To coincide with the theatrical release of the "Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition, " Chronicle Books is proud to launch Mighty Chroniclesa brand new series with a nostalgic twist. Evoking the action-packed adventures of another era, these little books feel charmingly chunky in the hand and pack a wallop, featuring a thrilling story and two-color illustrations on every spread. What better way to kick off Mighty Chronicles than by celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Star Wars" with the classic tales "Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, " and "Return of the Jedi "three tiny dynamite packages sure to appeal to kids, the young at heart, and the millions of "Star Wars "fans worldwide.
This is a reissue, in a smart paperback format, of George Lucas's novelisation of his own legendary film. First published in 1977, it faithfully follows the plot of the film, including the much-talked about 'missing scenes'--one early in the story on Tatooine where Luke Skywalker meets up with his friend Biggs, now graduated from the Academy and off to join the rebels, and the scene between Han Solo and Jabba the Hutt, which was reinstated in the Special Edition. Like the film, the book starts slowly, but builds to an exciting climax which transfers surprisingly well to the printed page, as the rebel forces, led by Luke, attempt to destroy the Empire's Death Star.
Readers of more recent Star Wars novels may be surprised by the generally uncomplimentary descriptions of the various alien characters. Later writers have taken their diversity much more seriously than Lucas seems to do here. However, all the familiar faces are in place, and it's fun to see people like Wedge Antilles, who has become so central in the X-Wing novels, here in their first bit parts. This is the adventure that started it all, and if you enjoy Star Wars novels, it's well worth re-reading. --Elizabeth Sourbut