This massive 440+ page guide to Star Wars collecting is exceeding dense in details. Close to 500 different categories of authorized/licensed products are included, with almost every single page of this guide illustrated with color photos of the collectibles in question, often shown in their original packaging. Much of George Lucas' financial empire comes from the fact that he retained merchandizing rights on the original 1977 Star Wars (and all subsequent films), and used those rights vigorously. The popular Star Wars saga characters, from young Luke Skywalker and mercenary Han Solo to Qui-Gon Jin, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the diminutive Yoda, have appeared on everything from action figures, cookie jars and lunch boxes, to bubble bath, lip balm and wallpaper. Browse this detailed encyclopedia of Star Wars products and reconnect with your childhood -- can you find that Admiral Ackbar action figure you grew up with, or were you one of the lucky members of the Star Wars Fan Club who bought a "Revenge of Jedi" one-sheet theatrical poster, before they renamed the film "Return of the Jedi"? This isn't a book to read cover-to-cover, and it's now a few years old, but if you've got some old Star Wars toys in a closet, this volume may give you a rought idea of their value. And "May the Force (of collecting) Be With You!"

Originally written as a review of the 3rd edition for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec11-08.htm ( )