The Star Wars Archives 1977-83 Taschen 40th Edition Review

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The Star Wars Archives 1977-83 by Paul Duncan (Taschen)

Like me you may have had book envy over The Star Wars Archives 1977-83 since it’s release in 2018 but not been able to justify the cost. So imagine my delight when I stumbled across this smaller version in my local bookshop when we came out of lockdown.

The Taschen 40th Anniversary edition was published in February this year and costs just twenty pounds, but how does it compare to the original XL version? Where the original is 33 x 48cm and 620 pages, this new edition is 22 x 16cm and 512 pages, so what is missing I hear you cry? Well according Paul Duncan himself, the opening chapter about George Lucas early life has been condensed and added to the Episode IV chapter, some appendices were removed and there are only around 500 images compared to 1,200 in the original. 

I say only, but the number and breadth of color plates is stunning, from Ralph McQuarrie concept art and design sketches by the costume and prop departments, to behind-the-scenes photography and shots from the finished film. The book is well organised and engaging using the author’s conversations with many of those involved with making the movies, but primarily with George Lucas. These insights from the maker himself are what really set the book apart and there are many an inspiring quote I could include in this review, but I shall limit myself to just the one;

“Star Wars is broken down to be that simple. I embroider it into other things, but ultimately it’s about selflessness versus selfishness - the two sides - and we’re all born  with both. We have the power to choose between them.”



There are also excerpts from early drafts which are fascinating to see how radically different some ideas were as well as how some ideas were used in later films, these are accompanied with concept art, notes and commentary as to why these decisions were made and George’s process.

As the owner of many an art book, I am really surprised at how cheaply Taschen were able to sell this tome for, £20 is frankly a bargain. It is a beautiful book put together with great care by Paul Duncan, a treasure trove that would grace the collection of any Star Wars fan, I know I’ll be referring to it for years to come.


🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 / 5


Jonny O


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