Star Wars Encyclopedia

The Star Wars Encyclopedia is a 1998 reference book written by Stephen J. Sansweet, the director of content management at Lucasfilm and science fiction author. It was published by Del Rey Books, and contains nearly every element of the Star Wars universe that had been created up to that point, from the A-1 Deluxe Floater to Zutton and ZZ-4Z. The book defines, explains, and illustrates the characters, creatures, settings, objects, events, and concepts that appear in the science fiction saga Star Wars. Data is drawn not only from the original trilogy films, but also from the Expanded Universe&mdash;including radio dramas, novels, television, short stories, graphic novels, and computer games. The Star Wars Encyclopedia contains an introduction written by science fiction writer Timothy Zahn.

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."

Second edition
During a January 28, 2004 Hyperspace celebrity chat, Steve Sansweet had this to say about an update to the Star Wars Encyclopedia:
 * "There will almost definitely be an update but no decision has been made how it will be done or by whom."

Sansweet again confirmed a second Encyclopedia is on its way at his "Star Wars Spectacular" presentation at ComicCon on July 15, 2005. He explained that he and Lucas Licensing were still in the process of deciding how to go about writing a new Encyclopedia. He gave an example of the process, saying that they were trying to decide whether to make the new book a second volume or an entirely new Encyclopedia.

He later announced in Star Wars Insider 87 (May/June 2006) that work had begun on an updated version of his Star Wars Encyclopedia:
 * "As for the Star Wars Encyclopedia, I'm happy to tell you that work has just begun on an all-new edition that will be out in a few years. I'll be able to give you more details as we get closer to the publication date."

Behind the scenes

 * 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&mdash;as an homage to that poster.