The Essential Reader's Companion is an upcoming third-generation Essential Guide^[4] written by Pablo Hidalgo, and published by Del Rey. In July 2010, Sue Rostoni posted an updated publishing calendar with this book having been pushed back to March 20, 2012.^[1] In December 2011, the book was mentioned to be pushed back again to a release date of August 21, 2012.^[5] On March 19, it was announced on Facebook that the release date was moved back to October 2 for the art team to finish more paintings.^[6]

At Celebration V it was announced the book would contain summaries of all novels, young readers books, and novellas, listed chronologically by their in-universe setting, as well as behind-the-scenes information and brand-new illustrations, specifically the long-awaited picture of Cal Omas.

Contents 1 Publisher's summary 2 Cover gallery 3 Notes and references 3.1 In other languages

Publisher's summaryEdit

THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON STAR WARS FICTION

The legendary motion picture Star Wars: A New Hope has spawned five big-screen sequels—and decades of bestselling fiction. From the original movie tie-in novel through the monumental Fate of the Jedi series, legions of devoted readers have helped expand science fiction’s most celebrated film saga into a page-turning print sensation. Now, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of these sweeping Star Wars adventures is presented in one beautifully illustrated volume.

Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion spans the entire galaxy of published Star Wars fiction—movie novelizations, original stand alone and series novels, short stories, eBook novellas, young adult titles, and comics—and features

• A concise synopsis of each story, including key characters and planets
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes facts and anecdotes about authors, plot and character development, continuity notes, and significance in the Star Wars Expanded Universe
• Details on which novels are linked to Star Wars comic books from Dark Horse and Marvel
• A chronological listing of titles, spanning the 25,000-year history of the Star Wars universe and placing each story in its proper context
• More than one hundred full-color original paintings throughout by some of fans’ favorite artists

Whether skimming through fateful eras from the Old Republic to the New Jedi Order; delving deep into the ancient history of the Lost Tribe of the Sith or the tumultuous Clone Wars; crossing paths—and lightsabers—with Dark Lords such as Plagueis or Bane, Sidious or Vader; helming the Millennium Falcon with Han Solo; or mastering the Force with Luke Skywalker, this one-of-a-kind, one-stop reference is a must for fans looking to maximize their knowledge of the sprawling Star Wars Expanded Universe.

Cover galleryEdit

Notes and referencesEdit

Essential Guides
First generation Characters · Vehicles and Vessels · Weapons and Technology · Planets and Moons · Droids · Chronology · Alien Species · Episode I (canceled) Second generation New Characters · New Vehicles and Vessels · New Weapons and Technology · New Chronology · New Droids · New Alien Species Third generation The Force · Atlas · Warfare · Reader's Companion · Untitled updated Essential Guide to Characters
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