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Visual Feast Review by Toryn Farr |
Star Wars: Episode I - The Visual Dictionary
by Dr. David West Reynolds, Hans Jenssen (Illustrator), Richard Chasemore (Illustrator)
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I've read every book printed about Episode I, and I've reviewed most of them. I've seen the movie, as of this writing, 23 times. I tell you all this to let you know I've reached some sort of saturation point, I think, in my curiosity about all things The Phantom Menace.
Still, despite the cynical angel on my left shoulder whispering, "Too Much Information!" I am forced to admit I like this book. A lot.
First of all, it's visually stunning. How could it not be, when the movie itself was so rich with eye candy? The layout of colorful pictures against a white background surrounded by text of varying sizes reminds me of a toy catalog. The impression is of spaciousness, yet within these 64 pages the creators have packed an incredible amount of detailed information about Episode I. (Go to the trivia section at the end of this review for a challenge!)
Every one of the major characters gets one or two full pages of detailed explanation, while minor characters such as the podracers and galactic senators get at least a photo and a mention, if not a paragraph-long bio. Each page contains interesting factoids, background studies, technical specifications, and whimsy in in equal measure. This is the kind of book it's fun to keep on the coffee table and open at random.
Author David West Reynolds is a Ph.D. archaeologist and apparently a bit of a modern-day Indiana Jones, and he brings his considerable understanding of cultural artifacts to the task of documenting the cultures of that galaxy far, far away. The cover blurb says, "He approaches the world of Star Wars like ancient Rome or Egypt, considering it 'a culture from another time and place to explore.' " I find myself wondering if Reynolds hasn't done more than Lucas when it comes to manufacturing a cohesive backstory for Episode I.
In keeping with
the detail of the book, even the fine print of the acknowledgements contains some
interesting tidbits: " ... FBI Special Agent R. Matthew Bliss offered the benefit of
his expertise in refining the secret profile of Darth Maul, marking what was probably the
first time a U.S. federal agent has professionally explored the background of a Sith
Lord...."
Through T-Bone Fender's site, I contacted the DK distributor, Jorie, who is offering to sell us copies of the DK books (Incredible Cross Sections, Visual Dictionary, Sticker Books) at a considerable discount. Email her if you're interested. My "Episode I - The Visual Dictionary" from her came with a fold-out poster of a Battle Droid, which I don't think you get if you buy from a bookstore. Or, you can click here to buy this book at Amazon.com.
One comment from Jorie that I'd like to pass along, just FYI: "I can tell you that DK has a seven year contract to produce 20 books, so there are plenty more on the way. :) They also publish another 2500 titles for children and adults. Everything they publish I sell for at least 15% off retail and sometimes more, and shipping is free. (For example, this month [August] I can discount titles 40% off due to price breaks I'm getting.)"
TRIVIA from the Visual Dictionary:
Answers are in white text - highlight
the screen with your mouse to see if your guess was correct!!
Q. Which species' young are raised as grubs until the age of seven, kept in communal hives and given limited amounts of food to promote acquisitiveness, greed, and fear of death?
A. Neimoidians
Q. How old is Yaddle?
A.. 477
Q. Besides blaster bolts, what else does a Security S-5 blaster gun (used by Naboo Royal Palace Guard) fire?
A. Harmless sting charges, anaesthetic microdarts, and a liquid cable with grappling hook.
Q. Approximately how many Jedi are on Coruscant at the time of Episode I?
A. 10,000
Q. How many times had Amidala met Palpatine before she came to Coruscant?
A. Once, at her coronation.
Q. What fortune-telling token is used in a game played by Mos Espa children?
A. Eyes of Mesra
Q. This Jedi Council member's complex binary brain is supported by a second heart.
A. Ki-Adi-Mundi
Q. What are the Battle Droids' faces designed to resemble?
A. The look of a withered Neimoidian skull
Q. The Gungan Grand Army consists mostly of these part-time soldiers.
A. Militiagungs
Q. What's the name of the shopkeeper who asks Jar Jar to pay for his amphibian snack?
A. Gragra
Q. Which royal handmaiden is an expert in protocol?
A. Eirtae
Q. What murderous, chitinous race created the droidekas?
A. Colicoids
Q. Describe two of Jar Jar's "itty bitty accidenties."
A. He flooded Boss Nass's mansion and several adjoining bubbles while serving as a waiter at a high-class party; he accidentally opened half the Otoh Gunga Zoo bubbles
(Toryn
Farr knew everything about Star Wars back in 1977 thanks to Starlog Magazine.
She's been trying to keep her know-it-all reputation ever since. During the 90 minutes per
day her three-year-old is napping, Toryn attempts to run an internet design business and