• 30 years after ROJ

• Encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, June 1998)

• Written by Steve J. Sansweet
• Introduction written by Timothy Zahn

• Fully Illustrated reference guide to major aspects of the Star Wars universe.
• "With an introduction by Timothy Zahn, this landmark volume draws together a wealth of data from the classic films, as well as the spin-off radio dramas, Novels, short stories, computer games, and every other part of the Star Wars epic.  From science, technology, history and geography to culture, biography, ecology, and cosmology; and from the renowned and infamous to the obscure and enigmatic.  Here are the details for the Sith Wars and the Galactic Civil War that pit the Rebel Alliance against the Empire; the natives and customers of planets as diverse as Tatooine and Dagobah; the secrets of the Jedi Knights and as a bonus, the complete timeline of major events in Star Wars history."  (From Previews, Vol. VIII, #3, March 1998)

• [chrono-setting NA]

• 4-issue comic series (Dark Horse Comics, 1999)

• Issues #1-4: monthly, January - April 1999

 

ISSUE	TITLE	AUTHOR	ILLUSTRATOR
1	[NA]	John Wagner	Ian Gibson
2	[NA]	John Wagner	Ian Gibson
3	[NA]	John Wagner	Ian Gibson
4	[NA]	John Wagner	Ian Gibson

• Issues #1-4 collected in the trade paperback Star Wars: Boba Fett—Enemy of the Empire (due out NA)

• Featuring Boba Fett and Darth Vader.
• [plot summary NA]

• [chrono-setting NA]

• Children's science book (Scholastic, Inc., September 1998)

• Written by [NA]
• Illustrated by [NA]

• " . . . featuring C-3PO, R2-D2, and introducing the research droid 4B-X.  Together, this threesome travels throughout the galaxy narrowly escaping disaster as they learn basic science principals.  Kids will enjoy learning science as they journey to exciting new sectors and planets."  (From confidential Lucasfilm source)

• [chrono-setting NA]

• Children's science book (Scholastic, Inc., September 1998)

• Written by [NA]
• Illustrated by [NA]

" . . . featuring C-3PO, R2-D2, and introducing the research droid 4B-X.  Together, this threesome travels throughout the galaxy narrowly escaping disaster as they learn basic science principals.  Kids will enjoy learning science as they journey to exciting new sectors and planets."  (From confidential Lucasfilm source)

• National Geographic-style coffee-table book (Bantam, November 1995)

• illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie
• text written by Kevin J. Anderson

• featuring articles about life and culture on the planets of Tatooine (a krayt dragon and a Jawa swap meet), Dagobah (giant slugs), Hoth, Endor, Bespin (gas-mining operations), Yavin IV, as well as the never-before-seen worlds of Alderaan and Coruscant (Monument Plaza); also features 75 full-color paintings, including 25 never-seen-before works
• "Experience the Star Wars universe as you never have before in this stunning visual journey that carries you to the farthest reaches—and into the deepest mysteries—of George Lucas's cinematic masterpice. Ralph McQuarrie, the legendary main concept artist for all three Star Wars films, and Kevin J. Anderson, the New York Times best-selling Star Wars author, present the ultimate voyage: a vivid and close-up look at the exotic worlds and remarkable inhabitants of the Star Wars universe, including two dozen paintings by McQuarrie, commissioned especially for these pages. The breathtaking artwork of McQuarrie and Anderson's delightful text are your guide to eight different Star Wars locales. You'll visit: Tatooine, the stark, desert home planet of Luke Skywalker, as presented by Senior Anthropologist Hoole, one of the rare Shi'ido species possessed of astonishing shape-changing abilities; Coruscant, the great and glorious center of the Empire, described by no less a personage than Pollux Hax, Imperial advisor to the Emperor's court; Dagobah, the swampy world of Yoda, as recorded by scientist Halka Four-Den in her rigorous research journals; and Bespin, the gas planet, site of the famed floating metropolis of Cloud City, its many virtues and tourist attractions enthusiastically promoted by councilman Lingsnot. You'll also explore the myth-enshrouded worlds of Endor, the forest moon sheltering the Ewoks as detailed in the official—if somewhat embittered—report of Imperial scout Pfilbee Jhorn; Hoth, the frozen wasteland which is the site of a secret Rebel base, revealed by Major Kem Monnon, chief of the Rebel Alliance Corps of Engineers; Yavin 4, the jungle moon, nearly destroyed by the first Death Star, its significance to the Rebel Alliance recalled by the late naturalist Dr'uun Unnh; and Alderaan, Princess Leia' homeworld, cruelly annihilated by the same Death Star, memorialized by one of the few survivors, the renowned galactic poet Hari Seldona. The Illustrated Star Wars Universe is an epic achievement in words and pictures that you'll want to revisit again and again. It is a visionary treat no Star Wars fan will want to miss—and a true collector's item you'll want to hold onto and enjoy for years to come." (From the dust jacket of The Illustrated Star Wars Universe)

• chrono-setting varies: Dagobah at c. 30 years BSW4; Yavin 4 at just ASW4; Alderaan at just ASW4; Coruscant between SW4 and SW6; Endor between SW4 and SW6; Bespin at BSW5; Hoth at just BSW5; Tatooine at just BSW6

• exhaustive reference material (West End Games, 1987 - present) published in four different mediums:
• (1) sourcebooks on Star Wars movies, novels, & comics
• (2) original source material
• (3) adventure campaigns
• (4) a series of Adventure Journals

Due to the sheer volume of material released as part of
The Roleplaying Game, I have created a separate timeline for that material.
Click here

to view The West End Games Literature Timeline

• adventure campaigns contain one or more roleplaying adventures; in addition to role-playing adventures, the Adventure Journals possess short fiction; both mediums feature previously unknown characters, aliens, and settings in the Star Wars universe

• original source material, adventure campaigns, and the Adventure Journals take place at least 4,000 years BSW4 up to 14 years ASW6; the sourcebooks cover the time periods unique to their respective novels or comic series

• reference guide (Chronicle Books, January 1997)

• written by Deborah Fine and Aeon, Inc.
• NOTE: this is an American version of Star Wars Chronicles  (Take Shobo Publishing, 1995), published in Japan, and written by Eimei Takeda and Seiji Takahashi

• fully illustrated reference guide to the Star Wars trilogy, The Star Wars Holiday Special, and Ewok TV movies
• "The most complete and exclusive collection ever assembled of photographs, behind-the-scenes production stills, early sketches, outtakes, and more from the Lucasfilm archives, featuring Star Wars: A New Hope, The Star Wars Holiday Special, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Ewok Adventure, [and] Ewoks: The Battle for Endor."  (From the back cover of Star Wars Chronicles)

• children's activity book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta
• illustrated by [NA]

• valuable information is related to children about the universe through the eyes of Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin Solo, with help from C-3PO and R2-D2

• takes place 11 years ASW6
• NOTE: events in this book do not necessarily take place within the official timeline

• children's activity book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta
• illustrated by [NA]

• valuable information is related to children about biology through the eyes of Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin Solo, with help from C-3PO and R2-D2

• takes place 11 years ASW6
• NOTE: events in this book do not necessarily take place within the official timeline

• children's picture book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by John Whitman
• illustrated by Kathy Mitchell

• on Endor, Jaina Solo goes for a walk to visit the Old Forest Woman, but runs into the Hanadak, a creature who wants to devour her

• chrono-setting [NA]

• children's picture book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by John Whitman
• illustrated by Kathy Mitchell

• during a visit to a museum on Tatooine, Jacen and Jaina Solo meet a powerful serpent called the Taloden, who has turned the museum's son into a dewback

• chrono-setting [NA]

• children's picture book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by Jane Paley
• illustrated by Jean Pigeon

• original illustrations of 26 Star Wars aliens—one for each letter of the alphabet

• children's picture book (publisher NA, shelved until new publisher is found)

• written by Jane Paley
• illustrated by Jean Pigeon

• aliens from the Star Wars universe help young children how to count

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, 1994)

• first edition, titled A Guide to the Star Wars Universe (Del Rey, 1984), written by Raymond L. Velasco
• second edition written by Bill Slavicsek

• reference guide covering the original Star Wars trilogy, the Del Rey and Bantam novels (from Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu to Star Wars: The Last Command, chronologically), television movies and television specials, animated television series, radio dramatizations, the Bantam Skylark young adult novels, the Star Wars: Dark Empire comic series, and West End Games' role-playing material
• "Who or what was Salacious Crumb?  When were Spaarti cloning cylinders developed, and why did it take a year to grow a healthy clone?  What is stored within the ancient artifact called the Jedi Holocron?  Who owned the Millennium Falcon before Han Solo, and how did it change hands?  What is otherspace?  What was Grand Admiral Thrawn's objective in the battle of Sluis Van?  Looking for facts about the characters, armament, starships, planets, alien species, or battles in the most exciting adventure of them all?  You'll find the whole universe of Star Wars covered here:  The original Star Wars movies; novels—from Star Wars to The Last Command; TV movies and TV specials; the animated TV series "Droids" and "Ewoks"; National Public Radio dramatizations; Young Adult novels; the Dark Empire comic books; role-playing games . . . plus sourcebooks, storybooks, sketchbooks, portfolios, and more!  This second edition is revised and expanded, with 50% new material.  It will become your one and only guide to the events of a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . ."  (From the back cover of A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded)

• 3-part encyclopedic guide (Dark Horse Comics, quarterly: July 1995 / December 1995 / March 1996)
• companion to A Guide to the Star Wars Universe, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded

• found in issues #26-28 of the Star Wars Insider magazine

• written by Bob Cooper

• reference guide covering the comic series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi—The Freedon Nadd Uprising, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi—Dark Lords of the Sith, and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi—The Sith War

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, April 1996)

• written by Mark Cotta Vaz

• contains invaluable background information and artwork from the novel and comic series Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
• "Between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the galaxy was plunged into the shadows . . . Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire.  The minds behind the Star Wars galaxy have created a phenomenon of epic proportions, designed to unfold in nearly every medium at their disposal.  This intensely researched volume guides you through a Star Wars event—as its creators reveal the secrets behind the multimedia release of the year.  The tendrils of this dark drama will reach throughout the Star Wars galaxy:  The evil crime lord Xizor challenges the power of Darth Vader in an exciting new novel of Imperial intrigue.  Leia, Lando, and Dash Rendar launch an all-out attempt to rescue Han Solo in a state-of-the-art Nintendo video game.  Xizor's agents search the galaxy for Luke Skywalker in the taut comic book miniseries.  Their mission:  kill the son of Vader.  The secrets of the Imperial home world are revealed in brilliantly painted trading cards.  A fully orchestrated soundtrack and exciting new Star Wars action figures embellish the adventure. The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire provides the official guide to the heroes, the villians, and all the major combatants.  When this war is over, only one will control the Empire's violent underworld . . ."  (From the back cover of The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire)

• technical guide (Del Rey, October 1995)

• originally published as Star Wars: Technical Journal (Vol. #1) of the Planet Tatooine (Starlog, 1993), Star Wars: Technical Journal (Vol. #2) of the Imperial Forces (Starlog, 1994), and Star Wars: Technical Journal (Vol. #3) of the Rebel Forces (Starlog, 1994)
• Starlog has published revised versions of the original trilogy of Technical Journals that feature special articles on the making of the Special Editions of the original Star Wars trilogy

• written by Shane Johnston

• reference guide to the planet Tatooine and Imperial & Rebel Forces
• "The history and the hardware.  How exactly did the Empire come into being?  Who are those strange beings who patronize the cantina at Mos Eisley Spaceport?  And what exactly makes the Millennium Falcon one of the fastest ships in the galaxy?  The saga that was born with the line "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away . . ." needs no introduction,. but the intricacies of that epic tale go far beyond a simple phrase.  It is a vast universe that provides the setting for Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi; strange creatures known as Jawas deal in used droids, while moisture farmers eke out a living on a harsh and arid desert planet.  Rebel forces use whatever material they can muster, bringing it to bear against a vast and technologically advanced Empire that possesses weaponry capable of destroying an entire world in the space of a heartbeat.  The Star Wars Technical Journal takes an in-depth look at the many and varied elements that comprise the rich Star Wars tapestry,.including:  The spacecraft, from TIE Series fighters to Star Destroyers; the exotic locales, including Tatooine, Hoth, and Cloud City; histories of the Empire and the Rebel forces . . . and much, much more.  Through comprehensive entries, extensive photographs, detailed schematics, rare production artwork, character designs, and six eight-page fold-out blueprints, the secrets of the species, the technologies, and the inner-workings of the Rebel and Imperial forces unfold.  Through months of meticulous research, Texas author Shane Johnson reviewed hours of film and radio drama, hundreds of pages of technical material and media materials, roleplaying rules, production art, and everything else available covering the Star Wars canon.  A talented technical illustrator as well, he also produced the schematics needed to properly cover the technical details that went into producing the adventure of a lifetime."  (From the dust jacket of Star Wars Technical Journal)

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, October 1995)

• new and/or updated entries will be published in upcoming issues of the quarterly (soon-to-be-bi-monthly) official British Star Wars Magazine

• written by Andy Mangels
• illustrated by Michael L. Butkus

• featuring the biographies of 100 characters from the Star Wars movies, television specials, animated series, novels, comics, and video games; includes black and white photographs, newly-created line drawings, and vital statistics for each character
• "Keep your eye on the Empire!  Research the Rebels!  Features detailed profiles of all the most important characters in the Star Wars universe.  Covers the movies, the books—classic and new—the comics, the TV specials, the games, and the rest of the expanding universe of Star Wars.  Describes the history and personality of each character, with vital statistics, weapons of choice, and vehicles used.  Includes photographs and original line drawings—with multiple illustrations of most characters for better visual reference.  Brings you up-to-date on recent characters and events if you've been away from the Star Wars universe for a while.  The universe of Star Wars is expanding faster than ever before . . .  With The Essential Guide to Characters in hand, you'll never lose your way."  (From the back cover of Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Characters)

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, March 1996)

• written by Bill Smith
• illustrated by Doug Chiang (drawings) & Troy Vigil (schematics)

• featuring the drawings of 100 vehicles and vessels from the Star Wars movies, television specials, animated series, novels, comics, and video games; includes new drawings with two interior layout schematics and detailed descriptions & histories/origins of each vehicle/vessel
• " 'That's no moon!  It's a space station.'  But it wasn't just any space station—it was the most famous battle station in movie history, the Death Star, just one of the dozens of high-tech marvels that are found in the movies, the books, the comics, the games, and everywhere the Star Wars epic continues.  Features detailed data on the most important spaceships, vehicles, and battle machines in the Star Wars universe.  Describes the development and historical importance of each vehicle.  Includes detailed illustrations with each entry for instant visual reference.  Brings you up-to-date on the latest starcraft technology used by the New Republic, its allies, and its enemies.  These are the ships used to travel, explore, and conquer the length and breadth of the Star Wars galaxy."  (From the back cover of Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels)

• pop-up book (Little, Brown, March 1996)

• written by Bill Smith
• painted by Barbara L. Gibson
• illustrated by Troy Vigil and West End Games
• paper-engineered by Vicki Teague-Cooper

• "Jam-packed with pop-ups, action flaps, and a fantastic four-page fold-out, The Galactic Empire—Ships of the Fleet takes readers behind the scenes of the Empire's most guarded military secrets to reveal the immense power of the Galactic fleet.  Emperor Palpatine is determined to extend the reach of his Galactic Empire throughout the galaxy.  To fulfill his ambitions, he has assembled the most powerful vessels and armies in history.  From Super Star Destroyers to small but deadly TIE fighters, from ground-based AT-AT walkers to secretive probe droids, take an up-close at the powerful ships of the Galactic Fleet."  (From the back cover of Star Wars:The Galactic Empire—Ships of the Fleet)

• pop-up book (Little, Brown, March 1996)

• written by Bill Smith
• painted by Barbara L. Gibson
• illustrated by Troy Vigil and West End Games
• paper-engineered by Vicki Teague-Cooper

• "Jam-packed with action flaps and spectacular pop-ups, The Rebel Alliance—Ships of the Fleet takes readers behind the scenes of the Alliance's most guarded military secrets to reveal the ingenious technology of the Rebel fleet.  Emperor Palpatine is eager to use his limitless armies to extend the reach of his Galactic Empire.  But Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the other advanced fleet of ships and vehicles has been assembled to defeat the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy.  From speedy X-wing and Y-wing starfighters to capital combat starships and star cruisers, take an up-close look at the amazing ships of the Rebel Fleet."  (From the back cover of Star Wars:The Rebel Alliance—Ships of the Fleet)

• pop-up book (Little, Brown, September 1997)

• written by John Whitman
• illustrated by [NA]
• paper-engineered by [NA]

• [plot summary NA]

• encyclopedic guide series (Star Wars Magazine, 1996 - present)
• featured in each issue of the quarterly (soon-to-be-bi-monthly) official British Star Wars Magazine
 

ISSUE	ALIEN RACE
1	[none]
2	Tusken Raiders
3	Jawas
4	Hutts
5	Wookiees
6 - present	[NA]

• written by Andy Mangels
• illustrated by [NA]

• featuring the biographies of several aliens from the Star Wars movies; includes black-and-white photographs, newly-created line drawings, and vital statistics for each character

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, October 1997)

• written by Bill Smith
• illustrated by David Nakabayashi (drawings) & Troy Vigil (schematics)

• featuring the descriptions and statistics of 100 weapons from the Star Wars movies, television specials, animated series, novels, comics, and video games; includes black and white photographs, newly-created line drawings, and vital statistics for each weapon
• "Choose your weapons!  If your opponent pulls out a Stokhli spray stick, you pull a heavy blaster pistol.  That's the way you defend yourself in the Star Wars Universe!  And these are the high-tech weapons foudn in that famous galaxy long ago and far away.  Arm yourself with this comprehensive guide covering everything from the smallest palm shooter to the most massive laser cannon in the Imperial arsenal.  Discover what seperates Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from Darth Vader's energy blade.  Master the workings of Chewbacca's bowcaster.  Find out the secret behind a Jawa's trusty ionization gun.  Match the might of a TIE fighter ion cannon against X-wing proton torpedoes.  You'll discover detailed data on every key weapon in the Star Wars universe—from the movies to the books and beyond, including the development and history of each weapon.  Descriptive illustrations for every entry!  More than 100 blueprints!  So don't get caught on the wrong end of a disruptor or a ryyk blade—before you next mission, know the essentials!"  (From the back cover of Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology)

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, August 1998)

• written by Daniel Wallace
• illustrated by Troy Vigil

• featuring the histories of 100 planets from the Star Wars movies, television specials, animated series, novels, comics, and video games; includes black and white photographs, newly-created line drawings, and vital statistics for each planet

• encyclopedic guide (Del Rey, January 1999)

• written by Daniel Wallace
• illustrated by Troy Vigil & Bill Hughes

• featuring the histories of 100 planets from the Star Wars movies, television specials, animated series, novels, comics, and video games; includes black and white photographs, newly-created line drawings, and vital statistics for each planet

• [chrono-setting NA]

• Encyclopedic guide (Dorling Kindersley, September 1998)

• Written by David West Reynolds
• Illustrated by Hans Jenssen & Richard Chasemore

"An incredible look at the most popular Star Wars vehicles—everything from the X-wing to the Death Star to Jabba's sail barge.  Each vehicle has its own full-page spread, featuring an amazingly intricate full-color drawing that shows the detailed inner workings of each awesome machine, as well as call-outs and vignettes.  Lively text gives the reader inside information about each vehicle's structure, history, and much more!"  (From confidential Lucasfilm source)

• [chrono-setting NA]

• Encyclopedic guide (Dorling Kindersley, September 1998)

• Written by David West Reynolds

"A large-format, full-color dictionary full of Star Wars characters, places, and things!  Crystal-clear photographs illustrate everything from Chewbacca the Wookiee to the machinery inside a stormtrooper's helmet.  Lively, informative text explains everything from basic information about a character to little-known details about the galaxy's many places and things." (From confidential Lucasfilm source)

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1979)

• illustrated by Joe Johnston

• contains pre-production drawings from Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1977)

• illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie

• contains pre-production paintings from Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope

• artwork compendium (Del Rey, 1994)

• originally published as The Art of The Empire Strikes Back (Ballantine, 1980)
• current publishings of The Art of Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back feature additional material from the Special Edition

• edited by [NA]

• contains pre-production artwork and photographs from Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back
• "The Art of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is a magnificent, full-color celebration of the amazing artistic and technical accomplishments in the second chapter of the most spectacular space epic of all time.  Lavishly illustrated with production sketches, production paintings, costume designs, construction drawings, matte paintings, storyboards, and stills, and complete biographies of the outstanding artists and technicians who created the film, The Art of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is an indespensible volume for fans and special-effects buffs alike.  This volume includes:  The complex stop-motion animation technique used for the tauntaun, the beast Luke rode on the frozen planet Hoth; the design and animation techniques used in the creation of the immense Imperial walkers; the fascinating development of the swamp planet Dagobah; the evolution of the character of Yoda; [and] enhralling matte paintings that bring Cloud City to life."  (From the back cover of The Art of Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back)

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1980)

• illustrated by Joe Johnston & Nilo Rodis-Jamero

• contains pre-production drawings from Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1980)

• illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie

• contains pre-production paintings from Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1983)

• illustrated by Joe Johnston and Nilo Rodis-Jamero (w/ Ralph McQuarrie and Norman Reynolds)

• contains pre-production drawings from Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi

• artwork compendium (Ballantine, 1983)

• illustrated by Ralph McQuarrie

• contains pre-production paintings from Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi

• artwork compendium (Topps Publishing, 1993)

• illustrated by various artists

• "A one-of-a-kind, 132-page collection of diverse, contemporary art celebrating the Star Wars trilogy—the most enduring and popular film saga of our time.  A must for film buffs . . . art aficionados . . . comic fans . .  trading card collectors . . . Star Wars enthusiasts.  New visions of the Star Wars galaxy by today's leading comics and fantasy illustrators."  (From the back cover of The Art of the Star Wars Galaxy)

• artwork compendium (Topps Publishing, 1994)

• illustrated by various artists

• "A galaxy of new visions inspired by George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy."  (From the back cover of The Art of the Star Wars Galaxy: Volume Two)

• artwork compendium (Topps Publishing, 1994)

• written and illustrated by Dave Dorman

• "Dave Dorman's art has graced the covers of Star Wars comic books, paperbacks, and CDs, and has appeared on trading cards and even toy packages.  This book contains the most complete record of one artist's catalog of work based on his favorite subject . . . Star Wars!  (From the back cover of Star Wars: The Art of Dave Dorman)