The word "unauthorized" combined with the words "Star Wars" brings to mind sordid details involving drugged-up Jawas, Sandpeople mistreating their Banthas, and Wookiees canoodling with Twi'leks. Readers may be disappointed to discover that author Ted Edwards had no such intention. Kitty Kelley he isn't: The nearest thing to dirt he dishes is that George Lucas didn't get along with John Dykstra, head of special effects on Star Wars. What Edwards does offer is a (predominantly) affectionate look at the Star Wars phenomenon. Chapters (or "Episodes") look at the making of the original trilogy and the special edition films and present a detailed description of the radio dramas. Other chapters include a history of the various comics and a "fiction guide" with synopses and reviews of the SW novels. A chapter entitled "Rebirth" recounts how Shadows of Empire came about and offers information (now rather dated) about the prequels. Hardcore fans will appreciate the exhaustive timeline which places all the novels, short stories, and comics in loose chronological order. Sidebars contributed by other SW experts add some extra spice to the text. Dan Vebber's "Death Star=Death Trap" is hilarious, and his piece (cowritten by Dana Gould), "Fifty Reasons Why Jedi Sucks," is reason enough to buy this book. --C.B. Delaney
From School Library Journal
YA-The "& More" of the subtitle includes the radio dramas, a catalog of the changes made for the Special Edition movies, rumors about The Phantom Menace, and an appendix. A time line places everything in the Star Wars universe in context of the first three movies. It begins at ANH-5000 (5000 years before A New Hope) and ends at ROTJ+21 (21 years after Return of the Jedi). That alone is worth the price of admission for any confused Stars Wars fans. Edwards's fiction reviews are graded and generally positive. The chapter on comic books/ graphic novels covers their publishing history and critiques adaptations and series by both Marvel and Dark Horse. The author lists the differences between the movies and the radio dramas, including scenes that were cut from A New Hope but included in the dramatization. The chapter on the original movies is a history apparently culled from previously published interviews. The essay by Dan Vebber and Dana Gould, "Fifty Reasons Why Jedi Sucks" (including a sidebar, "Ten Reasons Why Jedi Doesn't Totally Suck"), is an entertaining, opinionated read. Unfortunately, the book contains only speculation about The Phantom Menace. Surely the Ewok-hating compilers of the "Fifty Reasons" list would have had something to say about Jar Jar Binks. A top choice for any library in which "Star Wars" books soar off the shelves.
Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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