn't come back to life, the Emperor doesn't get cloned and Luke doesn't get married."

~ George Lucas,Total Film Magazine Interview, 2008
https://ibb.co/x5q1RrQ

But, if you're into the Expanded Universe you will definitely like this book. Sansweet was a strong presence in Star Wars all thru Lucas's reign.

[Luis Del Aguila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really an excellent reference material, the book is now outdated as a source of information but it has historical value because it is the first attempt to collect the different sources of the Star Wars universe, what was known as the expanded universe. Sansweet's effort to give us the smallest piece of information is noticeable, data that to this day may seem insignificant such as the operation of a power harpoon that is used to shoot down an AT AT in the battle of Hoth, or history from a bounty hunter who tracked down obi wan on Tatooine but never left the planet. And many more data of that nature.
It is a book made by a star wars fan for star wars fans, you can see the author's passion for trying to cover everything available up to that moment and it is that first attempt to consolidate everything makes the universe more organic and more "Real" for fans.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read every entry in this book with my younger brother from front to back during a week long cruise in early 2002. Much of it might be outdated and apocryphal by now, but it's by no fault of its own and I'll never forget it for being my sole source of entertainment in the tiny library.

[Jetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to have in Star Wars Library

[Danail Naydenov · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly rich encyclopedia of my favorite saga. Steve Sansweet is a total genius.

[Micah Siegmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A book with a map:
While obviously outdated since the time of its publication, this is still a great reference book for the Star Wars universe up to that time (1998). Extensive library of illustrations, geography, biographies etc detailing the "main" Star Wars universe plus the Expanded universe.
Overall a great coffee table time capsule for Star Wars fans.

[Jrossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The secret to my seemingly unending knowledge of the Star Wars Universe . . . well that and having seen each of the movies about three and half brazillion times.

A little dated now that Eps I, II, and III are out on DVD, but for the older information it is still great to thumb through. I think I have read it cover to cover, but not straight through. It tends to be a "poopin" book.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made even better with the essential chronologies.

[Khairul Hezry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book back in the day. Unfortunately, the prequels have made it obsolete and it sorely needs an update. Still, by itself it is a very good reference book for SW nerds like me.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heck-of!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a funny concept, but it is truly an amazing guide to the vas world of Star Wars!

[Jojono · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was Droopy McCool!

[Ismail menasterly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is great because it shows everything from the star wars universe, including characters, battles and games that were made from it,
it is a good book for people who like fantasy.

[Shane Cormier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for those who want to know more about the depths of the Star Wars Universe.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very informational, but only includes the original three movies. (Nothing from the Old Republic days.)

[Ahmed Alsodfy · Rating 5 out of 5]

its awsome becuse i love star wars

[Eyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cool when it came out, wookiepedia of the past, mostly undone now by the removal of much of its' content from Star Wars canon.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very concise and complete as of publishing.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Star Wars info dump, eh.

[CJ]

awsome