Originally published on January 2011.

It seems that there are almost as many books coming out every month as there are action figures, and while not all are winners, there are some that are essential to every Star Wars collection. This edition of eBay Today looks at some of the best out of print books you can't live without.

The Cinema Of George Lucas by Marcus Hearn

If you have clicked through to check this edition of eBay Today, there is only one person responsible for it, and I'm not talking about you, me as the writer, or even Philip Wise as the gracious host that gives us all a place to totally geek out on Star Wars. No, the man who is responsible for you reading this edition of eBay Today is George Lucas, and The Cinema Of George Lucas by Marcus Hearn, released on March 1, 2005, gives you an excellent look at the life and cinematic work of the man that has influenced us all more profoundly than anyone else. This book takes us beyond Star Wars and focuses on all aspects of Lucas as a cinematic artist, visionary creator, industry leader, prolific writer, and an influence to millions.


Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine edited by Kevin S. Decker and Jason T. Eberl

Released on March 10, 2005, Kevin S. Decker and Jason T. Eberl's Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine is probably my favourite book about A Galaxy Far, Far Away. What we have here is essentially character analyzations on a psychological level. You will never find a more interesting read on character motivation than this book. In the last five years, I've read it four times and marvel how much it reflects my own thoughts on the Star Wars Saga. It's like a concentrated version of The Force Cast in many ways. The chapter that discusses how Lando Calrissian is the most human and ultimately conflicted character in the six films will leave you rethinking the Saga altogether. A must have for the Star Wars fan that asks himself/herself "What was going through Vader's head when Luke said 'my father is truly dead'". If there is only one out of print Star Wars book you need to add to your library this year, Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful Than You Can Possibly Imagine is the only choice you have!


Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays by Laurent Bouzereau

Do you remember Pop Up Video? Laurent Bouzereau's Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays is kind of like that, but it only talks about stuff you want to know. Released on September 8, 1997, this is a perfect Water Closet book. Leave it sitting on the back of you toilet and eventually you'll get through it. Your significant other may wonder why you are suddenly dedicating more of your time pinch-hitting for Kurt Bevacqua, but those in the know will touch their nose and wink their eye, because they are doing (or have done) the same themselves.

On a side note, some authors and editors may think "toilet book" is an offensive term, but really, what a perfect time to focus on nothing but Star Wars? Tell me I'm wrong.


Heir To The Empire by Timothy Zahn

Anyone that knows me personally, or has really read into my editorial writing, is probably doing a double take at me including Timothy Zahn's Heir To The Empire books in the eBay Today: Essential Out Of Print Books Volume 1 column, but whether you care for the Expanded Universe or not, this three book series deserves your respect.

I'd be lying to say I care for Zahn's story. I don't. It is well written, but the notion of force repelling tree snakes and Luke using his mechanical hand to short circuit a door when Artoo-Detoo is locked up in the room next to him seems to contradict everything I had loved about the Star Wars films. That being said -if only in defence of my unwavering detest for the EU- the first book of Zahn's story, when released in June of 1991 was the first light seen in the tunnel that was the first, and hopefully only, dark age of Star Wars. As anyone from the original Star Wars Generation can tell you, the years between 1985-1991 were a horrible era to carry a torch for The Force.


Splinter Of The Mind's Eye by Alan Dean Foster

Before we spend more time talking about the Dark Age of Star Wars let us first look at Alan Dean Foster's 1978 novel Splinter Of The Mind's Eye. In all honesty I can't remember the story at all, but it was the first Expanded Universe novel ever released, and if EU is your jag, you absolutely need to have this book in your library. 'Nuff said.


Star Wars: From Concept to Screen to Collectible by Stephen J. Sansweet

OK, back to the Dark Age of Star Wars. Beyond Zahn's Heir To the Empire there were two pieces of literature that illuminated everything for the original Star Wars Generation more than any other. We're only going to discuss one of them in this edition however, and that's just fine, because it was a massive influence to many collectors, and in a lot of ways may be the core reason so many of us own so much Star Wars stuff. I bought Star Wars: From Concept to Screen to Collectible when it came out in 1992, and it was a revelation. Never had a book said to me "You are not alone" more that this one.

When I first met Steve in 2001, we were quick to become friends, and I still recall fondly going toy hunting with him for the first time and chuckling at the cash register that 'I'm toy hunting with Steve Sansweet', to which he promptly replied, erm... Actually I can't publish what he said, but rest assured it put a sideways smile (à la Anakin in Attack Of The Clones when Padmé told him he'd have to follow her to Geonosis in order to protect her). Regardless, it was a moment for me.

This book was written in a more innocent time, and drips with passion and love for Star Wars. If you don't have it, you need it.


Dressing A Galaxy: The Costumes Of Star Wars by Trisha Biggar

Whether you like the first three (chronological) Star Wars or not, you have to respect the amazing costume designs in the three films. Trisha Biggar's Dressing A Galaxy: The Costumes Of Star Wars, released on October 1, 2005, is an absolutely incredible resource. If you don't believe that costume design is an artform unto itself, you clearly haven't flipped through this awesome book. While it isn't quite as in depth as some of us would like, it is a very major achievement and is well worth having.


Sculpting A Galaxy: Inside The Star Wars Model Shop by Lorne Peterson

Following Dressing A Galaxy: The Costumes Of Star Wars, Lorne Peterson's Sculpting A Galaxy: Inside The Star Wars Model Shop looks at the artistry often overlooked by the casual filmgoer. This book, released on November 14, 2006, truly defines the artistry of all things not actors in the Star Wars Saga. This is a book that would be spoiled to go into details, so let us all simply agree that you need to own it.


Star Wars Chronicles Volume 1 by Deborah Fine and Aeon Inc.

Released in February 1, 1997, Deborah Fine's Star Wars Chronicles Volume 1 was our first legitimate (and heavy) Star Wars reference book, and after thirteen years of reference material, it is still in a league of its own. This book provides so much visual information that it takes many reads to fully appreciate. From rare on set photography previously unreleased to guides that illustrate ship scale, Star Wars Chronicles Volume 1 is an incredible place to drool over the many discernible treasures of The Original Trilogy.


Star Wars Vintage Action Figures by John Kellerman

The last book we're going to look at in this edition of eBay Today is John Kellerman's Star Wars Vintage Action Figures book. This coffee table book looks at, and visually confirms, most of the packaging variations in Kenner's vintage Star Wars collection. Even though we know that Kellerman is hard at work at a second edition of this book, the first is almost as hard to come by as some of the toys it spotlights. Whether you are a die-hard vintage collector or not, this book is a must have for action figure collectors.