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Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary #1-4
Star Wars Complete Visual Dictionary
Star Wars DK brings the fertile imagination of George Lucas to life with two in-depth books about the original movie trilogy. Produced under the aegis of Lucasfilms from Skywalker Ranch archives, the books feature new material and data on the characters and vehicles. Cross Sections Vehicles and ships are illustrated in exploded 3-dimensional views. Learn about the secret firepower of Boba Fett's bounty ship, see the floor plans of the Death Star, and more.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2006
12 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,124 books2,072 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 12, 2013
At 271 pages this book offers a huge amount of information both in a visual and written format. As you flip through the pages you will be stunned at how much the publisher covered in the book, and with six movies that changed the world of science fiction, covering all that the movies offered must have been a serious challenge. The book opens with covering the various characters in Episode I. Sidious, Windu, Yoda, Obi Wan, and the whole Jedi council are depicted. But that is not all. The book goes even further listing the Neimoidians, the droids, the starfighters, Queens Amidala's outfits, weapons, ships, species, technology, locations, politics and events. This theme continues throughout the book and the rest of the five movies. All pages are in a high gloss format that add an extra quality to the presentation.
The shear mass of information is impressive, but I did found some of the accompanied information to be a little lacking. Although the information is useful it wasn't very deep. Basically, the added written descriptions that fit to the pictures are a narrow look to what the picture depicts and offers little in the form of history or impact to the reader.
Recommended for casual or fanatic fans.
The shear mass of information is impressive, but I did found some of the accompanied information to be a little lacking. Although the information is useful it wasn't very deep. Basically, the added written descriptions that fit to the pictures are a narrow look to what the picture depicts and offers little in the form of history or impact to the reader.
Recommended for casual or fanatic fans.
June 16, 2012
This book took me some time to go through, mostly because I was devouring every tiny detail in it. And there was a ton of detail to cover.
It is an epic look at all the films, from the real beginning, not the 80's version I originally knew of, with every part or detail you can think of.
Awesome shots from the movies accompany interesting facts that will have you turning each page only after you have read each description.
I actually learned some new things, and I was an avid fan, so that was a huge bonus in my reading adventure.
I have to say, I don't know if young kids age 7 would really "get" the information... there would be a lot of, "wow, cool" moments, but actually absorbing of the information, I doubt it. I would say this is geared for pubescent teens, probably mostly boys too, but they would get a kick out of the action and adventure in it, and still understand the information given.
A great book for adults too who are fans of the films. It's really cool to see it laid out from Anakin to Luke and their adventures they have, but in book. I think a lot of fans would appreciate the layout greatly.
It is an epic look at all the films, from the real beginning, not the 80's version I originally knew of, with every part or detail you can think of.
Awesome shots from the movies accompany interesting facts that will have you turning each page only after you have read each description.
I actually learned some new things, and I was an avid fan, so that was a huge bonus in my reading adventure.
I have to say, I don't know if young kids age 7 would really "get" the information... there would be a lot of, "wow, cool" moments, but actually absorbing of the information, I doubt it. I would say this is geared for pubescent teens, probably mostly boys too, but they would get a kick out of the action and adventure in it, and still understand the information given.
A great book for adults too who are fans of the films. It's really cool to see it laid out from Anakin to Luke and their adventures they have, but in book. I think a lot of fans would appreciate the layout greatly.
February 12, 2024
The only book I've read more times than The Book of Mormon.
One of these has had a larger impact on my life (sorry Mr. Smith)
One of these has had a larger impact on my life (sorry Mr. Smith)
January 11, 2018
Great pics and cool tid bits
June 12, 2014
Authoritative, Thorough and Entertaining ...
This proved to be an excellent and much-appreciated birthday gift for my 8 year-old daughter who a short while ago began exhibiting a growing interest (and understanding) of all-things Star Wars.
I saw the first Star Wars movie back in the 70s and even though two more sequels were produced several years later, I never knew the original plan was to produce several prequels and (eventually) another sequel. My interest in these movies was more seasonal in that I enjoyed seeing the movies as they were released, but my interest in the story-line never lingered. With so many DK-published books on almost every facet of Star Wars, I chose this one as it seemed to deliver on almost every front rather than detailing a specific aspect of the series (like vehicles).
In true DK fashion, the STAR WARS COMPLETE VISUAL DICTIONARY offers a stunning visual reference on anything/everything STAR WARS. Organized in a Star-Wars chronological manner starting with the 1st prequel of the series and continues through the end (now considered the “classic” era of Star Wars). As each movie chapter is introduced, the characters, vehicles, environments and significant events are meticulously documented/explained and gloriously illustrated. As a casual Star Wars fan, I found this accumulation of data and accompanying visual component both fascinating and addictive. This book’s a real page-turner and has the ability to keep children and adults alike occupied for long periods of time. The intricate detailing of an enlarged image of R2D2 that points out all of its components and abilities is just one example of the thought/care put into this book … it’s got everything in it!
I wanted a “complete” reference guide on Star Wars and the STAR WARS COMPLETE VISUAL DICTIONARY is exactly what I was hoping for.
This proved to be an excellent and much-appreciated birthday gift for my 8 year-old daughter who a short while ago began exhibiting a growing interest (and understanding) of all-things Star Wars.
I saw the first Star Wars movie back in the 70s and even though two more sequels were produced several years later, I never knew the original plan was to produce several prequels and (eventually) another sequel. My interest in these movies was more seasonal in that I enjoyed seeing the movies as they were released, but my interest in the story-line never lingered. With so many DK-published books on almost every facet of Star Wars, I chose this one as it seemed to deliver on almost every front rather than detailing a specific aspect of the series (like vehicles).
In true DK fashion, the STAR WARS COMPLETE VISUAL DICTIONARY offers a stunning visual reference on anything/everything STAR WARS. Organized in a Star-Wars chronological manner starting with the 1st prequel of the series and continues through the end (now considered the “classic” era of Star Wars). As each movie chapter is introduced, the characters, vehicles, environments and significant events are meticulously documented/explained and gloriously illustrated. As a casual Star Wars fan, I found this accumulation of data and accompanying visual component both fascinating and addictive. This book’s a real page-turner and has the ability to keep children and adults alike occupied for long periods of time. The intricate detailing of an enlarged image of R2D2 that points out all of its components and abilities is just one example of the thought/care put into this book … it’s got everything in it!
I wanted a “complete” reference guide on Star Wars and the STAR WARS COMPLETE VISUAL DICTIONARY is exactly what I was hoping for.
October 10, 2010
I got this book for Christmas one year, I think it was in 7th grade but I'm not completely sure. This is a fun book to flip through and it has all of the characters from the Star Wars movies excluding The Clone Wars (which I'm perfectly O.K. with because I thought that The Clone Wars was extremely stupid and I refuse to watch the movie or the T.V. series).
June 10, 2010
its star wars...so its awesome! this is all i need to say..
August 13, 2020
An all-in-one of the Visual Dictionaries of Star Wars Episodes I-VI. It's a mix of interesting and worthless facts about, and photos of, technology, creatures, weapons, vehicles, and more. Each character, organization, or species gets only 1-2 pages, so it doesn't go into much depth. A lot of the details are minutia that don't affect the stories. Much more of the book goes to Episodes I-III (~200 pages) than to IV-VI (~70 pages).
Here's my review of the Visual Dictionary for the Original Trilogy.
Notes
Episode I
Episodes IV-VI
See my review of the Visual Dictionary for the Original Trilogy.
Here's my review of the Visual Dictionary for the Original Trilogy.
Notes
Episode I
Episodes IV-VI
See my review of the Visual Dictionary for the Original Trilogy.
April 7, 2022
Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary
by David West Reynolds, James Luceno, Ryder Windham
2006
—————
SUMMARY:
Pictures and descriptions of the 100+ characters in the first 6 Star Wars films.
—————
EXCERPT:
The Neimoidians
RAISED AS GRUBS until the age of seven, young Neimoidians are kept in communal hives and given limited amounts of food. The less acquisitive ones are allowed to die as others hoard more than they can eat. This practice makes Neimoidians greedy and fearful of
death. As adults, Neimoidians are known for their exceptional organizing abilities. Driven by their intense desire for possessions, they have built the largest commercial corporation in the galaxy. Led by Neimoidians the Trade Federation is a labyrinthine organization of bureaucrats and trade officials from many worlds that has insinuated itself throughout the galaxy.
—————
REVIEW:
In-depth descriptions with vivid pictures and illustrations. This book was published before the Star Wars Episodes 7-9, so it's not tainted!
#goodreads #books #11of52 #starwars
by David West Reynolds, James Luceno, Ryder Windham
2006
—————
SUMMARY:
Pictures and descriptions of the 100+ characters in the first 6 Star Wars films.
—————
EXCERPT:
The Neimoidians
RAISED AS GRUBS until the age of seven, young Neimoidians are kept in communal hives and given limited amounts of food. The less acquisitive ones are allowed to die as others hoard more than they can eat. This practice makes Neimoidians greedy and fearful of
death. As adults, Neimoidians are known for their exceptional organizing abilities. Driven by their intense desire for possessions, they have built the largest commercial corporation in the galaxy. Led by Neimoidians the Trade Federation is a labyrinthine organization of bureaucrats and trade officials from many worlds that has insinuated itself throughout the galaxy.
—————
REVIEW:
In-depth descriptions with vivid pictures and illustrations. This book was published before the Star Wars Episodes 7-9, so it's not tainted!
#goodreads #books #11of52 #starwars
October 7, 2019
This is essentially a combination of all the Star Wars visual encyclopaedias which is great to have access to so much information. The level of detail included in this is remarkable; I feel like every time I read it, I'm learning something new. This can be enjoyed by die-hard Star Wars fans or casual fans on their own. The detail included is incredible, as a Star Wars fan, it's an incredible resource for me.
It covers from The Phantom Menace all the way to the end of the Original Trilogy, which is great that all of the information is provided here.
It covers from The Phantom Menace all the way to the end of the Original Trilogy, which is great that all of the information is provided here.
September 10, 2019
Interesting. Loved the short/brief descriptions of the various groups, planets, characters. I glossed over some of the detail about the weapons, droids but overall it is a great reference for Star Wars fans. My book came to me via the second-hand store and it was compiled in 2006 so only covers the the first 6 films. I loved the refresher course & am now eager to rewatch the movies.
February 6, 2025
Na jednom mjestu objedinjeni svi značajni likovi, predmeti, lokaliteti, kao i dešavanja i 6 Lukasovih filmova, uz brojne slike, grafikone i ilustracije. Dobar podsjetnik na desavanjima u filmovima, kada niste raspoloženi za gledanje istih, ili kada tražite neke podatke, mada sa razvojem interneta, knjige ovog tipa postaju zastarjele.
October 13, 2020
Although this book is now unfortunately not part of Star Wars canon, the inside Star Wars knowledge is cool, with pictures and explanations of everything in the Prequels and Original Star Wars films. Was still a fun read, and great for Star Wars trivia.
December 20, 2017
Ok kinda boring..like way to much technical detail into parts of outfits, weapons and other stuff.
Read
September 4, 2020Great book! It has everything about the Episodes I-VI. The book is comprehensive and very high detailed with high quality images.
October 30, 2016
wonderful
September 29, 2016
One of the background books written before the Star Wars universe was "rebooted," I found the Complete Visual Dictionary to be well-written & interesting. Full of little tidbits, the book seems to be a compilation of the all of the previous SW visual dictionaries, which gives it a heavy focus on the prequel trilogy, as there were 3 of them and only one for the original trilogy. There is an overall consistency to the data presented, including hints of the now "Legends" aspects of the Expanded Universe. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the book and finding additional details to the SW movies, 1-6.
April 1, 2016
I loved Star Wars since I was a child and still do (the 4th, 5th and 6th episodes, haven't seen the 7th yet) and I also loved DK visual books since I was a kid. so this book looks perfect. I bought it and was disappointed by two things: one, most of it (70%) is about the 1st, 2nd and 3rd episodes and like the majority of all Star Wars fans, I don't like those movies. so if you like those movies this obviously a positive thing not the other way round. Secondly, the author of the book insist of coming up with loads of explanations for everything! for example, Han Solo's blaster is actually a refurbished Mauser C96, and an arrow pointing to the screw holding the grip panel says: "low power pulse warning"! it's clear that it's been made up on the spot! the whole thing is fictional of course but it doesn't mean that one could throw any stuff about anything!
So basically I would have gave it five stars if it had more material on the first three movies, not a bad book though, if you like the newer movies.
So basically I would have gave it five stars if it had more material on the first three movies, not a bad book though, if you like the newer movies.
August 25, 2008
I love the Star Wars movies (I'm not a raving fanatic), and I'm a visual person, so this book was of interest to me.
I like the all-in-one-ness of this title. But it definitely has much more information on episodes I-III than on IV-VI. I-III get very thorough treatments, whereas IV-VI are covered more sparsely: I was somewhat disappointed with that (hence the middle rating). I don't have any of the other Star Wars visual dictionaries, so I can't say if the difference is because there just wasn't as much material available about eps. IV-VI or what.
The pictures and Star Wars lore are thoroughly enjoyable, but you may already know everything that's in this book if you're a die-hard fan. There are snippets of backstory to go with some of the more obscure characters.
I like the all-in-one-ness of this title. But it definitely has much more information on episodes I-III than on IV-VI. I-III get very thorough treatments, whereas IV-VI are covered more sparsely: I was somewhat disappointed with that (hence the middle rating). I don't have any of the other Star Wars visual dictionaries, so I can't say if the difference is because there just wasn't as much material available about eps. IV-VI or what.
The pictures and Star Wars lore are thoroughly enjoyable, but you may already know everything that's in this book if you're a die-hard fan. There are snippets of backstory to go with some of the more obscure characters.
December 30, 2009
One of the best books about the Star Wars Universe that I have read. It is a great starting point for someone that has a crush on someone that loves Star Wars. The knowledge in the book is laid out in a very simple way so that person can "score points" and impress their heartthrob.
So read this book and take notes if your love interest is really into Star Wars. Because who really knows that the IG-88 is part of a set of five assassin droids that killed it's creators immediately upon activation and that Boba Fett had destroyed 3 of these 5 assassin droids.
This book covers all six movies. Episodes 1 - 6. An excellent source of basic and intermediate knowledge of the Star Wars Universe.
Thanks Meg for the book!
So read this book and take notes if your love interest is really into Star Wars. Because who really knows that the IG-88 is part of a set of five assassin droids that killed it's creators immediately upon activation and that Boba Fett had destroyed 3 of these 5 assassin droids.
This book covers all six movies. Episodes 1 - 6. An excellent source of basic and intermediate knowledge of the Star Wars Universe.
Thanks Meg for the book!
November 22, 2016
Awesome collection.
Got this as a birthday present from my sister who knows that I love Star Wars and couldn't be more proud. Basically this Visual Dictionary takes the collections of Episodes I, II, III and the Original Trilogy Visual Dictionaries into one book. This makes for a pretty nice collection... only now thanks to the new trilogy its not the comprehensive collection.
The book itself is pretty nice with detailed pictures and very nice descriptions of such technologies, species and other various tidbits of the Star Wars Universe. It can get a bit dry but its still very good.
B
Got this as a birthday present from my sister who knows that I love Star Wars and couldn't be more proud. Basically this Visual Dictionary takes the collections of Episodes I, II, III and the Original Trilogy Visual Dictionaries into one book. This makes for a pretty nice collection... only now thanks to the new trilogy its not the comprehensive collection.
The book itself is pretty nice with detailed pictures and very nice descriptions of such technologies, species and other various tidbits of the Star Wars Universe. It can get a bit dry but its still very good.
B
April 23, 2009
To begin with I believe that this is the finest Star Wars reference book I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Having said that, I do feel the author focused mainly on the three newest movies and kinda lets the reader just revisit the original movies. I understand that though because there is so much out there availible on the original movies. The photographs are outstanding and the information the author reveals is just so amazing. This is a great coffee table book. Every library should have this book in their collection.
May 3, 2015
Exhaustive amount of detail and information on our favorite galaxy far far away. Minute details and great photos and drawings make this a must have for every Star Wars fan. The history of the original trilogy and the planned and now future plans are all covered in great detail with an objective and fair eye. A must for fans of all ages.
March 29, 2008
I am always going back to these book for drawing reference and little perks about each character. These type of books are fun and easy to read, and the name itself, "Visual Dictionary," implies exactly what you can use it for, quick and easy access to many different Star Wars facts and figures!
February 7, 2011
I absolutly loved it!! It is the coolest Star Wars info books out there.
I was blown away by all the detail; elabroate costumes, hundreds of weapons, character backrounds.
Lucas has an amazing imagination.
I was blown away by all the detail; elabroate costumes, hundreds of weapons, character backrounds.
Lucas has an amazing imagination.
April 11, 2012
Really fun reference book that has pictures and little bits of backstory over a staggering amount of Star Wars characters, places and stuff.
Got this for my kids, but I ended up liking it as much as they did.
Got this for my kids, but I ended up liking it as much as they did.
Read
July 29, 2007nothing
February 10, 2008
Excellent book in DK style, lots of great pictures, not a lot of words for the number of photos. Great coffeetable book for fans and children to pore over for hours!
February 21, 2008
With two little boys (and myself) that are Star Wars fans, this is a must have reference book!
February 21, 2008
I just noticed my friend's review of this book and had to add too! I agree-it is a great reference book for little boys. It also makes for a great gift for any star wars fanatic. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews