The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga

Book Description

Provides a complete, comprehensive overview of the Prequel movies (Episodes I-III) and the Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI), this is the definitive photographic guide to the entire Star Wars saga.

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars.......2007-09-26

This book is extraordinary. The pictures are sharp and extremely detailed. There are explanations of many characters that are only seen in the background scenes. I highly recommend if you're a Star Wars fan. My 4 year old won't give it up.

My Star Wars fanatic loves this book.......2007-09-26

I bought this for my 6 year old who is a Star Wars FREAK. He sat down with this book immediately and has not really stopped looking at it since. He can barely read, but he loves examining all of the characters, and the way they are broken down and labeled is very exciting to him. He likes to see everything that he's seen in the movies, and video game, in full detail.
I can't comment on how this book is similar or different to any other book, but I can say, it's very detailed, it covers a lot of information and describes alot of the relationships and uses of the characters & items. My 6 year old can identify way more than I can. This book is well set up, with loads of information and LOTS AND LOTS of details full color high quality photos which is just what we were looking for.

Good luck!

A Must-Have for any Star Wars fan.......2007-09-21

My son constantly wants to look at this book, and he is only 6 and has never seen any of the movies. That pretty much says how good this book is. I grew up with the original Star Wars movies, so looking through this book is like looking into the past for me. It is well put-together, very concise with a lot of nice photos and a plethora of Star Wars information. An excellent resource for any Star Wars aficionado.

Star Wars is a Five star choice for the ultimate fan.......2007-09-09

This book is just fantastic, and it is worth every penny. I originally bought it for my friends son who loves Star Wars. The kid walked around with the book under his arm like a bible! He never put it down. I recently bought it for my own two elementary age boys and they love it just as much. This is wonderful gift to get for any Star Wars fan -- Once again DK has cornered the market on wonderful visual books for young children. Their books are so well executed and so wonderfully edited, they know exactly how to appeal to this age group by giving just enough information with out making it too simple. An adult fan would actually love this book too. It's a great purchase.

My 9-year-old loves this book!.......2007-09-03

I purchased this book for my 9-year-old son who has been a Star Wars fan for a few years. He has spent hours looking through the book on his own or alongside his friends. I have never seen the movies and I have little knowledge of the people in them, but I could easily learn A LOT from this book if I wanted to. The pictures of the people and tools/weapons are great! I also like the fact that they show pictures from movie scenes that depict the people or the tools being discussed on that particular page. This was a great price for a large hardcover book with great details and pictures!

Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)

Average customer rating:

breath of fresh air
Star wars: Legacy of the Force book 4
Its not great
Three Stars
The Dark Side Keeps Coming

Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Aaron Allston
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 2)
Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)
Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)

ASIN: 0345477537
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

In the Stars Wars galaxy, evil is on the move as the Galactic Alliance and Jedi order battle forces seen and unseen, from rampant internal treachery to the nightmare of all-out war.

With each victory against the Corellian rebels, Jacen Solo becomes more admired, more powerful, and more certain of achieving galactic peace. But that peace may come with a price. Despite strained relationships caused by opposing sympathies in the war, Han and Leia Solo and Luke and Mara Skywalker remain united by one frightening suspicion: Someone insidious is manipulating this war, and if he or she isn’t stopped, all efforts at reconciliation may be for naught. And as sinister visions lead Luke to believe that the source of the evil is none other than Lumiya, Dark Lady of the Sith, the greatest peril revolves around Jacen himself. . . .

Customer Reviews:

breath of fresh air.......2007-08-23

I was begining to feel depressed about this series because of how dark the themes are, not that this book makes the story bright and happy but I was begining to find the series less fun to read. I picked this book up as a last chance for the series and read it cover to cover in a couple days. I loved it, it really brings the story back to the fun adventureous plot without losing the more sinister undertones that make it exciting.

Star wars: Legacy of the Force book 4.......2007-06-27

Gripping story, I'm a little uncomfortable with Jacen being turned to the dark side, but am hoping it turns out to be a tempory aberation.

Its not great .......2007-06-20

I really can sum up this novel in two words.....Love Commander.I really wish the Star Wars EU guys would STOP makeing up profanity like stang,rodder and kriffing it sounds so stupid use the real deal if you must use it or better yet language has many derogitory terms that arent vulgar use those you may actually educate someone.

Three Stars.......2007-06-13

There were only two real noteworthy things that happened in Exile, Ben being sent unknown to him on a Sith test and the Skywalker-Solo (minus Jacen of course) clan coming to realize that their family being split may be exactly what the enemy is wanting. I liked Ben's test being him alone on a Sith planet where he and only he can choice which path he'll follow and struggling to survive. The second part it was nice to see the Skywalkers-Solos come to the realization. I had hoped with this being the fourth book we would have more answers about the war, the reasons behind it, about Lumyia or something instead the rest was nothing more then Jacen still deciding who his Sacrifice would be and setting up for his plan at the end of the story at painstaking slowness that by the time the it got to the point I was asleep. I hope the next book will better. More answers, more things happening and less endless slowness.

The Dark Side Keeps Coming.......2007-05-22

Another Splendid addition to the Legacy of the Force series. Basically, the story continues with Jason getting deeper into the dark side. Young Ben however is starting to find out that it's not all that good to be bad.
More interesting stories all evolving around different caracters and the War, including one where Ben is tested to see if he really is dark side material. While entertaining, remember the book is still just a segue to the next book. But that is expected in such a long series.

Average customer rating:

Timothy Zahn fills the gap
Constrained and Unexceptional - Zahn's worst Star Wars Novel
More Adventures in the Star Wars Universe
I give this one a solid 3.5
A Refreshing Idea

Allegiance (Star Wars)
Timothy Zahn
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Star Wars(r) Darth Bane Rule of Two (Star Wars)
Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)

ASIN: 0345477383
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Book Description

Never before has the incendiary mix of action, politics, and intrigue that has become Timothy Zahn’s trademark, been mmore evident that in this new Star Wars epic. On the heels of the stunning events chronicled in Star Wars: A New Hope, the newly minted heroes of the Rebellion–fledgling Jedi Luke Skywalker, smuggler turned reluctant freedom-fighter Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa, a bold leader with a world to avenge–must face the harsh realities of the cataclysmic conflict into which they have so bravely plunged. From this point forward, legends will grow, treachery will abound, and lives will be irrevocably altered, in the long, hard fight to counter the fist of tyranny and restore hope to a galaxy too long in darkness.

The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Vader, are no less of a threat. The brutal extermination of Alderaan not only demonstrated the magnitude of their murderous power, but served as a chilling testament to their resolve to crush the Rebel uprising. Standing against them, Skywalker, Solo, and the Princess remain uncertain opponents. Luke is gifted and brave, but unschooled in the power he possesses. Han has doubts about waging someone else’s war–and his contentiousness is one more burden for Leia to bear as she struggles to help keep the Rebellion alive. The three have been sent to mediate a dispute between Rebel Alliance factions in Shelsha Sector–agitating matters by forcing Han to deal not only with pirates, but with his more dreaded enemy, politics. At the same time, Mara Jade–all of eighteen and years away from her fateful meeting with Luke–is serving her evil master, Palpatine, well in her role as the Emperor’s Hand: tracking suspected treachery in the Empire to what may be high places–while trying to stay out of Darth Vader’s way.

But the Rebels will prove to be only one of the Empire’s concerns. For Imperial Stormtrooper Daric LaRone, his faith in the Empire shaken by the wanton destruction of Alderaan, will commit a sudden and violent act of defiance, and take four other enforcers with him, in a desperate bid to elude their masters’ wrath.

Each of these fateful actions, whether sanctioned, secret, or scandalous, will expose brutality and corruption, spur upheavals destined to shake the Empire to its core, and shape momentous events yet to come.

Customer Reviews:

Timothy Zahn fills the gap.......2007-08-31

Timothy Zahn is my absolute favorite author so when I saw this book about Mara Jade in the Empire era I jumped.

Plot:
There are three plots that intertwine towards the end. LaRone, a stormtrooper, accidentally kills an ISB agent. He and four other stormtroopers desert and run to the nearest planet where they begin an investigation into pirate activities.
Mara Jade was sent to investigate a Moff's possible embezzlement. This leads to a pirate consortium.
Han, Luke, and Leia are originally sent to investigate a possible way to win the war. With pirates threatening supply lines, Han and Luke (along with Chewie) are diverted to investigate and Leia is sent to accomplish the diplomatic mission by herself.

Good:
Timothy Zahn does amazing things with the characters. Han Solo in his books is Han Solo from the movie: cocky, independent, and self-absorbed. Luke Skywalker is the apprentice Jedi, experimenting with his talents, naive, and unsure of who he is. Leia Organa is absolutely perfect: the independent woman who is able to mediate between differing factions.
The stormtroopers reminded me of one of the best portrayers of them--or at least their clone compatriots, Karen Traviss. The stormtroopers are real men who face real consequences. It is refreshing to see plain men who only want to do what is right instead of officers who only want power and money (as you see in so many Bantam Star Wars novels).
And Mara Jade...it's nice to finally see her at work in a novel. I felt that, for the most part (see below), she was the perfect agent--naive about the Empire and not overly practiced in every agent technique, but knowledgeable enough to be convincing for this mission.
Lastly, although this is petty, it was fun to see Leia work as a waitress. This practical, pedestrian job is often overlooked or delegated to dispensible characters but it was so nice to see the Star Wars universe in a normal light (ie having the main characters eat, bathe, etc.).
The action is superb. I love the confrontation between Darth Vader and Mara, the battle of the AT-ST, and much, much more.

Bad:
I don't know what it is with Timothy Zahn, but recently, all his books seem to be mysteries (not bad) about one of the characters being duplicitous. Night Train to Rigel: the main character was working both sides. Outbound Flight: Doriana. The Green and the Gray had the boys that fought against them. This is a little boring after awhile.
And the plot was so convoluted that I had trouble following it. Who was Disra serving: the Empire, himself, pirates, or the governor? How did Mara conclude all the things she did about the pirates? What about Han and Luke? What did Caaldra want? And so on. All three (Mara, stormtroopers, Han/Luke) make some pretty hefty assumptions that turn out pretty conveniently right.
Also, although Zahn portrays Mara as a young woman fairly well, I still have trouble believing that an 18 year-old knows this much about espionage, spying, weapons, and the like. What was she, brainwashed as a child?

Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Only dialogue is in the form of made up Star Wars references. Mara wears form fitting dresses and a man oggles her. Violence is typical Star Wars fare.

Overall:
A good book, but not the best that Timothy Zahn has ever delivered. I was rather disappointed, not only because it didn't have as much Mara as I thought, but also because the story was so hard to follow. I had to just forget who wanted what and who worked for who and just enjoy the action sequences and the characters. I hope that Timothy Zahn continues to write more about Mara's adventures, but not make his plots so confusing.

Constrained and Unexceptional - Zahn's worst Star Wars Novel.......2007-07-26

Timothy Zahn here writes an entirely predictable adventure tale with three branching paths: one about a stormtrooper squadron who deserts the Empire, another about Mara Jade doing odd jobs for the Emperor, and the third about Han, Luke, and Leia on a diplomatic mission. The tales converge in a fashion only possible in novels and wrap up with no bearing on the movies.

The problem with this novel is that it is entirely predictable. The stormtrooper squad deserts the Empire quickly in an unlikely fashion. I knew a few pages after this had happened that they would doubtlessly join Han, Luke, and Leia by novel's end in Zahn's attempt to provide some entertainment for the readers. I flipped ahead to the end of the book at that time and my prediction turned out to be right.

Mara Jade's branch is exceptionally boring for the majority of the novel, as she chases after nameless thugs just to get some pricey statues back to her Emperor. She's written as an unbelievably mature and confident 18-year-old, and actually tells the Emperor what she is going to do instead of being ordered around. Zahn also writes Lord Vader as being childish toward her, while at the same time inserting a silly scene where Vader Googles for Luke.

Han, Luke, and Leia's branch is unremarkable. The characters act toward each other much like they did in Episode IV. However, Luke takes a back seat and isn't very confident about himself.

Timothy Zahn writes this novel in a very constrained space, which forces him to create new characters and just as quickly kill them or shuffle them away. Obviously in love with his own character of Mara Jade, he portrays her as overly powerful. The stormtrooper deserters were a good idea, but Zahn doesn't do enough to distinguish them effectively as memorable individual characters. For such a task, Aaron Allston would've been better. Han, Luke, and Leia's story is unremarkable. This novel is passably written and will provide some brief entertainment for literature fans, but is an awful choice for newbies to the novels.

(Reviewer's note: I've read all of the Star Wars novels of the 1990s and most of the ones from 2000-2003 that weren't prequel novels. Seeing that this was not a prequel novel, the influx of which put me off reading Star Wars novels a few years ago, I picked it up, remembering Timothy Zahn's earlier excellent work in the Star Wars universe. I was disappointed.)

More Adventures in the Star Wars Universe.......2007-07-11

Acclaimed Science Fiction author Timothy Zahn has written an exciting new novel that is worthy of inclusion with other novels of the Star Wars series.

The main story centers around five imperial stormtroopers; Macross, Brightwather, LaRone, Quiller, and Grave. They were ordered by their superior officers to execute harmless civilians during an attack. Despite carrying out these orders, the troopers felt that the killings were not necessary. Back aboard ship, an argument breaks out between the stormtroopers and one of the officers. During the argument, the officer is shot. Now, the stormtroopers realize that the only way for them to survive is to flee. They have now become fugitives..

Meanwhile, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance is deciding on its next move. The Death Star has been destroyed, but the Empire, led by Emperor Palpatine and his enforcer Darth Vader, remain powerful adversaries. Skywalker is still untrained in many areas of the Force, Leia is still devastated by the destruction of her home planet of Alderran, and Han is unsure about fully joining the rebellion. Despite these drawbacks, the three allies have been sent to mediate a dispute between rebel factions in the Shelsha sector.

On the side of the Empire, a new tool of the Emperor is about to be revealed. Her name is Mara Jade; better known as the Emperor's Hand. She serves Palpatine by maintaining order and tracking suspected wrong-doers throughout the galaxy.

During the course of the story, all of these characters will interact with one another in a most exciting and thrilling manner.

This is a very good book. I've read several books in the Star Wars series, and I found this story to be both compelling and exciting. The story is something not normally expected, namely, Stormtroopers deserting and actually doing good deeds. But, Timothy Zahn's characterization of the Stormtroopers as actual caring people with feelings is refreshing. I especially enjoyed the character of Mara Jade. Her development throughout the book as a swash-buckling fighter who's loyal to her Emperor is definitely a high point of the book. She also has no fear of Darth Vader, either. It would have been interesting to see an actual movie character like her in the films.

I recommend this book very highly. Although I found the story to be slow and drag at some points, overall, the it is exciting and loaded with action. If you've seen the Star Wars movies or have read other books in the series, then be sure to read this one.

I give this one a solid 3.5.......2007-07-09

Of course you can't give half scores so I rated it a four. Anyway, there were things I really liked about this book and things I was luke warm to (no pun intended). I really liked the rogue stormtrooper aspect. While they were deserters, they're living by the spirit of what got them to join the Empire in the first place: to protect the empire AND it's CITIZENS. These were some of my favorite parts of the book; where they were involved doing good deeds shall we say.

The other part of the book I enjoyed alot was Mara Jade. From what I gather this is her 'first' mission in a star wars book, starwars timeline speaking of course. I know she's Luke's wife in continuity, and this isn't her first published appearance. I liked the character. Powerful, yet naive towards the true nature of Palpatine and the empire as a whole.

Now, one thing I'm not really sure that needed to be in the book were Luke, Leiah, Chewie and Han. I guess Zahn included them to root this book into place firmly after A New Hope. Just to me, the parts that they played in the book really didn't further the story much and they, quite frankly, seemed to be thrown in there. Don't get me wrong, I love these core characters. But it seemed like they were forced into the book. Their presence didn't take anything away from the story of course, but they didn't add much to the whole of the book either. Except maybe to further the subplot of luke getting used to his jedi abilities some more and of course, han and leiah's relationship.

Overall a good solid read with some fine action. I think it kind of skips around a bit too much for my liking, but it's not confusing. Any star wars fan should check this one out.

A Refreshing Idea.......2007-06-21

When reading any of the Star Wars (SW) novels, one must never compare it to the SW movies, because there is always new material in the novels. If you're expecting SW novels to have the exact feel and make of the movies, then it's best that you don't read the novels at all.

That said, Allegiance was a refreshing change. We finally get to see how the Emperor's Hand works. Well, other than the comic series that Zahn wrote with Darkhorse titled Mara Jade: By The Empeor's Hand. However, the comic was written post Battle of Endor, after Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine are dead. Allegiance is written just after the events of A New Hope, where the Emperor and Vader are very much alive. So it was interesting to see how he handled their characters here and he did it very well!

I do enjoy reading Zahn's novels because he makes his characters very human, and doesn't go over the top, unlike other authors who make their characters infallible and completely resistant to injury, jumping through obstacles and performing unbelieveable Jedi tricks. At the same time, Mara has a certain amount of compassion, which makes her character all the more human and likeable.

The Hand of Judgement was an interesting idea, yes, why indeed don't we have stormtroopers who continue to uphold what they believe it. In our world, that's called going rogue, in the SW world, it's deserters from the Empire. Whichever way you call it, it's treason, but isn't that what you call fighting for what you believe in?

I do wished, however, that Zahn wrote more battle scenes into his novels, as he's always able to describe and choreograph battles so vividly that you don't need to much imagination to enjoy it thoroughly - a trademark feature in all his SW novels.

Zahn's characters are smart and believeable and his style manages to capture the essence of the characters from the SW movies, what Han Solo says to Princess Leia, the snap-hiss of the lightsaber, these are the little things that triggers your memory of those loveable moments and makes for a well-written SW novel worth reading.

I highly recommend reading all of Timothy Zahn's SW novel, starting with the Thrawn Trilogy: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command. I guarantee that you'll enjoy them immensely.

Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

One of the best Star Wars Universe books yet
Awesome book
It is his destiny!
A great book that offers a glimps of what is to come in real life.
7 on a scale of 10

Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Karen Traviss
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)
Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 2)
Fury (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 7)

ASIN: 0345477405
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

Civil war rages as the Galactic Alliance–led by Cal Omas and the Jedi forces of Luke Skywalker–battles a confederation of breakaway planets that rally to the side of rebellious Corellia. Suspected of involvement in an assassination plot against Queen Mother Tenel Ka of the Hapes Consortium, Han and Leia Solo are on the run, hunted by none other than their own son, Jacen, whose increasingly authoritarian tactics as head of GA security have led Luke and Mara Skywalker to fear that their nephew may be treading perilously close to the dark side.

But as his family sees in Jacen the chilling legacy of his Sith grandfather, Darth Vader, many of the frontline troops adore him, and countless citizens see him as a savior. The galaxy has been torn apart by too many wars. All Jacen wants is safety and stability for all–and he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

To end the bloodshed and suffering, what sacrifice would be too great? That is the question tormenting Jacen. Already he has sacrificed much, embracing the pitiless teachings of Lumiya, the Dark Lady of the Sith, who has taught him that a strong will and noble purpose can hold the evil excesses of the dark side at bay, bringing peace and order to the galaxy–but at a price.

For there is one final test that Jacen must pass before he can gain the awesome power of a true Sith Lord: He must bring about the death of someone he values dearly. What troubles Jacen isn’t whether he has the strength to commit murder. He has steeled himself for that, and worse if necessary. No, the question that troubles Jacen is who the sacrifice should be.

As the strands of destiny draw ever more tightly together in a galaxy-spanning web, the shocking answer will shatter two families . . . and cast a grim shadow over the future.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best Star Wars Universe books yet.......2007-09-11

Let's face it, people who like the Star Wars universe books like space opera. The New Jedi Order series has lots of great space battles, Jedi (-Sith) battles and narrow escapes from overwhelming odds. I've read almost all of them (although the clone wars is a bit much for my taste). Karen Traviss's Sacrifice is up there with the best of Zahn and others, but remarkably, not for the space opera.

The NJO series as a whole moves from space opera to family Saga. Karen Traviss here has written a fairly complex contrast of the key characters and their families (all disfunctional in one way or other): The Skywalkers, the Solos and the Fetts. It is wonderful to see how the characters all work at coping with the problems of their own families and wayward family members, and how a variety of approaches are shown and ultimately compared.

Being the father of my third teenager at this point, a lot of this hit home and gave me things to think about besides Luke's super-jedi-powers and simple light vs. dark stuff. Very highly recommended.

Awesome book.......2007-08-31

This book was pretty awesome. If you like Star Wars you need to read it already!

It is his destiny!.......2007-08-26

I am a born again Star Wars geek. All of the authors in this series are extremely talented. I do agree that some of the other characters should make more appearances in these novels. All in all I am very pleased and can not wait for Inferno. I too would like to read the back story on what prompts Jacen to take that Sith name. Karen Traviss does leave you hungering for more. I love the way she incorporates Boba Fett in this series. I hope there are many more to come. These books are all FAN-tastic. Keep 'em coming.

A great book that offers a glimps of what is to come in real life........2007-08-18

I've read the book, and I must say that it offers a true insite into man's true nature, which is the path of darkness. The reason why Anakin fell to the dark side of the force, was because he knew that it could help him save Padme, but that poor woman gave up and died. I like how Jason becomes manipulative and militaristic, because in real life, that is how the natural Man should be in order to bring about peace and order, even if that order is dictatorial. This book also shows how the strong exterminate the weak in order to maintain it's survival. Lumiya is a more than worthy successor to Palpatine. Jason turned to the dark side, because he knew that he is the only one that can save the galaxy and restore order, just like Anakin did. This book is great and highly recommended.

7 on a scale of 10.......2007-08-10

Let me just start out this review by saying - I really, really like Karen Travis. I've only read "Sacrifice" and "Bloodlines" by her - but after reading these two books I am looking forward to checking out some of her other stuff outside of the Star Wars Universe. I can't quite put my finger on what it is about her writing style that I like so much - but I particularly like how she will incorporate a character's thoughts in italics at times throughout these books. It is a quick, effective way to get to the "heart" of a matter without going into long drawn out details that I particularly like. When she needs to be - she can be very descriptive and detailed - but she seems to know when it is right for a story and when it isn't.

I'm not exactly new to the Expanded Universe of Star Wars novels - but it has been about ten years since I've read a SW novel. I loved the NJO when it got out of the gate but by the fifth book in that series I got tired of reading the same old thing over and over again - which is what if seemed like. So here I am in this new "Legacy of The Force" series and I'm quite pleased with it to this point. The fact that I never finished the NJO series didn't hinder me from reading this one as the authors have filled in the gaps quite nicely. I never read Troy Denning's "Dark Nest" series - which really hasn't hindered me in reading this series either.

Without getting into the specifics of the plot in "Sacrfice" let me just say that of the five books out on this series - this one is the best (and they are all good). The plot moves quickly with numerous twists and turns in it and it is just an exciting read. After the completion of it I find myself greatly anticipating the next one.

Average customer rating:

Product has changed. NO DVD!! Amazon get with it!!!
Great Book!
God Of War
Very Helpful
Ain't really necessary

God of War (Prima Official Game Guide)
Kaizen Media Group
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

God of War
God of War II Limited Edition Strategy Guide (Bradygames Strategy Guides) (Bradygames Strategy Guides)
God of War II Signature Series Guide (Bradygames Signature Series) (Bradygames Signature Series)
Shadow of the Colossus(tm) Official Strategy Guide (Official Strategy Guides (Bradygames))
Resident Evil 4 Official Strategy Guide (PS2) (Official Strategy Guides (Bradygames))

ASIN: 0761551336
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Book Description

Whom the Gods Would Destroy, They First Make Mad — Euripides, 480 - 406 B.C.
·All treasures chests revealed
·Maps of every level
·Extensive Art collection with developer commentary
·Challenge of the Gods, secret costumes, and more
·Classic Mythology history and factoids
·Every foe's strengths & weaknesses revealed

Customer Reviews:

Product has changed. NO DVD!! Amazon get with it!!!.......2006-07-18

I ordered this new direct from amazon because of the great ratings on the included DVD, however, after an extremely long wait, the DVD wasn't included with the guide, so I ordered a replacement copy, same problem! I ended up buying a used one because amazon couldn't supply it. At least they offered me a refund and return postage. Overall a great guide if you can find one with the DVD.

Great Book!.......2005-09-23

This book is EVERY detail you'll ever need to play this game. Game is so intricate, you'd miss so much without it.

God Of War.......2005-08-09

This is highly addictive action adventure game that will make you lose track of time. This game is an instant classic with unbeatable graghics. It also has a good storyline and suprise twists all this way until the end of the game. I highly recommend it to the mature gamer.

Walt Hickman
Snellville Georgia.

Very Helpful.......2005-07-27

I really only needed the book for some ending parts to the video-game and as for instructions on getting past these parts it was very helpful on helping me finish and complete the game and the grahics in this book are very good visual aids and very artistic. Thanks for the help in helping me conquer this awesome game just waiting for the next game from them to come out

Ain't really necessary.......2005-05-02

The game isn't too hard and is quite short, so the price tag is kind of high. The game is epic, but I don't know if the length justifies $70, that's all.

Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

It was better then I thought
Great Read
A Betrayal of the Force
Polished Beginning to a Promising Series
Good launching of the series

Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)
Aaron Allston
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 2)
Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Star Wars(r) Darth Bane Rule of Two (Star Wars)

ASIN: 0345477340
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Book Description

This is the era of Luke Skywalker’s legacy: the Jedi Master has unified the order into a cohesive group of powerful Jedi Knights. But as the new era begins, planetary interests threaten to disrupt this time of relative peace, and Luke is plagued with visions of an approaching darkness. Evil is rising again–out of the best intentions–and it looks as if the legacy of the Skywalkers may come full circle. Honor and duty will collide with friendship and blood ties as the Skywalker and Solo clans find themselves on opposing sides of an explosive conflict with potentially devastating repercussions for both families, for the Jedi order, and for the entire galaxy.

When a mission to uncover an illegal missile factory on the planet Adumar ends in a violent ambush–from which Jedi Knight Jacen Solo and his protégé and cousin, Ben Skywalker, narrowly escape with their lives–it’s the most alarming evidence yet that sparks of political unrest are threatening to ignite into total rebellion. The governments of numerous worlds are chafing under the strict regulations of the Galactic Alliance, and diplomatic efforts to enforce compliance are failing. Fearing the worst, the Alliance readies a preemptive display of military might in a bid to bring the rogue worlds in line before an uprising erupts. The designated target of this exercise: planet Corellia–renowned for the brash independence and renegade spirit that have made its favorite son, Han Solo, a legend.

Something of a rogue himself, Jacen is nevertheless duty bound as a Jedi to stand with his uncle, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, on the side of the Galactic Alliance. But when the wary Corellians launch a counterstrike, the Alliance’s show of force–and a secret mission to disable Corellia’s crucial Centerpoint Station–give way to an armed skirmish. Once the smoke clears, the battle lines are drawn. Now the specter of full-scale war looms between a growing cadre of defiant planets and the Galactic Alliance that some fear is becoming a new Empire. And even as both sides struggle to find a diplomatic solution, mysterious acts of treachery and sabotage threaten peace efforts at every turn.

Determined to root out those behind the mayhem, Jacen follows a trail of cryptic clues to a dark rendezvous with the most shocking of revelations . . . while Luke grapples with something even more troubling: dream visions of a shadowy figure whose Force power and ruthlessness remind him of Darth Vader–a lethal enemy who strikes like a dark spirit on a mission of doom. An agent of evil who, if Luke’s visions come to pass, will bring untold pain to the Jedi Master . . . and to the entire galaxy.

Customer Reviews:

It was better then I thought.......2007-09-12

So I did something I swore I never would do I brought another Star Wars book. It was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is in fact a lot more interesting then the vast majority of what passes for Timothy Zhan these days.

So basically the plot is as follows Corellia is on the verge of rebellion due in large part to one of my favorite bit characters Thraken Sal-Solo it is up to the Solos and the Skywalker's to make things right. Only this time a rift will develop between the two.

After a rough first third of the book a strong story develops with cameo appearances from Admiral Pellion, Wedge Zeek and a few others. The real standouts are Jacen Solo and how he starts to develop as a character and Ben Skywalker who is an interesting mix of the character triats of Anakin and Jacen at that age. There are even some interesting revelations that there were a few siths who were really not all that bad. This in turn begs the question; is this really truth or misinformation to set a particular character on a dark path?

Overall-An interesting beginning I hope the quality remains consistent.

Great Read.......2007-09-04

I have neverread any of the Star Wars series before and this is great. I can't wait until the next book cones out. Star Wars fan or not there is drama and intrique in this series I would recommend to anyone who loves to read.

A Betrayal of the Force.......2007-08-20

I enjoyed the writing style in this book. The imagery and descriptions are wonderful, and I did not have the least bit of trouble understanding the action sequences (Though this may be due to the fact that I have read almost every Star Wars book in existence). Within the enclosed world of this book, and possibly the rest of the series, the actions of the characters make perfect sense, and Aaron Allston has done a tremendous job of keeping the characters true to themselves. The flaw in this book is that it is not an enclosed world. The author owes it to previous authors to read their works and write with the intention of staying true to the previously developed stories. The simplifications introduced to our understanding of the Force are the most disappointing facet of the book. For most of the book, the author seems to be enriching our understanding of the Force. When it really counts, though, his understanding of the Force seems to be one of childlike simplicity, a distinct division between dark and light. I was very disheartened. The book is good as a stand-alone novel, but I felt that it flopped as part of the overall saga.

Polished Beginning to a Promising Series.......2007-07-29

I loved this book. I thought the quality of the prose was outstanding, especially compared to other SW books I have read (I am currently reading Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy Trilogy, and it doesn't even come close). I read SW almost exclusively for the Force and the Jedi, and that's the main focus here. The exploration of Jacen's character and motivations is excellent. I especially like the way Allston makes Jacen's fall seem believable. He truly wants to help the galaxy, and Lumiya's temptations are incredibly strong; I even felt myself leaning to the Sith side while reading it! Since Jacen probably knows more than anyone about the Force after his 5-year exploration of various Force traditions, it is completely understandable why he would come to view Luke's light-side purity as simplistic and limiting. The final confrontation between Nelani, Jacen, and Lumiya is without question the best part of the book, as it has a lot to say about competing philosophies of the Force (it's also a good indication of where the series is headed). There's also some truly witty dialogue throughout the book, including one hilarious exchange between Luke and Han regarding "the man who doesn't exist."
Overall, highly recommended.

Good launching of the series.......2007-07-28

Is not easy to think of another great epic series from Star Wars after the huge Yuuzhan Vong war. I always though that nothing worst than that war could happen to our heroes. Still, a new series began and I jumped to read it and even though is a bit tiring to read so many new battles again ( I don't know why the galactic battles are hard to imagine and make me tired) I enjoyed this book and I am hooked to now book 2.
I recommend to read this one if you are a Star Wars fan!!!

Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Darth Bane)

Average customer rating:

Great story, new perspectives
Insight into the workings of the Sith...
o so thats how it goes
Two there should be; no more no less
The rise of Darth Bane...

Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Darth Bane)
Drew Karpyshyn
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Allegiance (Star Wars)
Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 2)
Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)
Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)

ASIN: 0345477367
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Book Description

Once the Sith order teemed with followers. But their rivalries divided them in endless battles for supremacy. Until one dark lord at last united the Sith in the quest to enslave the galaxy–and exterminate the Jedi. Yet it would fall to another, far more powerful than the entire Brotherhood of Darkness, to ultimately realize the full potential of the Sith, and wield the awesome power of the dark side as never before.

Since childhood, Dessel has known only the abuse of his hateful father and the dangerous, soul-crushing labor of a cortosis miner. Deep in the tunnels of the desolate planet Apatros, endlessly excavating the rare mineral valued throughout the galaxy, Dessel dreams of the day he can escape–a day he fears may never come. But when a high-stakes card game ends in deadly violence, Dessel suddenly finds himself a wanted man.

On the run from vengeful Republic forces, Dessel vanishes into the ranks of the Sith army, and ships out to join the bloody war against the Republic and its Jedi champions. There, Dessel’s brutality, cunning, and exceptional command of the Force swiftly win him renown as a warrior. But in the eyes of his watchful masters, he is destined for a far greater role in the ultimate Sith plan for the galaxy–if he can prove himself truly worthy.

As an acolyte in the Sith academy, studying the secrets and skills of the dark side at the feet of its greatest masters, Dessel embraces his new Sith identity: Bane. However the true test is yet to come. In order to gain acceptance into the Brotherhood of Darkness one must fully surrender to the dark side through a trial by fire that Bane, for all his unquenchable fury and lust for power, may not be strong enough to endure . . . especially since deception, treachery, and murder run rampant among the Sith disciples, and utter ruthlessness alone is the key to survival. Only by defying the most sacred traditions, rejecting all he has been taught, and drawing upon the long-forgotten wisdom of the very first Sith can Bane hope to triumph–and forge from the ashes of that which he must destroy a new era of absolute dark power.

Customer Reviews:

Great story, new perspectives.......2007-10-04

This was the first book or storyline I've read that includes characters and ideas from such an old time period.

I loved it. I do appreciate good literature, character and plot development, but this book was more of a dark revenge kind of book, and the action was great. I loved reading about how powerful Bane was and about the rest of the ancient Sith order.

Highly recommended.

Insight into the workings of the Sith..........2007-08-18

This is an excellent insight into the basis of the dark side. Very well written, moves along, and very enjoyable. Hard to believe that this author isn't an established novelist. The descriptions are excellent and the style gives you a sense that your in the mind of someone that is undergoing transformation. I'm not sure why that 1 star reviewer is so bent out of shape with the violence. He mentions Vader as a likeable "antihero". I distinctly remember in one of the movies Anakin slaughtering mercilessly the younglings or toddler/child jedi off camera. In the fictional SW world, the sith are evil, and that's what evil does. All and all a worthwhile read and definitely not a waste of time.

o so thats how it goes.......2007-07-27

this book is great for hardcore star wars fans. it sheads new light on the Darth title and is a great read.

Two there should be; no more no less.......2007-07-11

Wow. This book was outstanding! I found myself not being able to read through the pages quickly enough nor being able to stop, so much so that I finished it in two days.

Considering this takes place some 1000 years before the events of A New Hope, I was a bit apprehensive being that there would be nothing but entirely fresh new characters and none of the staples of the movies (Han, Luke, Obi Wan, etc, etc), but THIS is what I was expecting Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader to be.

This book sheds alot of light on the Sith. Not their beginnings entirely, but how they were before they were wiped about a milennia prior to the movies we know and love. A time when the sith were about as abundant as the Jedi.

Darth Bane starts from meager and quite tragic beginnings, but that's what usually makes for the most interesting villains, isn't it? Of course, Bane can be a villain OR a hero depending on how you're looking at it.

Lots of insight to the Sith is provided in this book. What makes them tick, basically. Of course we know from our exposure to the Sith in the films that they're fueled by power for power's sake, Karpyshyn really takes a deeper look at it.

Basically, this is one man's journey to the peak of his power and how, by sheer force of will and cunning, he changes the outcome of a war and the future of his kind. The events of this book pave the way to the Sith we loved to hate in the star wars films.

Betrayal, murder, revenge, war. He should have a sith name more like Darth Bada$$ =) I can't wait until the sequel comes out. Maybe we'll even get a whole series of Sith based books and get to see how Palpatine starts his rise in the order of the Sith.

Can't recommend this one highly enough, especially after reading the somewhat disappointing Star Wars Allegiance.

The rise of Darth Bane..........2007-07-10

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction takes a different - and refreshing - approach to storytelling in the Star Wars universe. Most novels follow the heroic exploits of well-known and loved Star Wars heroes - Luke, Han, Leia, Lando, etc. This novel details the rise of one of the founders of the modern Sith order, where there are only two, a master and an apprentice. Darth Bane is a character hinted at to a limited degree in the expanded universe material. In this novel, his rise to power over the Sith order and control of it's future is laid out, events which affect the Sith up until the time of the movies, where there remain only a master and an apprentice.

The novel is, as one would expect, darker than other Star Wars novels. It vividly depicts the harsh and ruthless philosophy of the Sith, where innocents suffer and the powerful rule by brute force, as well as cunning and trickery.

Darth Banes life starts out mundane, but by the end of the novel the destiny of the Sith is forever changed. His transformation into THE Dark Lord of the Sith is complete and his apprentice is found, leaving the door open for future novels.

It was quite interesting to read a novel that had a darker theme than most Star Wars novels. And it was refreshing to read about characters from the expanded universe that I've enjoyed for years now. Exar Kun and Naga Sadow (both Kevin J. Anderson creations, I believe), among others, are mentioned in the novel. Planets and familiar locations for the comics and video games are mentioned, too. Given the amount of expanded universe material involved - from comics to books to games - the novel does a great job of tying the previously hinted at material together and fleshing out, so to speak, the character of Darth Bane.

If you like Star Wars novels and are looking for a storyline with a darker tone to it, then don't pass up this novel. There are Jedi and heroes of the light side in the novel, but they take a backseat to the main story of the rise of Darth Bane, the founder of the modern Sith order.

Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Somewhat of a Letdown
Continuing down the dark path
CHANGING of the guards
Tempest is very well written.
OK but not for the casual SW fan.

Tempest (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 3)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 2)
Exile (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 4)
Betrayal (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 1)
Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 5)
Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)

ASIN: 0345477529
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Book Description

Forty years after the Battle of Yavin a dangerous new era in the Star Wars epic begins–the revelations are shocking, the stakes desperate, and the enemy everywhere.

As civil war threatens the unity of the Galactic Alliance, Han and Leia Solo have enraged their families and the Jedi by joining the Corellian insurgents. But the Solos draw the line when they discover the rebels’ plot to make the Hapan Consortium an ally–which rests upon Hapan nobles murdering their pro-Alliance queen and her daughter.

Yet the Solos’ selfless determination to save the queen cannot dispel the inescapable consequences of their actions, that will pit mother against son and brother against sister in the battles ahead. For as Jacen Solo’s dark powers grow stronger under the Dark Jedi Lumiya, and his influence over Ben Skywalker becomes more insidious, Luke’s concern for his nephew forces him into a life-and-death struggle against his fiercest foe, and Han and Leia Solo find themselves at the mercy of their deadliest enemy . . . their son.

Customer Reviews:

Somewhat of a Letdown.......2007-10-12

I hope this isn't giving away too much for those who haven't read it yet, but I hated the way Mara went out. I don't have a problem with her dying in general...someone had to go. But they way she died seemed a bit contrived and somewhat silly. I wish they could have figured out a better way to justify her going after Jacen by herself.

Continuing down the dark path.......2007-09-25

This is the third installment in the Legacy of the Force series and, in my opinion, the best so far. The basic plot of Jacen Solo's decent into darkness may not be all that original, but it does make for some entertaining reading.

While an assortment of old friends and even older enemies make an appearance, Han and Leia are the emotional heart of this book. Having allied themselves with Corellia, a decision that strained family ties, the Solos find themselves being manipulated into a plot to assassinate the Queen Mother of Hapes and thus into direct confrontation with their son.

Denning has a knack for capturing the essence of the Solos and a real gift for penning Han's obligatory cocky comebacks. The book is full of the usual political intrigue and blasterfire. Yet at its core, it is an expoloration of conflicts between parents and their children.

Overall, this is a solid entry in the Star Wars library.

CHANGING of the guards.......2007-08-05

I do like the idea of the Star Wars galaxy advancing past the Luke/Han/Leia era. Titled Legacy of the Force, I can only hope that Lucasfilm is headed in that direction. Not that I don't love the characters. But, it IS 40 years after A New Hope. And Humans don't live forever. The younger characters are being well developed in this series. I have seen reviews that complain about the little focus on the "main" characters, when, my hope is that they do get retired or phased out. Darth Vader plays an enormous role in the Star Wars galaxy, as it's HIS Legacy, really, that is the driving 'force' behind the franchise. Denning does a great job of playing with politics in this book, and keeping to the theme of the "quite" approach Sith now have. When Han/Leia/Luke/Mara etc/etc have gone, either through, dismemberment or just plain death (boring), or go into hiding somewhere, they'll still be tremendously influential, just like the "old" characters from my "childhood". It's time for a new generation.

Tempest is very well written........2007-05-10

Tempest, the 3rd book in a 5 part series is very well written. The plot flows evenly. The biggest complaint I have is that Luke, at least in this series seems to be "Lost in Space". He appears weak and ineffective and as "Grand Master" of the Jedi he is a collossal failure, his & Mara's failure to contain Jacen and bring Ben Skywalker back is Mind boggling. Are you telling me that the power that Luke and Mara have between them can't overcome Jacen is unfathomable. It almost appears that Luke is being marginalized or on the verge of being written out of existence. After all, HE IS the main character in Star Wars along with Han and Leia. The story line is good but I'd like to read more of Luke and for God's sake lets bring Lumiya out into the open so that we can hate her properly.

OK but not for the casual SW fan........2007-05-07

This book was fine, the writing was good, but to it felt like the plot was treading water in the middle. If you aren't really into the SW universe, this book might not be for you. There are a number of characters that the causal SW fan might not have come across in the book. The writing is good enough that you can go on reading without knowing their history, but they do complicate the enjoyment of the book for someone not immersed in the SW scene.

Plus, just a personal peeve, but I couldn't figure out who the woman on the cover was supposed to be.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant - but he already knew that
Insightful and Essential
Conceptually Brilliant
Very Revealing Expose of Present Day Government
Propaganda and the manufacture of consent!

Propaganda
Edward L. Bernays , and Mark Crispin Miller
Manufacturer: Ig Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Media Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Public Opinion
Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda
The Father of Spin: Edward L. Bernays and The Birth of Public Relations
Media Control, Second Edition: The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda (Open Media Series)

ASIN: 0970312598

Book Description

"Bernays' honest and practical manual provides much insight into some of the most powerful and influential institutions of contemporary industrial state capitalist democracies."-Noam Chomsky

"The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country."-Edward Bernays, Propaganda

A seminal and controversial figure in the history of political thought and public relations, Edward Bernays (1891Ã¢Â€Â“1995), pioneered the scientific technique of shaping and manipulating public opinion, which he famously dubbed "engineering of consent." During World War I, he was an integral part of the U.S. Committee on Public Information (CPI), a powerful propaganda apparatus that was mobilized to package, advertise and sell the war to the American people as one that would "Make the World Safe for Democracy." The CPI would become the blueprint in which marketing strategies for future wars would be based upon.

Bernays applied the techniques he had learned in the CPI and, incorporating some of the ideas of Walter Lipmann, became an outspoken proponent of propaganda as a tool for democratic and corporate manipulation of the population. His 1928 bombshell Propaganda lays out his eerily prescient vision for using propaganda to regiment the collective mind in a variety of areas, including government, politics, art, science and education. To read this book today is to frightfully comprehend what our contemporary institutions of government and business have become in regards to organized manipulation of the masses.

This is the first reprint of Propaganda in over 30 years and features an introduction by Mark Crispin Miller, author of The Bush Dyslexicon: Observations on a National Disorder.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant - but he already knew that.......2007-10-04

Edward bernays laying the groundwork for the control of population via descrete means. Enjoy BEING the product, TV watchers!

Insightful and Essential.......2007-01-30

A master of his craft, in "Propaganda" Edward Bernays splendidly advocates the art he defines as the "consistent, enduring effort to create or shape events to influence the relations of the public to an enterprise, idea or group." (p.52). Some may recoil from his assertions that propaganda is necessary to give order to a chaotic world and that in a democracy an intelligent minority must "regiment and guide the masses" ... "to clear understanding and intelligent action." (p.127 & 128)

As refreshing today as when he wrote eighty years ago, Bernays explains that, contrary to what many believe, propaganda is not confined to corporate advertising, but is indispensable to political parties, special interest groups, news media, and some government agencies. Indeed, today's global warming "crisis" would cease to exist without it.

Bernays declares propagandists should maintain certain principles including refusing clients believed to be dishonest, products that are fraudulent, and not engaging in deceit or outright lying. Though severely criticized for establishing the successful cigarette advertising campaigns for tobacco companies, he demonstrated his integrity by dropping the companies as clients when he became convinced of the strong association between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer. Unfortunately, many modern practitioners are not as scrupulous.

This concise book is compelling for those who dare to think on their own rather than being told by an elite few what to think and how to act.

Conceptually Brilliant.......2006-11-28

From the creator of public relations, Edward Bernays describes how he discovered to manipulate and engineer the consent of public opinion. This book is a conceptual model for governments, corporations, and lobbying firms to show the principles behind swaying public thought and opinion and controlling the masses. As the nephew of Sigmund Freud, Edward Bernays was able to learn from the master of psychoanalysis and through his many opportunities working for various of the United States largest corporations.
This book was incredibly useful and informational. I would recommend it to anyone interested in swaying opinion or being able to identify it in advertising, news, or public figures. Edward Bernays is the utmost authority on the subject so much so that even the Germans in the Nazi political party used this book to spread their policy beliefs. This book is still relevant today in a world of spin.
Edward Bernays runs through the psychology of developing public opinion and runs through several different areas where it could be applied from government to being implimented in the education system. Regardless of the brilliance this book contains, it still was written as though a lay-person was the intended audience. I would highly definitely recommend this book.

Very Revealing Expose of Present Day Government.......2006-11-04

This book clearly shows how those in power think of the every day citizen. Bernays provided a "peek" into the world of propaganda where what you eat, drink, watch, and drive is really managed to the extent that you do not really know what is going on. In additioin the attitudes that brought this about are clearly explained.

If you want a primmer on how the elite looks at you, check this out.

Propaganda and the manufacture of consent!.......2006-09-10

Bernays, the Guru of prapaganda who pioneered the technique of shaping and manipulating public opinion which he named "engineered consent," has written an iteresting book on this topic that might be worth reviewing. His book has superficially tackled the propaganda techniques, and gave the reader a taste of the mass manipulation machine.
However, I found the cover page to be the most profound and enlightening. It contains Bernays' views which reflect the reality and the condition of the masses or the bewildered herd (as called by Walter Lippmann, another propagandist), as well as the genuine elitist view on the stupidity of the people. Here are some examples from the cover page: "Only through the active energy of the intelligent few can the public at large become aware and act upon new ideas." "A presidential candidate may be drafted in response to overwhelming popular demand, but it is well known that his name may be decided upon by half a dozen men sitting around a table in a hotel room." "Democracy is administered by the intelligent minority who know how to regiment and guide the masses."
This book might be an eye opening reading for the oblivious person.

Average customer rating:

very enjoyable
the gift
Four-Year-Old's Dream
A book for hard core fans and anyone new to Star Wars
what every fan needs

The Ultimate Visual Guide to Star Wars
Ryder Windham
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
The Complete Locations of Star Wars: Inside the Worlds of the Entire Star Wars Saga
The New Essential Chronology to Star Wars
The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars, Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Complete Cross-Sections: The Spacecraft and Vehicles of the Entire Star Wars Saga

ASIN: 0756614201

Book Description

Providing fans and newcomers everything they need to know about the highest-grossing movie saga ever, this is the first-ever visual guide to the entire Star Wars franchise

Customer Reviews:

very enjoyable.......2007-08-16

bought this for my son. he is just crazy about star wars. he loves this book because of all the great pictures.

the gift.......2007-07-22

I bought this as a gift for my sister who is a major Star Wars fan and she absolutely loved it. It was in excellent condition when it arrived and t came on time.

Four-Year-Old's Dream.......2007-05-13

My four-year-old boy talks day and night about Star Wars, even though he's never seen the movies. With a few beginning-to-read books, and this great, comprehensive one, he is a true Star Wars geek (in a good way!). We first saw this book at the library, where my son's eyes just about popped out of his head. It's appropriate for any age, from child to adult, because the information is robust but broken down in small parts on each page, making it suitable for reading small chunks to a kid.

A book for hard core fans and anyone new to Star Wars.......2007-05-08

Some books just have an appealing to die hard fans of the Star Wars universe. If you are new, or happen to be a little overwhelmed; then this is for you! Great insight about places, characters, and a very neat time-line and map that illustrates where every planet is located. This is a formidable add to my collection. I liked how it covered events and characters from the expanded universe, since it gives you an idea about n how many events took place before and after episodes I-VI. The hard-cover depicting Lord Vader is second to none. This book is really a "must have".

May The Force be with us, all.

what every fan needs.......2007-05-07

This is a great source to just go over a timeline of the star wars galaxy span over 25,000 years worth of star wars history from the formation of the Republic to formation of the Galactic Alliance and everything inbetween

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books