Book Description
Office Space, the universally laugh-out-loud movie that pokes fun at the everyday monotony and pointlessness of modern office life, has become a cult classic among viewers. More than 5 million DVD and VHS copies of Office Space have shipped, and a new special DVD edition was just released in November of 2005. Now, for the first time ever, comes the official Office Space Kit that gives you everything you need to survive Mondays in the cubicle. The perfect gift for anyone and everyone who breaks into a sweat just thinking about their job, The Office Space Kit is for all the minions out there whose TPS reports just aren't cutting it. Includes the office accessories featured in the movie:
Milton's Red Stapler
Lumbergh's Initech Mug
"Is this Good for the Company?" Sign
Starter "Flair"
"PC Load Letter" Copy Machine Sticker
Your Very Own "Jump To Conclusions" Mat
A Humorous 32-Page Book (Complete with TPS Report Covers)
Office Space TM & c 1999, 2006 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Reviews:
HUMOROUS GIFT.......2007-08-27
I WAS WANTING TO GET MY BOYFRIEND WHO HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR A NICE JUST BECAUSE GIFT. THIS WAS PERFECT BECAUSE IT MATCHES HIS PERSONALITY WELL AND IT DOESNT OVER DO IT. JUST THE RIGHT SIZE AND PRICE!
What a Great Gift!.......2007-08-01
I gave this kit to my father for father's day. He absolutly l-o-v-e-s it! He's already using the coffee mug, and has allready thought about hanging up the banner on the wall in the dinning room. I'm always using the red stapler, and i love the jump to conclusions mat. My father loves the movie OfficeSpace, which is why this is such a great gift for any OfficeSpace lover!
-!!!Go Milton!!!-
Clever and fun gift for Office Space movie lovers.......2007-07-29
I received this as a gift and later bought one for my organizational leadership professors at Chapman University. She loved it! The only iffy item is the mini stapler. I'd have paid a few bucks more for a full size such as the one in the movie. Everything else is first rate. Anyone who has seen the movie can appreciate the humor of this item. It's really a treat to find something so clever and fun.
Poor quality.......2007-07-16
First of all the box came in ripped and most of the items inside were not up to par of what I thought it would entail. I love this movie and thought it'd be a great gift idea. Was not impressed.....
The Red Stapler.......2007-06-01
Well, my daughter laughed her backside off on the kit; however since I had never seen the movie, I did not connect all of that stuff until I watche the movie I purchased. Then, I got it. Once I watched the movie, I opened the kit and found a puny little red stapler. Although,,,,,,,, I was not deterred, I would use it anyway. But the stapler would not open at all to place the staples in it. Therefore the score of 2. I would return the item, but it seems to be a futile attempt with postage and handling charges both ways. I'll just put it up in my hooch and try to give it away 'as is.' Otherwise, it does have short term entertainment value for an "Office Party" movie night.
Book Description
The epic tale of an ancient, unsolved puzzle and how it relates to all scientific attempts to explain the basic structure of the universe
At the dawn of science the ancient Greek philosopher Zeno formulated his paradox of motion, and amazingly, it is still on the cutting edge of all investigations into the fabric of reality.
Zeno used logic to argue that motion is impossible, and at the heart of his maddening puzzle is the nature of space and time. Is space-time continuous or broken up like a string of beads? Over the past two millennia, many of our greatest minds—including Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and other current theoreticians—have been gripped by the mystery this puzzle represents.
Joseph Mazur, acclaimed author of Euclid in the Rainforest, shows how historic breakthroughs in our understanding of motion shed light on Zeno's paradox. The orbits of the planets were explained, the laws of motion were revealed, the theory of relativity was discovered—but the basic structure of time and space remained elusive.
In the tradition of Fermat's Enigma and Zero, The Motion Paradox is a lively history of this apparently simple puzzle whose solution—if indeed it can be solved—will reveal nothing less than the fundamental nature of reality.
Customer Reviews:
Metaphysics of Being.......2007-08-31
The motion paradox is one of the most important books that you could ever read. After 2500 years of scientific development we still can not understand or quantify an indivisible moment in time. Mathematics tells us that a finite set encloses an infinite series and this creates one of the greatest paradoxes ever conceived of by man.
[...].
Why the Universe is Exceedingly Strange.......2007-08-30
Modern physics often reads like the ravings of a deluded crank, yet much of the paradox and counter-intuitive ramblings seems to be the way the universe works. For example while string theory is mind-bogglingly bizarre, one is drawn to the conclusion that it, or something akin to it, is probably true at some ultra-micro level.
"The Motion Paradox" discusses many of these issues, based on the Greek philosopher Zeno's ideas of 2500 years ago. Now the Achilles and the tortoise paradox has been simply solved with modern algebra, but the other paradoxes, although seemingly silly, are not so easily solved. As Joseph Mazur points out in this book, they are not quite as silly on close examination as one would suppose. Why does an arrow appear to have a smooth motion? Why do some calculations approach a limit, like Achilles approaching the tortoise, yet never seem to reach it? In fact as the matter-energy, motion-rest, time-space, microscopic-macroscopic and other paired concepts about our universe are examined closely, the solid world around us seems to disappear leaving us with a very Hindu or Buddhist sounding concept that all is illusion!
This is a very interesting book from a number of standpoints. I dropped it a star because there are parts that I think could have been more clearly written, but overall the author got most of his points across. The upshot is that we live in a very strange planet in a very strange universe and we may never really grasp exactly how very strange this "reality" really is!
unsatisfying.......2007-08-20
I had high hopes for this book, but I feel like the author has let me down.
My principal complaint with the book is akin to the complaint about the three statisticians who go hunting- one shoots high, the other shoots low, and the third yells "we got it!" Mazur looks at the world through a mathematicians eyes, and misses the forest for the trees. He is attempting to summarize his thoughts on the physical ramifications for the philosophy and math behind Zeno's paradox, completely ignoring the fact that one can pit Achilles and the tortoise in a race and observe Achilles' win. Were he to attempt to focus on this goal, even if he had to do so ironically by halves, he would have a better chance of leaving solid concepts in the reader's mind. Rather, he fills the reader with a hocus-pocus level of wonder, marveling at the impossibility of motion and it all. One can open their eyes, and, like a child, exclaim, "yet it moves!", and not be mystified at all. Is Mazur trying to make the reader feel inferior?
For example, he spends a certain amount of time at the end of the book marveling at the persistance of vision, wondering if our eyesight averages discrete images into a false perception of continuous motion, what if our vision were that of a strobe camera and the universe were continuous, would our vision be different? This is interesting, and the sense of wonder seems genuine; but there is a physical explanation for the persistance of vision, in that eyesight is a chemical phenomemon and as the chemical reactions become saturated, there is a natural decay required before a new image might render fully. Indeed, he completely ignores wondering about two images (such as the bird and the cage) when flipped at high speed, seem to merge into one bird in a cage. He is restricted into a highly constructed narrative, saying, "follow me along this path", to his conclusion, ignoring that the educated reader is constatly going to say "but... what about..", and be left either lost and frustrated, or dumbly following as if in a boring guided tour. Either way, the reader will not feel better about themselves at the end of the tour.
More troublingly, there are extensive unmentioned mathmatical insights that he completely overlooks, when as a mathematician, he should be at least mentioning them. For example, Hilbert's Grand Hotel paradox seems worth at least a brief mention as belonging in the same class, and yet despite three references to David Hilbert in the index, no hint is given. If Zeno's paradoxes are the root puzzle, as the cover suggests, of "all the mysteries of time and space"- then why does he not spend more time giving concrete examples of how that is? Clearly, Zeno's paradox seems to be at the root of calculus, which is extremely relevant for mathematics, but he fails to convey sufficiently how and what that means for real world problems. That there is and has always been a deep divide between pure applied math, and practically applied science, is glossed over. If he is saying, "math is the root of all science", he does not bravely say so. Many people can do science without math, and as such the physical scientist in me is unimpressed with his tack.
More minor peccadilloes: This book was not carefully edited, and the hardcover edition contains many typos, sometimes distractingly so. It is also useless as a reference book. The style and subject matter does not leave the reader more educated- rather it is written in a mystical style which doesn't clearly open or close its subjects, and smacks of a Whig history of Zeno's paradox. When you separate out his whiggish narration, you quickly begin to realize that this book isn't really saying anything. He leaves you not much more significantly educated than many putative purchasers of this book, and as such, you'd be better off saving the money. If it's not educating, it should be entertaining, but he fails on this as well. It does not have well drawn characters, and except for the first few pages, we get no sense of struggle or personality. In fact, reading the first few pages as an excerpt clearly leaves you feeling like it's going to be a more interesting book- for example, how has Zeno's paradox been a personal struggle for the author? But instead, it falls flat. It is a dry retelling of history, and I feel cheated by having wasted my time reading it.
Fascinating and thought-provoking!.......2007-07-26
The Motion Paradox is a fascinating mix of science, math, and philosophy that draws the reader deeper and deeper into one of the most interesting puzzles of all time. Mazur's prose is joyfully thought-provoking and is not distracted by unnecessary mathematical equations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book -- Mazur's best to date!
Excellent but for mathematically oriented reader a little bit frustrating.......2007-07-19
This is an excellent account of the development of the ideas around an intriguing question (zeno's paradox) through two and a half millenia of the history of mathematics and physics. In fact this paradox is ultimately related to the problem of the link between discrete and continuous in the linear number system (real line). If one digs deep enough, one can find also links to famous paradoxes of twentieth century mathematics (for example the banach-tarsky paradox or the paradox of the "pea and the sun"). Unfortunately the author overlooks these issues which have caused virulent debates between best mathematicians of the history (supporters of cantor's ideas against his adversaries). The author follows scupulously the maxim that every mathematical formula divides by two the number of peaple who will read the book, so he forbids himself of introducing any formula. I think in many places, mathematical formulation is much clearer than a long text (it could at least be presented as notes).
Amazon.com
Richard Feynman, the rock star of theoretical physics, has left an image that belies his nerdy side. Not many bongo-playing surfer beatniks would have spent hours of their spare time proving Newton's law of elliptical planetary motion using only plane geometry. But Feynman's Lost Lecture: The Motion of Planets Around the Sun shows that the great man did just that. Originally delivered to an introductory physics class at Caltech in 1963, this 76-minute CD and book set contains everything the math-savvy listener needs to savor the pleasures of applied math. Caltech physicist David L. Goodstein and archivist Judith R. Goodstein found the notes and tape amid another professor's papers and set to work making sense of them; unfortunately, photographs of the blackboard drawings didn't survive. The book briefly covers their find and recovery work, then presents the proof as reconstructed--crucial reading if one is to follow the lecture. There's nothing easy about it, as Feynman acknowledges in the lecture:
I am going to give what I will call an elementary demonstration. "Elementary" means that very little is required to know ahead of time in order to understand it, except to have an infinite amount of intelligence.
He means, instead, that he is strictly using geometrical methods to reach his destination, which explains why it was so difficult to reconstruct without his diagrams. His charming Brooklyn accent and good humor show through in this lecture, even if the material is quite a bit drier than his fans might expect. Still, those interested in adding a new dimension to their understanding of this brilliant scientist--and those with a deep interest in Newtonian physics--will find The Motion of Planets Around the Sun a rare and unexpected treat. --Rob Lightner
Book Description
Rescued from obscurity, Feynman's Lost Lecture is a blessing for all Feynman followers. Most know Richard Feynman for the hilarious anecdotes and exploits in his best-selling books "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" and "What Do You Care What Other People Think?" But not always obvious in those stories was his brilliance as a pure scientist--one of the century's greatest physicists. With this book and CD, we hear the voice of the great Feynman in all his ingenuity, insight, and acumen for argument. This breathtaking lecture--"The Motion of the Planets Around the Sun"--uses nothing more advanced than high-school geometry to explain why the planets orbit the sun elliptically rather than in perfect circles, and conclusively demonstrates the astonishing fact that has mystified and intrigued thinkers since Newton: Nature obeys mathematics.
David and Judith Goodstein give us a beautifully written short memoir of life with Feynman, provide meticulous commentary on the lecture itself, and relate the exciting story of their effort to chase down one of Feynman's most original and scintillating lectures. David and Judith Goodstein live in Pasadena, California.
Customer Reviews:
If you are a Feynman fan.......2007-09-04
This is a lot of fun -- if. If you are pretty good at mathematical games and have a love for all things Feynman. What makes it work is the CD with Feynman giving the lecture. He goes at the speed of light, but he is always amazing, even when you have no idea what he just said! I can't imagine what it was like for the young folks trying to make sense out of what was going on. But, I bet he inspired them for the rest of their careers. He still does that to people today. If you want a sample of the Feynman magic this is a tough place to start. But do find a way to start.
Feynman's proof of the law of ellipses.......2007-02-04
First we see that planets sweep out equal areas in equal times, following Newton's easy proof. Now to prove that planets move in ellipses. Cut the orbit into infinitesimal, equiangular pieces (as seen from the sun). Each little piece of the orbit corresponds to the velocity vector at that point. Draw a velocity diagram by moving all of these velocity vectors so that they have a common origin point. Obviously, as we move around the orbit, the velocity vector will make one revolution around the origin. In fact, it will trace out a circle, as we shall now prove. The orbit is cut into infinitesimal triangles with equal angles at the sun, so clearly these triangles are similar with a scaling factor r, i.e. an area scaling factor r^2. But time is the same as area, so time also varies as r^2. The change in velocity in one of these pieces is force*time=(1/r^2)*(r^2)=independent of r, so the dv steps in the velocity diagram are all of equal size, and because of the equiangular division they all make equal angles with each other (dv parallel to PS), so the velocity vector does indeed trace out a circle, and the equiangular division of the orbit as seen from the sun translates to an equiangular division of this circle as seen from its center. Of course, the center of the circle is not the origin of the velocity vectors; in particular, the velocity vector going through the center of the circle is the longest velocity vector, so it corresponds to the position on the orbit closest to the sun (as is obvious by the law of equal areas). If we turn the orbit diagram so that this position is straight to the right of the sun, then the longest arrow in the velocity diagram points straight up, since the velocity vector drawn in the orbit diagram will of course be parallel to the tangent to the orbit. When we have advanced a given angle beyond this starting point on the orbit (as seen from the sun), the corresponding velocity vector (i.e. the tangent to the orbit at this point) is found by advancing the same angle in the velocity diagram (as seen from the center of the circle) and connecting this boundary point with the origin of the velocity vectors, and conversely. So the velocity diagram contains complete information about the tangents of the orbit, so it contains complete information about the orbit up to scaling. So the problem becomes: for any velocity diagram, to recreate the orbit. To do this we turn the velocity diagram 90 degrees to the right. To recreate the orbit we must now find a curve that is always perpendicular to the velocity vectors. This can be done as follows. For any point p on the circumference of the velocity diagram circle, draw the line connecting it to the origin O of the velocity vectors and the line connecting it to the center C of the circle. Mark the point P where the perpendicular bisector of Op cuts Cp as a point on the orbit. Now we prove that the orbit generated in this way, as p moves around the circle, is an ellipse (we assume O to be inside the circle; if it was on the boundary the orbit would be a parabola, etc.). The perpendicular bisector cuts the triangle OPp into congruent halves (SAS), making OP=Pp, so CP+OP=CP+Pp=radius of the circle=independent of p, so P traces out an ellipse with foci C and O, and the perpendicular bisector is tangent to this ellipse (because all its other points are outside of the ellipse because they have greater sum of distances to the foci), as required. QED.
Lucid explanation of Feynman's proof of the law of ellipses.......2003-09-11
The book first walks you through the works of Copernicus, Galileo, Brahe and Kepler. Then it gives a brief account of Feynman's life and his work. Then, through numerous diagrams, the authors clearly explain Feynman's ingenious proof of the law of ellipses. Finally, the book presents Feynman's lecture "The Motion of Planets Around the Sun".
It is amazing how Feynman, starting on the lines of Newton, and then not being able to follow Newton's reasoning, devised a different but elegant proof of the law of ellipses.
An Entertaining And Captivating Lecture.......2003-04-04
This Review refers to the paperback edition of Feynman's Lost Lecture: The Motion of Planets Around the Sun with audio CD.
The title of Goodstein's book, Feynman's Lost Lecture, may be a bit misleading in terms of the overall content. The book is, in truth, mainly an explanation of the elliptic patterns performed by the planets, among other things, that an unpublished Feynman lecture originally referred to (although the lecture is included in text and on CD, the lecture is only a fraction of the overall book). Goodstein provides a geometrical means of explaining elliptical patterns that even a non-physicist will find easily comprehensible, especially considering the frequency of companion diagrams. The book also includes a rather unique introduction providing a brief biography of Feynman along with the author's personal experiences related to the well-known physicist. An unexpected, but greatly appreciated, addition is Feynman's original notes regarding his lecture contained in the back of the book.
Feynman's Lost Lecture details how to use geometric proofs to find answers to problems such as the speed of a planet when in motion around the sun and how to prove geometrically that an object is an ellipse. The author properly explains and demonstrates these concepts throughout the book via written and visual examples.
Goodstein presents the topics in such a fashion that the reader can easily try for himself\herself the idea portrayed. This is generally due to a generous selection of diagrams and exemplary situations, which properly convey the ideas that Goodstein presents (although it would probably be much more beneficial if more of the diagrams accompanied Feynman's actual lecture). The main text is also of a form easily understood and more than adequately conveys the topic that the author presents. However, the literary style is slightly lacking - in that it often becomes a bit informal in description and detail.
Overall, the literary shortcomings do not interfere with the author's ability to convey the topic and makes for a rather interesting read. Yet another above-par lecture accompanied by a surprisingly above-par explanation, Feynman's Lost Lecture: The Motion of Planets Around the Sun is more than worth it's price and should be a welcome addition to any reader's (both physicists and non-physicists alike) personal library.
authors create a labour of love for Feynman.......2002-07-22
This book is a labour of love by Judith and David Goodstein for their friend Richard Feynman. I really enjoyed the revelations of the human side of the great physicist, especially the 20 page reminiscene by David Goodstein (a fellow physicist at cal tech) and Feynman's sometimes gruff answers to questions after the lecture. A different view of the human side of Feynman than what you read in "Surely, you're joking". I found the technical side of the book even more rewarding (see next paragraph) but be warned: this is pretty intense geometry and logic - I have a hard time imagining anyone without at least a couple years of post secondary math or physics or engineering following all the arguments.
But if you have the background and patience, it's some pretty cool stuff. Like many folks, I learned planetary dynamics using calculus, not geometry, and so this was my first exposure to the elegant relationship between velocity diagrams and orbits. While Feynman's lecture is somewhat unorganized and not entirely clear, the book does a great job filling in the blanks. There are certainly some rough spots (way too much time on the initial simple properties of ellipses, the argument connecting Kepler's third law to the law of gravitation is not clear, and more) but anyone with sufficient background willing to invest a few hours will be able to get past these minor problems. I kind of like how the pace accelerates to a ridiculous level by the end, leaving you to pretty much work out all the hard details of Rutherford's law of scattering for yourself.
Listen to the lecture, scratch your head wondering "what the heck was that", then read the book and study the arguments, then listen again and feel enlightened.
Book Description
The History And The Hardware
How exactly did the Empire come into being? Who are those strange beings who patronize the cantina at Mos Eisley Spaceport? And what exactly makes the Millennium Falcon one of the fastest ships in the galaxy?
The saga that was born with the line "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." needs no introduction, but the intricacies of the epic tale go far beyond a simple phrase. It is a vast universe that provides the setting for Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi; strange creatures known as Jawas deal in used droids, while moisture farmers eke out a living on a harsh and arid desert planet. Rebel forces use whatever material they can muster, bringing it to bear against a vast and technologically advanced Empire that possesses weaponry capable of destroying an entire world in the space of a heartbeat.
The Star Wars Technical Journal takes an in-depth look at the many and varied elements that comprise the rich Star Wars tapestry, including:
-- The spacecraft, from TIE Series fighters to Star Destroyers
-- The exotic locales, including Tatooine, Hoth, and Cloud City
-- Histories of the Empire and the Rebel forces
...and much, much more.
Through comprehensive entries, extensive photographs, detailed schematics, rare production artwork, character designs, and six eight-page fold-out blueprints, the secrets of the species, the technologies, and the inner-workings of the Rebel and Imperial forces unfold.
Through months of meticulous research, Texas author Shane Johnson reviewed hours of film and radio drama, hundreds of pages of technical material and media materials, roleplaying rules, production art, and everything else available covering the Star Wars canon. A talented technical illustrator as well, he also produced the schematics needed to properly cover the technical details that went into producing the adventure of a lifetime. His other credits include Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Journal and Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise.
Based on Starlog magazine's Star Wars Technical Journals.
Customer Reviews:
This is a good book.......2001-03-18
Well its diagrams are great, most books just give you some lame art. The reason that the book contains many model pictures is because Johnson had the original models from Skywalker ranch (hence the 'Skywalker tour') If you knew what was going on you would not have a problem with this book
Star Wars Technical Journal.......2000-01-25
This is a wounderfull book for the hard core Star Wars fan. It gives technical maps of everything you would want a technical map on. If you want to know how the sublight drive on the Millenium Falcon works, or the parts of a light saber down to the power cell, this is the book to get. Please help to get this book back in print, it is really worth it!
A little cheesy........1998-12-05
This book did provide pictures of many of the ships in the movie, but most of them were closeups of models instead of cut-scenes from the movie. The difference is like watching your kid play w/ action figures instead of watching a really cool movie. The text kept refering to "the Skywalker Tour," what's up with that?
The force is strong in this book.......1998-11-17
This is a most have in the star wars saga, bealive me when im telling you that this book tell's you everything about the star wars univers, if you want to learn the basic stuff about star wars, don't think, just buy it.
A must have for any Star Wars fan!.......1998-08-22
The facts are out! This book gives a wider understanding on various aspects of the Star Wars Universe. A great addition to any collection and a helping hand to the confused. BUY IT!! I really recommend it.
Book Description
** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **
In this eclectic anthology of essays, former cast member Jewel Staite, "Kaylee," philosopher Lyle Zynda, sex therapist Joy Davidson, and noted science fiction and fantasy authors Mercedes Lackey, David Gerrold, and Lawrence Watt-Evans contribute to a clever and insightful analysis of the short-lived cult hit Firefly. From What went wrong with the pilot? to What's right about Reavers? and how the correspondence between the show's creator Joss Whedon and the network executives might have actually played out, the writers interrogate the show's complexity and speculate about what might have been if the show Firefly had not been cancelled.
Customer Reviews:
They always take off the best shows!!.......2007-08-11
This was a great and inventive TV show...too bad they didn't see fit to give it another chance. The movie was wonderful...check out the DVD's for the movie and series!! You'll find them here on Amazon...
Keeping Firefly alive.......2007-05-15
Good reading material for a fresh outlook on a series that should still be in existance.
Lost without Firefly? You need this book!.......2007-05-13
This is not just a puff piece.
There are serious critiscms of aspects of the Firefly 'verse in this book. But for the intelligent discerning reader, this is just what you've been looking for--people who love Firefly but are willing to critically discuss it. You may not agree with the authors of the various essays but you will share their loss and enjoy their intelligent commentary on the show.
Not for Everybody.......2007-02-07
This book is great for those who wanted to dig a little deeper into the short-lived cult show, Firefly. It's primarily made up of brief essays based on the show by various writers. Some of the essays range from thought-provoking ("Who Killed Firefly?") to humorous ("Firefly vs. The Tick") to quite useful ("Unofficial Glossary of Firefly Chinese").
A few of the contributing writers seem to miss the point of the show, but it's sometimes worth hearing their point-of-view regardless.
So basically, the book works for those fans who rewatch the episodes for fun and would like to get another fix but definitely not for the uninitiated.
'Joss' Fine!.......2007-02-02
If you really loved the series, then you HAVE to get this book! It gives you several different views of the characters, plots, history and imangination of this stunning and highly entertaining show. I bought it for my brother, but I ended up keeping it for myself!
Average customer rating:
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Knowledge In Motion: Space, Time And Curriculum In Undergraduate Physics And Management (Knowledge, Identity and School Life, No 2)
Jan Nespor Asso
Manufacturer: Routledge
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- A definate for vehicle lovers!
- A Vroom with a View by garrie keyman
- This Is Wizzard Anni!!!
- A good book...if you're into that sort of thing like me
- Very detailed book with few missing points
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Incredible Cross-sections of Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace: The Definitive Guide to the Craft
David Reynolds ,
Richard Chasemore , and
David West Reynolds
Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
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ASIN: 078943962X |
Amazon.com
Want to get a battle-droid's-eye view of the inside of an AAT battle tank? Care to see what Darth Maul's hiding in the trunk of his sinister-looking Sith Infiltrator? You're in luck: the crew that brought us the super-cool Star Wars Visual Dictionary and the Incredible Cross-Sections for the first movie trilogy is back. Boy wonder archaeologist-author David West Reynolds has put together another Incredible Cross-Sections guide, this time pulling apart the vehicles and vessels in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. DK has mastered the art of making Star Wars fans drool, and this latest guide is definitely state of the art, opening up everything from Naboo starfighters to Trade Federation transports.
As always, Reynolds approaches the Star Wars universe with the respect and love of a fan, putting each ship in context with his characteristic friendly but scientific style. The clean chromium lines and meticulous wiring of Queen Amidala's Royal Starship reflect the order and honor of Naboo royalty; the flowing, shell-like details on a tribubble bongo sub show off the Gungans' organic aesthetic. The best ships, of course, belong to the bad guys: you can check out the secret weapons and cloak field generator packed aboard Maul's Infiltrator (which, we learn, has an "experimental" ion engine that will later put the I-E in TIE fighters), and the Trade Federation's droid starfighter and control ship get a full giant fold-out. From the "bunker-buster" high explosive shells spit out by an AAT to the flame emitter weapon on Sebulba's podracer, this inside-out tour makes all the stops you want it to. --Paul Hughes
Book Description
Experience the Star Wars saga through the vision of DK's cross-section illustration techniques and the magic of the imagineers at Lucasfilm. All of the vehicles and space craft found in Star Wars: Episode I will be explored in precise detail. Cutaways are accompanied by informative text to not only reveal the armaments, defense capabilities, propulsion systems and all other key technological aspects of these vehicles but also give you insights into the culture of their creators. See why the Sith Infiltrator is the most dreaded craft in the Universe. Discover how many droids can be carried on a Droid Control Ship. Learn how the Naboo Queen's Starship is designed to conform to the Naboo philosophy of peaceful existence. Explore the weaponry of the Droid Starfighter and much, much more. Together with the Star Wars Episode I Visual Dictionary, these books create a definitive Star Wars Episode I reference library. Fourteen unbelievably detailed cross-section artworks, including a magnificent gatefold cutaway of the heart of the Trade Federation Invasion Fleet, as well as encyclopedic text provide the ultimate reference resource for the craft of Star Wars Episode 1. Watch the fastest Podracers in the galaxy compete for their lives, the golden Naboo N-1 Starfighter in Battle-action, the Trade Federation Landing Ship disgorging its unstoppable cargo and the awesome weaponry of the secret army's armored fighting vehicles. Discover the lethal secrets of the stealthy Sith Infiltrator, how a Gungan survives in the treacherous core of Naboo, and the eerie internal workings of the droid starfighter. Then explore the graceful aesthetics of the Naboo Queen's Royal Starship and the hidden control centers of the Trade Federation invasion fleet!
Customer Reviews:
A definate for vehicle lovers!.......2006-02-27
I always wanted to see more and to be able to look inside of the vehicles more closely, and this book provides that information (and more more) in great detail. I really like the mini illustrations of where in the vehicles that events from the movies took place, it helps to "put a name to a face".
A Vroom with a View by garrie keyman.......2004-02-26
If you've stayed up nights wondering about the inner workings of a Naboo N-1 Starfighter, or even occasionally contemplate the unconventional solid-fuel concentrate slugs that the strange society of the Neimoidian traders use to give their droid starfighters such powerful thrust, you'll want to read Star Wars Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections cover-to-cover. This handsome book - deservedly referring to its illustrations as incredible - shows us a vroom with a view; more than fourteen vrooms, in fact.
SW Episode I Incredible Cross-Sections is brought to us by the great people at Dorling Kindersly Publishing -- or DK for short - where just about any topic you might think of has already been turned into a beautifully illustrated right-brained adventure in learning. The illustrators for this masterpiece are Hans Jenssen and Richard Chasemore, arguably the two artists with the best job available in that field this side of Alpha Centauri.
Jenssen, who specializes in technical art, especially machines, lives in England but claims to spend his vacations on Tatooine (no accounting for taste in vacation spots) where he has been known to engage in "moderately disreputable pursuits (he goes all the way to Tatooine for that?)." Chasemore has worked as an illustrator in both the U.S. and Europe on a great variety of projects, one of which was another collaboration with Jenssen: DK's Star Wars: Incredible Cross Sections featuring intergalactic vroom-vrooms previously made famous by the vision makers at Lucasfilms. Chasemore says he enjoys "perilous sports involving boards and high velocities (now, maybe he's the one who should check-out Tatooine).
Rounding out the gifted team taking us on intricate tours of Gungan Subs, Podracers, Coruscant taxis and Republic Cruisers, is Dr. David West Reynolds who earned his PhD in archeology at the University of Michigan. His background as a lecturer, veteran of field expeditions on three continents and as an author of scientific archeological publications should make one thing perfectly clear: you don't have to be a dullard denizen of the local mall scene to be a StarWars fan. If his background doesn't make it perfectly clear, the intellectual acuity of his copy will.
This must-have addition to the shelf of any die-hard StarWars fan is equally enjoyable to tot and teen as to tottering sage. It's a picture-book nonpareil or a detailed account of mid-power repulsorlifts and hydrostatic bubble projector units (if you do more than look at the pictures). It's even a trivia-hunter's true treasure. For instance (be honest now), did you know any of the names of Anakin's co-contenders for the Boonta Eve Podrace? Sure, you say - Sebulba. But anybody knows that! True buffs will want this book so they can win rounds of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with answers like Ark "Bumpy" Roose, Teemto Pagalies, and the ever-impressive Clegg Holdfast.
If you like schematics (or even the word schematics - it's such a great one, isn't it?) you're going to want to pour over this book like hot fudge on a sundae. Featured is a dual fold-out center page affording a panoramic view of the Trade Federation's Droid Control Ship. The resultant artistry of this and the other detailed drawings was generated when the DK team worked directly with the film production art department at Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, mapping out the anatomy of each craft as it was being created. This book comes from the source, folks: from the source ... of the Force.
My ten-year-old loves taking turns with me reading sections of this book aloud and I can almost see his gray matter expanding (hasn't hurt his imagination too much, either) while we huddle by the lamplight. Only problem I'm left with now is what to do with all these detailed schematics of his own left lying about the house - outlandishly labeled creations from foreign worlds contemplating an invasion of Earth, no doubt. Hmm. Maybe I should call George Lucas.
This Is Wizzard Anni!!!.......2003-09-11
This edition is devoted to the Spaceships and Craft from The Phantom Menace.
As with Star Wars Cross Sections it is very well detailed and even better with todays print technology. Great for children and first generation Star Wars fans alike.
A good book...if you're into that sort of thing like me.......2002-06-22
I wouldn't call this the greatest technical book of all times. I wouldn't be suprised if this book wasn't nominated for any kind of award. But Episode 1: Incredible Cross-sections is captivating enough to stand on its own. I enjoyed it because I got to look through the insides of some of the film's most enigmatic ships and vessels like Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator and the Gungan Bongo. It's good for those who were still puzzled about the ships after the end of the film.
Very detailed book with few missing points.......2002-06-01
One of the missing points is the Chancellor ship which appeared in the movie and it was not displayed in this book.
It is more complete than the former book, even considering it is only for one movie and the other is for all three.
Other missing point is the lack of a picture of the ship without the cross-section. It is important to compare.
I recommend.
Amazon.com
Star Wars owes a lot to its details. George Lucas made his world so believable and compelling by getting all the little things right, whether it was a chip in Vader's helmet or the sand on a Stormtrooper's boots. Of course, this feat was no accident--extensive conceptual planning and design went into all the Star Wars movies, perhaps most so for Episode I: The Phantom Menace. This excellent "insider story" art book by Phantom Menace researcher Jonathan Bresman pulls together a wealth of these preliminary paintings, sketches, and computer animatics. Starting in early 1995, the Episode I art team sweated out nearly four years in a renovated attic at Skywalker Ranch, and Bresman's book gives an eye-popping account of their efforts, a sweeping survey of the movie's "evolutionary record," what Bresman calls "the unseen art that serves as the foundation for the film."
Divided into sections covering each of the movie's major locales (e.g., Theed, Coruscant, Otoh Gunga), The Art of Phantom Menace gives detailed illustrations of many of the creatures, structures, and vessels that made the final cut to film. But even more interesting are those that never left the sketchbook or hard drive--what fan wouldn't want to see a bulky, bipedal droideka or Padmé's horned, reptilian "swamp horse"? Call-outs alongside the art reveal the untold story behind many characters, like how Jedi Council member Yaddle really did begin as a sketch of a young Yoda, and how Jar Jar at one point had a wacky "dog" sidekick named Blarf. (Lucas and crew thankfully dodged that bullet.) --Paul Hughes
Book Description
STAR WARS® [use logo]
Episode I
From the moment STAR WARS: EPISODE I hit movie screens, the thrilling new chapter in the cinematic saga again transported us to the farthest regions of our imaginations. But the creative process began long before the movie release, as a team of amazingly talented artists gave form to George Lucas's extraordinary vision . . .
This lavish volume features more than six hundred examples of the art created for The Phantom Menace--each a masterpiece in its own right: conceptual illustrations, sequential art, and brilliant, fully executed paintings. Digging deep into the exclusive Lucasfilm archives, The Art of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace details Episode I's revolutionary use of traditional and high-tech media. Inside you'll find:
- Magnificent paintings that capture the exotic environments of Naboo, Tatooine, and Corsucant
- Key action sequences, including the Podraces on Tatooine and the riveting ground and space battles
- Fascinating insights and photos revealing the secrets of the artists at work
- The earliest conceptual drawings, following the evolution of Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala, and Jar Jar Binks
- Exciting new poster art, created expressly for Episode I
Now you can explore the creative impulse behind all the astonishing, masterfully crafted designs of the movie blockbuster with The Art of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
Customer Reviews:
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION.......2007-05-01
Forward by Doug Chiang. This volume (48 pages) contains an excerpt from the book written by Jonathan Bresman. It also contains concept sketches, storyboards and full color illustrations by various artists, among them Doug Chiang, depicting scenes and characters from the movie Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
From the preface: " This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lengths the art department went in its construction of George Lukas' universe. The evolutionary stages for each major character, vehicle, and planet are displayed so that the reader can get a sense of how the film was painstakingly sculpted, and finally, how a new style of filmmaking was founded."
This excerpt focuses on how sketches combine and evolve in the development of ideas into the final concepts for characters and other elements in the film.
Staple bound. A Del Ray Book; Ballantine Publishing Group.
Beware this is the 44 page excerpt book.......2006-12-31
Sellers are using this page to sell a book that is actually titled: THE ART OF STAR WARS EPISODE I: an excerpt of the book written by Jonathan Bresman. The ISBN matches this work, which is only 44 pages in length and was given away with the purchase of a VHS version of the Phantom Menace. The way Amazon lists this book can be misleading because they refer to it as the paperback edition in the review which claims it is a massive volume with over 600 illustrations. They are actually referring to another edition of the book... the TRADE PAPERBACK EDITION. This error has caused me a lot of fuss with two of the used book traders here at Amazon. Know that you are not buying the 200+ page oversize work with this webpage.
A veritable art-gallery by master conceptual artists.......2004-05-05
I would never have thought that I would stoop so low in nerd-dom and buy a book like this, but there is more to being a nerd than simply obsessing over your favorite fantasies.
I love Star Wars, hate the Phantom Menace. And yet way back when the VHS release was going on, I too crowded into a Media Play at 12 in the morning with my buddy and his wife to get my advanced Widescreen Collector's copy. DVD has since come and taken away any significance to that item, but what did come along with it was a little booklet featuring excerpts from "The Art of Star Wars; Episode I." For a long time this little booklet and I rarely parted, and I thought I was so priviledged to have this particular booklet and that it would one day be a rarity.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered THIS book, the actual Art of Star Wars. Not only does it have everything in my booklet, but it presents conceptual art from all corners of the movie. There's so much to look at, and so much that is fascinating to look at, you can't help spend hours just looking.
The book is hard-bound, with pages made from such high-quality paper, it will make you turn them with tweezers, they feel so expensive. The art is presented in chronological order with the film, so that reading it cover-to-cover is almost like watching the film. For most of the artwork, a little background information is provided in the corner next to a numerical key denoting which works belong to which artists.
As for the quality of reproduction; I am rarely satisfied when something I've drawn is scanned onto a color-copier, which often is the best option for reproducing them. I still lose something in the translation from pad to paper, a little bit of hue here, some shading here, depth of line there. However, in this book there is nothing lost. (Nothing is lost, or the originals must be stunning to look at!) The artwork shows you just why the movie relies so much on visuals (and not on strength of character or plot). Artists Doug Chiang, Ian McCaig, and Terry Whitlatch to name a few, are so skilled at vividness, their works immediately juice your imagination into action. Looking at concepts for space-ships, you can almost hear them fly.
The emphasis is on Doug Chiang and Ian McCaig, one a brilliant architectural and mechanical artist, the other a genius at characters and costumes. Whitlatch seems to handle most of the aliens, while gorgeous matte-paintings by Doug Chiang depict, in color, some of the more finalised concepts.
If you are a fan of Star Wars, this book is a must for any in-depth knowledge of how things developed behing the scenes. For film scholars, I would also recommend this book, for the glimpse it provides into the realm of pre-production, especially for you film scholars who have never set foot onto a film studio, or a design office.
For fellow artists, I can only say that these works inspire to improve my technique and work even harder at my art. It's always the test of an artist when he runs into someone who is superior; does the work make you want to quit art, or make you want to improve? This stuff will make you choose the latter.
No McQuarrie, and yet an awesome art of Star Wars Book.......2003-01-22
I loved the art Ralph McQuarrie did for the first three Star Wars movies, and in the Art of Episode I, Doug Chiang takes the torch and does an awesome job. His grand scale works are so appealing and detailed, I loved it.
The character concept work in intriguing, there is a lot of evolutionary type paintings which I like a lot. The Sith work is fascinating.
The one draw back to the book was the lack of explaination each work had. I would have liked more insight as to what the artist was thinking, what Lucas liked and what he disliked. That wasn't in this version as much as I would have liked. But overall, one to own.
katcat loves the art of episode 1!.......2002-12-25
This book is simply wonderful for Star Wars fans and artist alike. Just try it-you`ll love it! Who could ask for more-colorful, wonderful Star Wars creatures and livly artwork!Eureka Springs Ar
Average customer rating:
- Much Better
- A solid, worthy book, even for non-Trekkers
- Fantastic travel : Star Trek's beings, biological vision
- Thinking about getting this book? Make it so!
- Fascinating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Life Signs: The Biology of Star Trek
Susan C. Jenkins , and
Robert Jenkins
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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To Seek Out New Life: The Biology of Star Trek
ASIN: 0060191546 |
Amazon.com
Claiming inspiration from Lawrence Krauss's The Physics of Star Trek, the Jenkinses focus on the biological logic (or illogic) behind the alien ecologies in Star Trek--the original TV series and all of its sequels and movie spinoffs. The best parts are the biological bloopers, even though only a fan will truly appreciate them. For instance, how did the Klingons evolve forehead ridges between the original and the new series ... and why do all the planets look like California?
The science in the book helps the authors hypothesize about how humanoid life might have evolved throughout the universe (panspermia revisited). They offer simple evolutionary theories to explain the various head shapes and behaviors of fictional alien species. An entertaining read for a Star Trek science nerd. --Therese Littleton
Book Description
It's a routine mission. The Enterprise-D is in synchronous orbit over a Class-M planet to be surveyed for possible colonization. Commander Riker calls the life science team to its station, then Captain Picard orders a "search for life signs." As the principal investigator on this mission, you're up.
What do you do now? With Life Signs: The Biology of Star Trek, you'll know exactly what to do. In this vastly entertaining and informative volume, a research geneticist at a world-renowned medical center and a noted psychiatrist investigate the myriad questions Star Trek raises about "new life and new civilizations." They draw surprising conclusions about everything from the likelihood that any humanoid could be blue in color to the climate on the Vulcan homeworld to what caused the dramatic physiological changes in the Klingon race between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth centuries (something even Klingons themselves avoid discussing).
Life Signs: The Biology of Star Trek pays special attention to the Federation's astonishing technological advances, probing the accuracy and effects of these developments. How might the food replicators work? (And how would replicated food taste?) Is there any scientific basis for all that hyper-high-tech equipment in sickbay? Will it ever be possible to genetically enhance intelligence (the way Dr. Bashir's wits were sharpened when he was a boy)?
The Jenkinses also chart the remarkable parallels between the Star Trek universe and our own. They find earthly analogues to the Pon farr that puts Vulcans in heat every seven years. They hunt down common creatures reminiscent of the "crystalline entity" and the silicon-based Horta. They even introduce us to the billions of life-forms residing in our own bodies and induce us to wonder whether Jadzia Dax's Trill symbiont is really such a far-fetched notion after all.
Throughout, this engaging and authoritative book bristles with insights on the cutting edge of contemporary biology. Discover how close we are to cloning humans. Examine implants and prosthetics that might make the Borg proud. Watch NASA wrestle with the perils of extended space travel as it plans for a three-year-long manned mission to Mars. And learn where no one has gone before or ever will go as the Jenkinses highlight some of Star Trek's more notable biological bloopers.
Whether you run your own genetics lab or you ran screaming from high-school biology class, Life Signs: The Biology of Star Trek will heighten your appreciation for the mind-expanding magic of Star Trek.
Customer Reviews:
Much Better.......2007-01-20
If you read To Seek Out New Life, I'm sorry. There Andreadis claims to love Star Trek, and spends most of the book proving how false the science of the show is. She forgets the cardinal rule of a Trekkie- apologize for the show. Yes, it has problems in physics. Yes, there are continuity errors. Yes, the biology isn't always up to snuff. But you love the show, so you try to make it work. You try to find a work-around. And then, if you absolutely can't, you admit there was a mistake.
This is the tradition the Jenkinses boldly go with. They use Star Trek to have fun with biology, and understand more about new life. What would Horta psychology be like? Why do Gorgons make us uncomfortable? Where do we find Trill-like species here on Earth? The Jenkinses use Trek to help us understand more about life, in the process fully explaining the biology, but not in such detail to bore the unscientific reader. This is what was great about the show. It entertained, yes, but it took us beyond. It made us struggle with philosophy, history, anthropology, and science. It made us think about new possibilities, and use our imaginations to understand the world around us. It is in this tradition that the Jenkinses lead us.
A solid, worthy book, even for non-Trekkers.......2000-06-26
The doctors Jenkins may not have Dr. Lawrence Krauss's easy way of turning hard science into a page-turner, but their work is an entertaining, informative, accessible book.
The book covers topics from a wide range of biological study, including how the structure of faces affect psychology, why 'silicon-based life' is a possibility while 'aluminum-based life' is not, practical applications of gene therapy, and the traditional chapter of bloopers committed by the Star Trek writers (including the intriguing question of why it is that Captain Picard is the only member of the Enterprise bridge crew who can't seem to grow his own hair back). The single chapter on the biology of love and romance covers such wide-ranging topics as the possible mating customs of various Star Trek races, the biology of inter-species reproduction (including the surprising revelation that you may turn out differently depending on whether your mother or your father was the Vulcan), and the distinctions between biological, psychological, and sociological concepts of gender.
If you're looking for a book heavy on information and light on gushing asides about how wonderful it would be if we all lived in the Star Trek universe, you'll enjoy this book.
Fantastic travel : Star Trek's beings, biological vision.......1998-11-30
A fantastic, professional written book, focusing on the most unbelievable (and unthought) aspects of the Star Trek's beings. Now you can understand the most different behaviors and acts of some aliens of ST universe, once believed illogical and strange for you. And you can see it through the eyes of two medical doctors, which give you complete and comprehensive explanation. Recomended for the Star Trek fans (Old Series, New Generation, Deep Space 9, etc.) and everyone who's interest for understanding more how our Terran lifeforms are and how theoretical (????) ET's would be.
Thinking about getting this book? Make it so!.......1998-10-04
This latest entry in the "Science of Star Trek" series examines several important concepts in the field of biology, with an emphasis on genetics. While including many references to various Star Trek episodes, the book's primary mission is to educate the reader, particularly in regard to cutting-edge research and theories. The authors do a great job in presenting this information in a manner that is easily understood, and all Trek fans will be delighted that many glaring "bloopers" (such as, why do so many aliens look so similar to humans? And what exactly happened to the Klingons?) are thoughtfully addressed. In short, this book is a worthy addition to a Star Trek fan's library.
Fascinating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1998-09-03
This was not the ultra-heavy science book I'd been lead to believe by the title, but it was very a informative and fascinating look at the different humanoids of Star Trek and what really constitutes a life. Definitely for the science fan, the Sci-fi fan, and the Star Trek fan. I don't know that non-Trekkers would like it because they may or may not get it. But definitely a good read.
Amazon.com
Jeanne Cavelos says, "Star Wars fueled my interest in space exploration and the possibility of alien life," leading her to a career in astrophysics. While these movies have inspired her, she admits that may not have been their intention.
In creating the part science fiction/part fantasy/part myth that is Star Wars, George Lucas did not seek to create a futuristic universe that agreed perfectly with our current understanding of science.... How realistic, how possible, is this galaxy far, far away?
The answer when A New Hope first came out was "not at all." But a strange thing has happened in the years since Star Wars first came out. Science is beginning to catch up with George Lucas.
Cavelos looks at Lucas's planets, aliens, droids, technology, and Force with both rationality and affection. The droids R2-D2 and C-3P0, among others, become more interesting and almost credible after her consideration.
The element of Star Wars that is most true to science is the sense of wonder it calls forth, which has very little to do with how close it is to a possible future. Or, as Steve Grand, director of the Cyberlife Institute, said to Cavelos: "I never try to let scientific implausibility get in the way of a good story!" --Mary Ellen Curtin
Book Description
Could the science fiction of Star Wars be the actual science of tomorrow?
-How close are we to creating robots that look and act like R2-D2 and C-3PO?
-Can we access a "force" with our minds to move objects and communicate telepathically with each other?
-How might spaceships like the Millennium Falcon make the exhilarating jump into hyperspace?
What kind of environment could spawn a Wookiee?
-Could a single blast from the Death Star destroy an entire planet?
-Could light sabers possibly be built, and if so, how would they work?
-Do Star Wars aliens look like "real" aliens might?
-What would living on a desert planet like Tatooine be like?
-Why does Darth Vader require an artificial respirator?
Discover the answers to these and many other fascinating questions as a noted scientist and Star Wars enthusiast explores The Science of Star Wars.
Customer Reviews:
Not so long or so far away, some of it could happen.......2005-02-06
Quality entertainment is its' own reward, so in many ways the plausibility of the scenarios is not an overriding concern. However, there is a threshold of believability that cannot be crossed, for if it is, it can cease to be entertainment. The quality of the entertainment has a great deal to do with the location of the threshold, if the story is very good, the bar is higher, but for a mediocre story it can be much lower. In the Star Wars movies, the bar is generally considered pretty low, as most people who watch them are fairly uncritical of the scientific basis for the events. George Lucas was brilliant when he opened the series with the phrase, " A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." This is equivalent to the classic "Once upon a time" opening to fairy tales. By immediately giving the Star Wars events the status of a fairy tale, Lucas provides himself with a great deal of scientific poetic license in his Star Wars movies.
However, there are always people who examine the actions on the screen and consider the plausibility based on the current theories of science. In this book Cavelos critically examines the major events in the Star Wars series from the perspective of modern science. The opening chapter is a discussion of the major environments where the action takes place. It starts with the questions concerning how prevalent planets are in the universe. In this case, recent research indicates that there are an enormous number of planets, so the focus moves to planets that could support life, in particular, human life. Here, the odds drop substantially, as the range of temperature, gravity and atmosphere that humans can function in is in all cases very narrow. The existence of specific planets such as Tatooine with its' two suns, the moon "planets" of Endor and Yavin and the ice planet Hoth are all seriously examined. Given the constant number of new surprises that the study of planets in our solar system has provided, while unlikely, most of these environments cannot be ruled out.
Chapter two, which deals with the characteristics of alien life forms, was my favorite. Many of the main species, such as the Wookies, Hutts, Banthas, Jawas, and Ewoks are examined from a biological perspective. How their bodies are constructed and if they could function in their environment makes an interesting exercise in comparative biology. By examining Jar Jar Binks, one can reach many conclusions concerning how his species functions. This is a chapter that would make an excellent study topic in high school biology classes.
Chapters three and four deal with the technology, with chapter three devoted to the artificial intelligence (AI) of droids and four the technology of the spacecraft. Despite many problems in implementation, there appears to be no reason to doubt that droids with the capability of R2-D2 and C-3PO will eventually be constructed. However, the development of interstellar craft that travel through hyperspace will require substantial advancements in harnessing energy and the presence of scientific realities that we currently know nothing about.
The Force, that all-encompassing energy field, is the topic of the last chapter. It is also the most difficult to envision, although in many cases, it is just another name for God. The difference is of course that using the force would mean that an individual could channel the power of God for their own purposes, independent of the goodness rating of the action. Extra-sensory perception and the current "evidence" for it are also examined.
I am a devoted fan of Star Wars, and as I scientist I recognize when scientific laws are broken on the screen. Nevertheless, it was a very fun book to read, because there is scientific evidence that indicates that some of what happens in these movies could actually take place.
STAR WARS COULD HAPPEN!!?.......2001-09-25
What I loved about the Star Wars saga is the fact that travel
across the galaxy is as commonplace and taken for granted as
car and air travel is today. And I love the alien world our
heroes visit like the Fourth Moon of Yavin,the Moon of Endor,
Tatooine,Hoth,Bespin,Dagobah and Coruscant.
This book explores the possibility of rapid interstellar travel
and alien planets and extraterrestrial life and the even how to
build lightsabers and blasters with incredible detail. Cavelos
explains that such breaktroughs may or may not happen in a few
thousand years. Who knows what breaktroughs humanity will make?
We may not be at war with aliens or other civilizations and I
hope it won't happen. But I do hope that someday people will be
able to travel to other solar systems and galaxies as quickly
and easily as crossing our oceans. Cavelos gives interesting
detail on wormholes,warp drives,and even what it would be like
to travel at warp drive with the stars stretching into streaks
of light. That will be a very exciting time. I hope that galactic
travel and even intergalctic travel will be used for tourism as
well as exploration and colonization. People will travel to exotic planets and moons like Yavin 4,Endor,Hoth,Coruscant etc.
and even view our own galaxy from above as a glowing celestial
spiral. That would be a very exciting time!!Perhaps it
will happen in the next thousand years or so.
Very Good.......2000-10-18
I loved this book. Like all Star Wars books I read, I could barely put it down. The only reason it's not perfect is that the whole Star Wars series is very loosely based on science, so this book really has a very shaky fundamental basis. The fact that Jeanne Cavelos can write a great book around this weak foundation, though, is a testament to the skill with which the author writes.
Great Book.......2000-08-31
I am not a huge, or even big Star Wars fan (heck, I didn't even like the first one), but I loved this book. A great concept, very well done. I could not put it down.
Feels like a guilty pleasure, but enjoyable and thoughtful.......2000-07-10
Reading each chapter of "The Science of Star Wars" made me feel like I was indulging in a guilty pleasure, which is odd, since this is an informative look at science through the prism of the Star Wars movies.
The author has different chapters on planets, lifeforms, spaceships and weapons, droids, and the Force. Each chapter looks at the subject as depicted in the various movies, and then speculates on how likely the subject is scientifically. She has an open-mind; even when the subject seems to be scientifically inaccurate, she writes diplomatically that it seems unexplained, or needs some explanation beyond our understanding.
For the most part, she is a good writer. However, the book is sprinkled with repeated lame jokes about wishing bad things unto Imperial stormtroopers. It's kind of funny the first time, but after that, it becomes silly.
Also, the section discussing the Force delves into a heavy dose of quantum mechanics. There are no equations or diagrams, but it is an extended discussion, albeit at a layperson's level.
Finally, the paperback version contains an update based on "The Phantom Menace."
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