The Star Wars universe is home to countless fictional stories, with LucasFilm publishing working on numerous projects over the years in both the Legends and Canon timelines. However, while these narratives are often celebrated, the nonfiction and guide side of the "galaxy far, far away" is usually overlooked.
For fans of the franchise, there are books out there that focus on every aspect of this universe. From the classic action figures to the code of the Jedi and even the art of one of the brand's most popular video games, these published works look at every corner of the galaxy. There are sure to be some great gift ideas among these items for Star Wars fans.
Star Wars YT-1300 Millennium Falcon Manual: Modified Corellian Freighter
Although this isn't the only manual published in the Star Wars universe, there's nothing quite like a book covering the incredible Millennium Falcon. The Millennium Falcon has boasted iconic moments throughout the franchise, and lots of fans would love to get a look at the inner workings of the Corellian Freighter.
Written by Ryder Windham with art from Chris Trevas and Chris Reiff, the guide has been created with a sense of realism as if it really was designed within the Star Wars universe itself. Part fiction and part manual, it's a really fun read that brings this beautiful piece of engineering to life with fantastic visuals, from the hyperdrive to the weapons systems.
The Art Of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The Star Wars games within the new Canon had struggled to connect with audiences before Jedi: Fallen Order had released. However, the title was a return to form for the franchise, boasting an original narrative with a compelling lead in Cal Kestis.
Beautifully designed, The Art Of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order from LucasFilm and Respawn Entertainment details some of the specific visual and gameplay choices from the experience. It features breathtaking concept art but a level of depth perhaps not expected from a series associated with cinematography alone.
Book Of Sith: Secrets From The Dark Side
Reference books are becoming more popular in the franchise, with these guides trying to break down some of the lore of the evil Sith. Considering the dark side has so many fans, this is a great read detailing the history of the organization and some of the most important rules to being a Sith Lord.
Written by Daniel Wallace with illustrations from countless talented artists, this is a very visual retelling of the Sith timeline and some of the most powerful wielders of the dark side. As an added bonus there are editions of the book that come disguised within a Sith Holocron.
Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary, New Edition
There have been countless variations on the Visual Dictionary format from DK Publishing, with the concept getting updated every few years to include more of the Star Wars franchise. Although there are some exclusively made for the films or TV shows, The Complete Visual Dictionary is a great summary of the whole universe.
Written by Pablo Hidalgo and David Reynolds, this Canon Star Wars guide breaks down the famous alien species, planets, vehicles, characters, weapons and so much more from the galaxy far far away. Each section contains detailed images which help to tell the story of Star Wars.
Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie
Ralph McQuarrie's Star Wars concept art continues to inspire the franchise so many years on, with his work becoming integral to the look of Star Wars. The concept art that McQuarrie produced is still iconic and boasted early versions of the likes of Darth Vader and C-3PO.
Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie from Ralph McQuarrie, Brandon Alinger, and Wade Lageose includes some of the most famous pieces of concept art as well as some detailed information surrounding their creation or eventual use. This book really highlights the blueprints of the whole franchise.
Star Wars Propaganda: A History Of Persuasive Art In The Galaxy
Star Wars has always been extremely political and Propaganda: A History Of Persuasive Art In The Galaxy takes a realistic approach to investigate the visual side of the conflicts in the IP. This book very much reads as if it's exploring propaganda from an era of Earth history.
The analysis of Pablo Hidalgo gives the franchise a fresh pair of eyes to watch this universe unfold through, as famous imagery from the films, shows, comics, and books are portrayed in a very different light. How did the Empire and the Republic influence their citizens?
Star Wars: The Ultimate Action Figure Collection: 35 Years Of Characters
Star Wars toys are a huge section of the franchise and one of the areas that are attributed to the series' success. The action figures are still collectibles in many of the fans' eyes and are fully summarised in The Ultimate Action Figure Collection: 35 Years Of Characters.
The book not only acts as a great visual guide to identifying all of the toys but Steve Sansweet also gives a brilliant insight into the production, release, and story surrounding these figures. Sansweet himself of course is the world's most famous collector of these artifacts and therefore has a unique viewpoint on their history.
Scum And Villainy: Case Files On The Galaxy's Most Notorious
The Star Wars universe is full of dangerous criminals, bounty hunters, spice lords, and smugglers, or as they are commonly referred to... scum and villainy. The book acts as a who's who of lethal operatives within the murky underworld, from all corners of the franchise.
Case Files On The Galaxy's Most Notorious from Pablo Hidalgo is a canon guide that tries to remain as up-to-date as possible. The book aims to retell some of the stories surrounding the pirates, crooks, and criminals from throughout history, profiling their most famous heists and cons.
Star Wars Art: Comics
The Art Of books usually focuses on video games, films, or TV shows, sparing very little time for the artwork that goes into creating the Star Wars universe on the page. But Star Wars Art: Comics aims to look at the illustrations from years of Canon and Legend graphic novels.
Although IDW and Marvel Comics now hold the keys to the kingdom, countless other publishers have also been responsible for the license. With stunning imagery to enjoy, Dennis O'Neil, Virginia Mecklenburg, and Douglas Wolk have put together a book that collects interviews and other amazing facts from the artists behind the work.
Star Wars - The Jedi Path: A Manual For Students Of The Force
Although fans of the dark side might want to look into the Sith Code further, those who want to follow the light can add The Jedi Path to their collection. Acting once again as a reference book, this project takes place on the other side of the Force divide.
Famous Jedi architecture, artifacts, lightsaber wielders, and iconic Masters are all detailed in this beautiful read. Daniel Wallace, alongside the help of plenty of illustrators, gives exclusive access to the depths of the Jedi archives in a way that LucasFilm has never done before.