Between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the galaxy was plunged into the shadows . . . STAR WARS(c) : SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE v The minds behind the Star Wars galaxy have created a phenomenon of epic proportions, designed to unfold in nearly every medium at their disposal. This intensely researched volume guides you through this Star Wars event--as its creators reveal the secrets behind the multimedia release of the year. The tendrils of this dark drama will reach throughout the Star Wars galaxy: --The evil crimelord Xizor challenges the power of Darth Vader in an exciting new novel of Imperial intrigue. --Leia, Lando, and Dash Rendar launch an all-out attempt to rescue Han Solo in a state-of-the-art Nintendo video game. --Xizor's agents search the galaxy for Luke Skywalker in the taut comic book mini-series. Their mission: kill the son of Vader. --The secrets of the Imperial homeworld are revealed in brilliantly painted trading cards. --A fully orchestrated soundtrack and exciting new Star Wars action figures embellish the adventure. STAR WARS: THE SECRETS OF SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE provides the official guide to the heroes, the villains, and all the major combatants. When this war is over, only one will control the Empire's violent underworld. . . .

The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

Humor & Entertainment

Vaz, Mark

Movies

LucasBooks

For more than twenty-five years, the visual brilliance of the Star Wars films has captivated audiences far and wide. From lush words to intricate landscapes, from lavish costumes to amazing creatures, the Star Wars design artists have pioneered the technological revolution, while never surrendering the dazzling sense of wonder. Filled with stunning examples of beautiful, never-before-seen movie artwork, The Art of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones takes us through an takes us through an incredible gallery of astonishing images. As an added bonus, this volume features the exclusive illustrated screenplay, as well as: • More than 500 extraordinary illustrations—including sketches, costume designs, set pieces, models, and brilliant full-color paintings • An in-depth look at the amazing new creatures introduced in Episode II • Fascinating behind-the-scenes accounts and anecdotes related by the artists themselves • Magnificent visuals of exotic new planets, exciting new spacecraft, and dramatic new characters such as Jango Fett, Count Dooku, and Jedi Luminara Unduli • Thrilling movie poster art art created especially for Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones Experience the Lucasfilm magic with visuals more striking than ever before, and become one of the first to witness the worlds and the wizardry of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. From the Hardcover edition.

The Art of Star Wars, Episode II - Attack of the Clones

An all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the amazing Hollywood blockbuster In 1962, when Spider-Man first appeared in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15, the response was so electrifying the web-spinner was given his very own comic book series within a year. Now, on the 40th anniversary of that fateful beginning, Marvel Comics’ most popular superhero stars in his own spectacular feature film! Here for the first time all the juicy details of Spider-Man’s journey to the silver screen are revealed. From script to soundstage, from costumes to visual effects, the book captures the creative energies of those responsible for this supreme act of illusion. Behind the Mask of Spider-Man features: • Hundreds of never-before-seen photos, costume sketches, storyboards, and set design illustrations • Candid reflections and delicious anecdotes from cast members, including Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, and Kirsten Dunst • Fascinating revelations from director Sam Raimi (The Gift, Evil Dead, For Love of the Game) on how he sought to capture the outcast hero who is the essence of Spider-Man • The magic behind the film’s dazzling visual effects and digital wizardry • Scenes that never made it into the movie A movie like this comes along once in a lifetime–a story of good and evil, love and cruelty, awesome powers that become both blessing and curse . . . It is the marvelous story of Spider-Man. Go for the ultimate spin at www.sony.com/spiderman

Behind the Mask of Spider-Man: The Secrets of the Movie

Literature & Fiction

Contemporary

Del Rey

The Spider-Man 2 Dream Machine—from original idea to final cut— unmasking the creative genius at work in the blockbuster movie The epic adventure of one of the greatest superheroes of all time explodes on the silver screen as never before. Now, in this captivating journey behind the scenes and into the imagination, fans can discover how the myth and magic became real in Spider-Man 2, as they plunge deeper into Spider-Man’s world to meet the characters, explore the environments, and follow the storyline in a stunning visual journey. Packed with hundreds of amazing production illustrations, prepared by many of the most talented illustrators in Hollywood, Caught in the Web features • Original sketches, artwork, and doodles that became the inspirations for characters, sets, and computer–generated imagery • Climactic scenes from the movie as they first appeared in conceptual art • Design work used to develop costumes and visual effects—as well as blueprints and architectural drafts used in the construction of both physical and virtual environments • Unique insights into the genesis of Doc Ock—revealing how he evolved from his comic-book origins • An intimate behind-the-scenes look at the full creative process for Spider-Man 2 Enter the amazing realm where dreams come true and discover how the epic adventure was created as you immerse yourself in the action and atmosphere of Spider-Man 2, from the first rough sketches to the final on-screen adventure.

Caught in the Web: Dreaming Up the World of Spider-Man 2

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

Explorer, war hero, filmmaker, and cinema pioneer Merian C. Cooper–the adventurer who created King Kong–was truly larger than life. “Pictures cannot be made from an executive’s desk,” “Coop” declared, and he did more than talk the talk–he walked the walk to the far corners of the globe, with a motion picture camera in tow, in an era when those corners were truly unknown, untamed, and unforgiving. Cooper’s place in history is assured, thanks not only to the monstrous gorilla from Skull Island but because the story of Kong’s creator is even bigger and bolder than the beast he made into a cultural icon. Spellbound since boyhood by tales of life-threatening adventure and exotic locales, Cooper plunged again and again into harrowing expeditions that took him to places not yet civilized by modern man. Cooper was one of the first bomber pilots in World War I. After the war, he helped form the famous Kosciuszko Squadron in battle-torn Poland. He then turned his attention to producing documentary films that chronicled his hair-raising encounters with savage warriors, man-eating tigers, nomadic tribes, and elephant stampedes. In addition to producing King Kong, he was the first to team Fred Astaire with Ginger Rogers, arranged Katharine Hepburn’s screen test, collaborated with John Ford on Hollywood’s greatest Westerns, and then changed the face of film forever with Cinerama, the original “virtual reality.” He returned to military service during World War II, serving with General Claire Chennault in China, flying missions into the heart of enemy territory. This book is a stunning tribute to a two-fisted visionary who packed a multitude of lifetimes into eighty remarkable years. The first comprehensive biography of this unique man and his amazing time, it’s the tale of someone whose greatest desire was always to be living dangerously.

Living Dangerously: The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong

Biographies & Memoirs

Arts & Literature

Villard