A Comprehensive Guide to Star Wars Books: Canon and Legends Editions

Introduction to Star Wars Books

Star Wars, the iconic space opera franchise created by George Lucas, has inspired a vast and diverse array of written works over the years. From novels to comics, these books have helped cement the complex universe and characters beyond the films alone. This article will explore the extensive collection of Star Wars books, focusing on both the 'Canon' and 'Legends' editions.

Understanding the Canon and Legends Scales

The Star Wars universe now has two primary timelines: the 'Canon' and the 'Legends' editions. The 'Canon' timeline includes all officially published material approved by Lucas Films, starting from the 2014 release of 'A New Dawn.' In contrast, the 'Legends' timeline encompasses all previously published content that was not approved by Lucas Films, including everything before 2014.

Counting the Canon and Legends Books

It is estimated that over 400 officially-published Star Wars books exist. However, the number of canon and legends books has been fluctuating. According to recent counts, the Canon timeline, based on novels, includes about 154 George Lucas-approved novels that strictly adhere to his original rules. The Legends timeline, which is now largely considered outdated, consists of around 381 books, including all adult, young adult, ebooks, short story collections, and game books.

Counting the Canon Books

The current Canon includes nearly 86 officially published books. These books are consistently updated and revised to maintain continuity within the Star Wars universe. The detail and depth of these books provide a wealth of information about the backstories of beloved characters, the events leading up to pivotal moments in the films, and even new spin-off stories that explore the galaxy far, far away in new ways.

Why LEGENDS is Missing Some Books

One interesting observation is the omission of certain books from the LEGENDS list. For instance, the book “Queen’s Shadow,” which was initially classified as a Young Adult (YA) novel, was excluded. However, many fans, including avid collectors, feel that significant content in such books should be included in the LEGENDS timeline. This exclusion can be confusing, especially for fans who want a complete picture of the Star Wars story.

Accessing the Official List

To access the most up-to-date and detailed lists of both Canon and Legends books, fans can visit Wookieepedia (click here). This website offers a sortable list of all books, including options to filter based on type, publication date, and more. This resource is invaluable for both collectors and casual readers looking to explore the rich text-based universe of Star Wars.

Exploring the LEGENDS Books

For fans who have the opportunity to collect LEGENDS books, there is a treasure trove of interesting characters and stories. Books such as the Thrawn trilogy, the Talon Karrde series, and the Mara Jade and Mirax Terrik stories are particularly compelling. These books offer a deeper insight into the character development of long-beloved figures and introduce new characters that add depth to the galaxy far, far away.

Conclusion

Star Wars books have played a significant role in expanding the universe and providing fans with a wealth of stories and characters beyond the big and small screen. The distinction between canonical and legends books is crucial for understanding the ongoing development of the Star Wars narrative. Whether you are a dedicated fan collecting every book or simply someone interested in the expansive lore, the wealth of materials available ensures that there is always a new story to discover.