Star Wars Encyclopedia

For other uses, see Encyclopedia.

"How do I go about keeping track, finding everything I want (even need)?
It's very simple. I consult the book. This book."
―Timothy Zahn[2]

The Star Wars Encyclopedia is a 1998 reference book published by Del Rey Books and written by Stephen J. Sansweet, the director of content management at Lucasfilm and science fiction author. It was intended to bring together the wealth of information about the Star Wars universe which had up until that point been published in separate sources, and according to Sansweet was based upon A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded and first generation of the Essential Guide books.

In 2008, it was updated and superseded by The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia.

Publisher's summary

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.

Contents

  • Introduction by Timothy Zahn
  • About this Book by Stephen J. Sansweet
  • Star Wars Timeline of Key Events
  • Source Codes and Bibliography
  • Star Wars Encyclopedia
  • About the Author

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Continuity

Curiously, Darth Vader has a blue lightsaber and Luke Skywalker has a red lightsaber when pictured on the cover. The explanation given is that the art was taken directly from Drew Struzan's art for the Revenge of the Jedi film poster and wasn't changed, as an homage to that poster.

The entry for Klaatu is accompamied by an image of Wooof.

The entry for Dak Ralter is accompanied by an image of Derek Klivian.

The entry for Dark Lord of the Sith was the first source to identify Palpatine as a Dark Lord of the Sith.

Appearances

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By type
Characters Organisms Droid models Events Locations
Organizations and titles Sentient species Vehicles and vessels Weapons and technology Miscellanea

Characters

Events

Locations

Sentient species

Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ This Week in Star Wars logo This Week! in Star Wars San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives, Brand New LEGO Art, and More! on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (July 2, 2020) (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
  2. ↑ Star Wars Encyclopedia

External links