Star Wars: Attack of the Clones - The Visual Dictionary

Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary #3

by David West Reynolds

The Barnes & Noble Review
One of the coolest things about George Lucas's Star Wars saga is the detail he puts into each character and piece of equipment, whether it's a major Jedi master like Yoda or the small tone activator in a Kaminoan Doorbell. To coincide with the second installment of the prequels, DK and Lucas Books combined into one book Episode II's heroes, villains, strange creatures, battle equipment, and more, providing fans of the space epic with an excellent, comprehensive reference tool for their Star Wars collections.

Whatever you may be looking for, it's in here. Each engrossing spread includes a major subject and subheadings, giant and small color photos, name labels, descriptive characteristics, and background. Obi-Wan Kenobi's feature, for example, shows him in combat stance, along with details of his role in Episode II, explanations of his clothing and lightsaber, the objects he takes with him in the field, his fighting style as a Jedi Knight, and scenes from the film. Other glossy spreads include Anakin Skywalker, Zam Wesell, Tusken Raiders, and Trade Federation Battle Droids. Data File boxes are also given throughout the book, providing readers with extra tidbits of juicy information.

This glossy book should send Stars Wars fanatics of all ages through the roof. It literally gets into the nuts and bolts of the film, giving answers to questions they may not have even dreamed up. And for regular moviegoers interested in appreciating the thought Lucas puts into his films, The Visual Dictionary is a definite eye-opener.

Among other things, it'll help you recognize that nasty-looking chap in the Outlander Nightclub, in case you ever wander in. (Matt Warner)

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Reference, Media Tie In, Art, Science Fiction Fantasy, Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2002

About the author

Dr. David West Reynolds earned his Ph.D. in archeology at the University of Michigan. A lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and author of scientific archeological publications, Reynolds has also written X-Wing: A Pocket Manual, Tie Fighter: A Pocket Manual, and various Star Wars articles. He approaches the world of Star Wars like ancient Rome or Egypt, considering it a culture from another time and place to explore. Reynolds lives in Marin County, California.

Reviews

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great resource and incredible pictorial incite into Episode II.

All these 5 star encyclopedic books are going to skew my ratings. Good thing no one really cares or looks except me! I'd like to say this will be my last Star Wars book but...not likely. I have decided not to rate the 17 DK readers we have read this week though. Phew!

[Jedi Sunni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accomplished exactly what it set out to do. To give novice insight on the world of star wars as well as entertain the die hard fan. I happen to be a die hard fan and I was greatly entertained. This book went into great detail about episode 2 and did so in only 64 pages. The pictures were a great bonus which have allowed I myself to learn new facts. I would recommend this book to anyone fan or not.

[Foppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool details and facts about episode 2

[S. J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it has been a number of years since I last looked through this book, I remember it fondly. I love learning about movie making, costumes, and props and this book is perfect for anyone with an interest in that and the Star Wars movies. I didn't even particularly like the movie, but looking at the detailed pictures of the various bits that made it up were very interesting. My favorite part was the detailed pictures of all of Padme's clothes. I loved her outfits and being able to see the bead work, embroidery, and meticulous work that went into them was amazing.

[Elwin Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Amazing." - 5 out of 5 star rating.

These are so much fun, I bought all the core movie editions of these - Episodes 1 through 9.

Best part about these is I have actively made an effort to go through these with my kids (4 and 2 at the time of this review) who are really enjoying the journey with Dad.

Looks like there are more editions for Solo, Rogue One, and even The Clone Wars Animated TV Show. Yeah... probably going to pick those up too eventually.

Really looking forward to Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith next.

[Kristina Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite reference book for Star Wars

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty standard visual dictionary. As a teen, I was obsessed with the lightsaber combat pages - probably the main reason I've kept this book.

[J.S. Milik · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as Star Wars books are concerned, this one is one of the best. Full pictures with great descriptions. Lots of details. Learn about what a Jedi is, and the details on how they fight, and much much more.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Review from 2024)

To a young Star Wars fans in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Visual Dictionaries and Incredible Cross section books were fantastic. The former gave you all the cool in-universe details about the main characters and their costumes/props and made background characters feel all the more real now that you were getting more details about them. The later just made those wonderful vehicles feel all the more real and you imagine them being real and pilotable because of the fantastical engineering inside.

It didn't matter if it was in-universe details that most audiences would care about, they were just fun books to expand on the movies.

The Attack of the Clones (which in hindsight is my least favorite Star Wars movie) particularly struck a chord with my 9 year old self due to having all the details about Jango Fett and the Clone Troopers, both which really wowed me and started my life long love for all Star Wars things Mandalorian and Clone related.

[Isdlions]

If you dont know so much about STAR WARS this book givs you a good feeling about what STAR WARS is like. It has characters and places about STAR WARS:II. It is a good book that is full of imformation.
From: Jimy

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reference to Episode II!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a book that is a descriptive resource of information about the people, characters, cultures, and creatures of the worlds of Star Wars.

[Garrison Alacritous-doom]

Dope