Product Description

As the title implies, the book focuses on the "vintage" toys—those from the Star Wars classic trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi (the movies made between 1977 and 1985). It provides the most comprehensive and accurate documentation of these popular collectibles. This is the first book that covers these vintage action figures in such detail and with clarity and completeness. It "puts it all together" in one volume and is completely illustrated with high resolution full-color photos throughout. This publication sets a new standard for research in this field and will be the reference book for years to come.

Although the book focuses on the action figures, it also looks at the figure-related items, Kenner’s marketing material to dealers and merchants, and even in-store displays that helped advertise and showcase the action figures in the stores. This 268-page book contains a wealth of factual details and is supported with over 900 color photos of the actual toys. Many one-of-a-kind items are showcased including early drawings and mock-up packaging designs thus providing some insight to the preproduction process.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1147313 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 268 pages

Review
"…benchmark publication…establishes new highs in research and documentation. It is…the Star Wars collectible reference for years to come." -- Lee’s Toy Review, June 2004

"…essential reference…most comprehensive listing of carded variations ever published…presents in a highly visual fashion…indispensable to vintage collectors." -- Star Wars Insider, February 2004

"…startling in its detail…will find it way to honored places on the shelves of hard-core collectors everywhere." -- Marin Independent Journal, February 1, 2004

About the Author
John Kellerman, noted collector, has amassed one of the premier action figure collections in the world.

Customer Reviews

Can't imagine a better book on vintage Star Wars action figures
This is by far the best book on vintage Star Wars action figures that I've ever read (and I've read just about all of them)! Covers all VINTAGE Star Wars figures (and most vehicles and playsets) released by Kenner between 1977 and 1985 (perhaps the author will consider including a section on the Ewoks and Droids figures in the next edition?). Tons of full-color PHOTOS, and tons of details and information you will not find anywhere else. Here are some of the highlights: (1) great photos of every loose and carded Star Wars figure every released - including important variations, (2) a complete description of every version of every cardback ever released, (3) a nice section on vehicles, playsets, creatures, and cases, and (4) thorough sections on promo and mailer items, POTF coins, multi-packs, pre-production items, and store displays. I even found the price guide to be more credible and helpful than most. All in a high-quality book with nice, thick, semi-gloss pages. Great for the new or intermediate collector; but, even serious, long time collectors and professionals will likely learn a lot from this book.

For Star Wars fans & collectors of all types
This is *the* book for anyone who's ever had an interest in the vintage Kenner Star Wars action figure line (from 1977-1985). Nostalgiac fans who may or may not collect will see all the items they loved as kids, while experienced collectors will get comprehensive coverage on many different aspects of the hobby.

Based on 10 years of research, the author has compiled detailed information not to be found elsewhere, with a special focus on US package variations, store displays & promotional items, and package and display-related prototype items. If you think you've seen it all, you simply haven't until you've seen this book. The author has used large, high quality photos of all the items, many of which have never been seen in any other format. In addition to coverage of the toys many knew and loved, the author provides images of rare and one-of-a-kind items from his own and other collections. You didn't know how many different versions of the rare and infamous unproduced rocket-firing Boba Fett figures there were until this book came out!

There have been other books covering parts of the same topic, but none with the quality and depth as this book. The $34.95 cover price is far less than one would expect to pay for a lengthy hard-cover book like this, especially considering the overall high quality. Unlike general Star Wars guides that used lots of small images, the author has used large, high quality, professionally produced images. The paper stock and hard cover are also heavier than any other book I've seen in this area. In my opinion, not only is this book a bargain at this price, many of the items seen in this book can't be seen *anywhere* since they are in various private collections. It's a super treat to be able to see them all here together in one place.

Todd Chamberlain
Editor, Star Wars Collectors Archive, www.toysrgus.com
Webmaster, www.toychamber.com

By far the best book on vintage Star Wars written to date
This hardback with over 900 pictures is by far the best book ever written about the vintage Star Wars action figure line. If you ever wanted to know virtually all there is to know about the Star Wars action figure line produced originally by Kenner from 1978 until 1986, then this is THE book to own. Over 5 years of work went into this book and I have never seen its equal. Anyone from the most casual to the most serious collector will find this book exiting to read. I would consider this book an absolute must for anyone with an interest in the greatest line of toys ever produced. - Tom Derby