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Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy
An explosive, interactive, pop off the page book about George Lucas's STAR WARS movies to celebrate the 30th anniversary!
Matthew Reinhart has created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas's epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features -- pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films.
Matthew Reinhart has created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas's epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features -- pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films.
6 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2007
About the author
Matthew Reinhart
109 books100 followersMatthew Christian Reinhart was born September 21, 1971 to Gary and Judith Reinhart in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The son of a farmer, his father Gary joined the Navy and so the family moved around the country, from Florida to Texas to Illinois to California to Virginia and then South Carolina. Judith and Matthew followed along, and soon to be joined by his little sister, Erin.
Art was always a huge part of Matthew Reinhart’s young life. Drawing pictures and making crafts were his favorite activities, in school and out. Matthew drew whenever and wherever he got the chance; in fact, school notebooks often had more drawings than notes! He loved drawing and reading about all creatures and animals so much, he drew them everywhere!
After high school, chose to study biology in preparation for medical school, thinking a career in art was too far-fetched. College life at Clemson University in South Carolina was busy for Matthew, but he was never really satisfied. Medicine was not his true calling, so along with his required science classes, Matthew took various art courses to build up his portfolio.
After graduating college, moved to New York City for a year before starting medical school. There, he met acclaimed children’s book author Robert Sabuda doing volunteer work together for a local community center. Robert's book, Christmas Alphabet had just released to rave reviews, and he convinced Matthew to follow his true calling. The following year, Matthew attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. as an industrial design major (concentrating in toy design).
Pratt was fantastic experience for him, but his initial dreams of being a toy designer soon transformed into paper engineer. After working with Robert on books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A B C Disney and Movable Mother Goose. Matthew made his first big break into the pop-up world with The Pop Up Book Of Phobias. Many books collaborations have followed, including a trilogy of New York Times best-selling Encyclopedia Prehistorica and the following series Encyclopedia Mythologica with Robert Sabuda, along with Mommy?, co-authored with the renowned Maurice Sendak and Brava Strega Nona with the ageless Tomie DePaola. His solo pop-up books include The Ark, Animal Popposites, The Jungle Book, Cinderella, The Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes, and STAR WARS: Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. He continues to work and live in New York City, cutting, taping and folding paper into pop-up masterpieces.
Art was always a huge part of Matthew Reinhart’s young life. Drawing pictures and making crafts were his favorite activities, in school and out. Matthew drew whenever and wherever he got the chance; in fact, school notebooks often had more drawings than notes! He loved drawing and reading about all creatures and animals so much, he drew them everywhere!
After high school, chose to study biology in preparation for medical school, thinking a career in art was too far-fetched. College life at Clemson University in South Carolina was busy for Matthew, but he was never really satisfied. Medicine was not his true calling, so along with his required science classes, Matthew took various art courses to build up his portfolio.
After graduating college, moved to New York City for a year before starting medical school. There, he met acclaimed children’s book author Robert Sabuda doing volunteer work together for a local community center. Robert's book, Christmas Alphabet had just released to rave reviews, and he convinced Matthew to follow his true calling. The following year, Matthew attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. as an industrial design major (concentrating in toy design).
Pratt was fantastic experience for him, but his initial dreams of being a toy designer soon transformed into paper engineer. After working with Robert on books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A B C Disney and Movable Mother Goose. Matthew made his first big break into the pop-up world with The Pop Up Book Of Phobias. Many books collaborations have followed, including a trilogy of New York Times best-selling Encyclopedia Prehistorica and the following series Encyclopedia Mythologica with Robert Sabuda, along with Mommy?, co-authored with the renowned Maurice Sendak and Brava Strega Nona with the ageless Tomie DePaola. His solo pop-up books include The Ark, Animal Popposites, The Jungle Book, Cinderella, The Pop-Up Book of Nursery Rhymes, and STAR WARS: Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. He continues to work and live in New York City, cutting, taping and folding paper into pop-up masterpieces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 20, 2010
STAR WARS: A POP-UP GUIDE TO THE GALAXY BY MATTHEW REINHART: In celebration of the 30th anniversary since the release of Star Wars, along with The Star Wars Vault, there is this true gem for all fans alike: Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. You may be turned away by the term “pop-up,” thinking it something that applies only to children’s books and to be ignored, and I would tend to agree with you, except in this case! The Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy is the only pop-up book you will need to and ever want to own.
The thick but light book is divided into six double-spread pages. It does not tell the chronological story of Star Wars from episodes I-VI, but is instead more like a report from someone who traveled to this galaxy, far, far away, and came back to tell of what he or she saw and learned there. The copy on each page is detailed and complex. This is not for anyone (if there is anyone) who has yet to see Star Wars, for prior understanding is required, since on each page facts, stats, and details are thrown at you along with incredible colorful pictures that pop-out before your very eyes and almost become real.
To say there is just something for everyone would be like saying the Millennium Falcon could “probably” make the Kessel Run in maybe 12 parsecs. The most impressive tableau is the pop-up of a large Mos Eisley spaceport where our heroes Luke and Obi-Wan first met Han and Chewie. Organized in wonderfully complex 3D fashion, we see the familiar scene with different groups of people and lots of familiar faces, who are all explained. But whether you’re hoping some of the lesser known bounty hunters, like IG-88 and Bossk get mentioned; or whether Jabba the Hutt’s Desert Skiff can hover up to 50 meters and travel up to 250 kilometers per hour; or whether they remembered to mention the formidable but often forgotten Wedge Antilles; rest assured they are all recorded here.
And if that isn’t enough for you, why then you can turn to the last page where you will be greeted by Lord Darth Vader coming out at you with the scarred old man’s face beneath. After recovering from that, you turn to the fold-out panels either side of the black helmet which discuss Anakin Skywalker who became Darth Vader on the left and Luke Skywalker on the right. The key here is to open both at the same time, as each character pops out in miniature, each holding their familiar lightsabers which actually light up red and green.
For more book reviews and exclusive author interviews, go to BookBanter.
The thick but light book is divided into six double-spread pages. It does not tell the chronological story of Star Wars from episodes I-VI, but is instead more like a report from someone who traveled to this galaxy, far, far away, and came back to tell of what he or she saw and learned there. The copy on each page is detailed and complex. This is not for anyone (if there is anyone) who has yet to see Star Wars, for prior understanding is required, since on each page facts, stats, and details are thrown at you along with incredible colorful pictures that pop-out before your very eyes and almost become real.
To say there is just something for everyone would be like saying the Millennium Falcon could “probably” make the Kessel Run in maybe 12 parsecs. The most impressive tableau is the pop-up of a large Mos Eisley spaceport where our heroes Luke and Obi-Wan first met Han and Chewie. Organized in wonderfully complex 3D fashion, we see the familiar scene with different groups of people and lots of familiar faces, who are all explained. But whether you’re hoping some of the lesser known bounty hunters, like IG-88 and Bossk get mentioned; or whether Jabba the Hutt’s Desert Skiff can hover up to 50 meters and travel up to 250 kilometers per hour; or whether they remembered to mention the formidable but often forgotten Wedge Antilles; rest assured they are all recorded here.
And if that isn’t enough for you, why then you can turn to the last page where you will be greeted by Lord Darth Vader coming out at you with the scarred old man’s face beneath. After recovering from that, you turn to the fold-out panels either side of the black helmet which discuss Anakin Skywalker who became Darth Vader on the left and Luke Skywalker on the right. The key here is to open both at the same time, as each character pops out in miniature, each holding their familiar lightsabers which actually light up red and green.
For more book reviews and exclusive author interviews, go to BookBanter.
September 24, 2022
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!! I need this in my collection RIGHT NOW!!!
May 5, 2008
One of the best birthday gifts you could give to a Star Wars fan, this book really appeals to the geeky child within my geeky adult.
Did I mention that it has light up light sabers inside?
Did I mention that it has light up light sabers inside?
August 23, 2018
Gripping. Kept me up all night.
July 2, 2019
Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy by pop-up master Matthew Reinhart is an encyclopedic collection of the characters and locations found in the Star Wars saga. As encyclopedic entries, the prose is serviceable, but the engineering of the pop-up pages and images is out of this world. (See what I did there?)
December 1, 2022
As a Star Wars fan when my cousin sold me this book I was thrilled. I love it! Come one what else do you need to know about this book and that I can add to the title: A POP-UP book with information about Star Wars. Matthew Reinhart did a great job. It even comes with 2 pop-up electronic lightsabers in the middle. A rare finding in Argentina, but a treasured one from now on.
September 19, 2018
these books are incredibly. My son LOVED this book. We had to purchase a second one because he wore out the first one.
June 15, 2021
Impressive construction of the pop-up book, kind of random assortment of factoids to share about the Star Wars galaxy.
May 21, 2008
As a lifelong Star Wars nerd, I was overwhelmed to receive this book as a joint birthday/Christmas gift from a friend last December. Even though I'm obviously sucked in by the subject matter, the sheer craftsmanship that went into making this book is astounding! It makes me wish I got to do this for a living. For Star Wars fans, you won't unlock any new knowledge about the universe, but a surprising amount of esoteric detail went into the content and construction of this thing, even adding in features on minor characters like Mon Mothma, Wedge, most of the Mos Eisely denzins...it's no encyclopedia, but it's not some 'Skywalker-come-lately', either. There are enough surprises (mostly extra fold/pop-out features) in this thing that I literally found something new (and awesome!) the first five or six times I opened it up.
What a great gift idea for Star Wars fans, of any age! I honestly think that I appreciate this book much more at twenty-three than I would have at ten years old, but if I was a kid, this book would definitely warrant some bragging rights on the playground. If I ever have kids, this will be the first book they get to expose them to the cool minutiae from the movies. Just take a look inside--the fearsome Rancor made out of paper? Awesome. The pop-ups have pop-ups on them? Check. The freaking lightsabers ILLUMINATE on the last page, for crying out loud! Thank the maker for this book, it's really a piece of art.
What a great gift idea for Star Wars fans, of any age! I honestly think that I appreciate this book much more at twenty-three than I would have at ten years old, but if I was a kid, this book would definitely warrant some bragging rights on the playground. If I ever have kids, this will be the first book they get to expose them to the cool minutiae from the movies. Just take a look inside--the fearsome Rancor made out of paper? Awesome. The pop-ups have pop-ups on them? Check. The freaking lightsabers ILLUMINATE on the last page, for crying out loud! Thank the maker for this book, it's really a piece of art.
February 11, 2009
I giggled like a kid when I first pulled the shrink-wrap off Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy. It combines two of my great loves, Star Wars and pop-up books, neither of which can I get enough.
It's a trove of factoids about ships, characters, weapons and creatures, with a bit of canon history thrown in to keep it going. But the very best part is the paper engineering. Each page features a large pop-up (be still my heart, an extended Millennium Falcon!), with additional fold-out wings that hold even more pop-ups, sometimes layered three deep.
All your favorites are there, including a Luke and Darth face-off on the final page that had my jaw dropping with glee. Make sure to look closely at the oversized Vader helmet as it unfolds and forms. Great detail work.
I have a small but satisfying collection of pop-up books, but I count this among the most impressive, particularly given its price: $19.97 at Amazon. Definitely worth it for geeks of the Star Wars or pop-up book persuasion.
It's a trove of factoids about ships, characters, weapons and creatures, with a bit of canon history thrown in to keep it going. But the very best part is the paper engineering. Each page features a large pop-up (be still my heart, an extended Millennium Falcon!), with additional fold-out wings that hold even more pop-ups, sometimes layered three deep.
All your favorites are there, including a Luke and Darth face-off on the final page that had my jaw dropping with glee. Make sure to look closely at the oversized Vader helmet as it unfolds and forms. Great detail work.
I have a small but satisfying collection of pop-up books, but I count this among the most impressive, particularly given its price: $19.97 at Amazon. Definitely worth it for geeks of the Star Wars or pop-up book persuasion.
January 19, 2014
StarWars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy is an extraordinary book by Matthew Reinhart that has managed to survive several years of use by my flock of book vultures. The amazing paper engineering has suffered only one tear in around six years of use. I took time out this week to re-read this and was stunned yet again by both the technical intricacy of the pop-ups, as well as by how well written the explanations were. Often in books of this type the literacy takes second place to the illustrations, and especially when the illustrations are so sensational. Here attention has been paid to both.
I would happily recommend this to anyone who appreciates engineering marvels, as well as to Star Wars fans.
I would happily recommend this to anyone who appreciates engineering marvels, as well as to Star Wars fans.
Read
April 27, 2014This book actually has so much detail about Star Wars! I found it at a used book store for 4 bucks and it was probably one of my best purchases! The pop-ups are fantastic and detailed and there is an explanation for just about every character, aircraft, droid, etc... you name it, it's in there. This is a great book for someone who does not really like the norm of reading novels but likes to learn about the little details. It was perfect for my little brother because he could pick up any informational text and read it and understand it as long as it was about something he was interested in, like Star Wars.
December 31, 2007
I was a little apprehensive when someone got this for my son this Christmas. But when we sat down to read this, I was completely amazed. The pop-ups are not your lame kid's book pop-ups, they are intricate and elaborate, with wonderful detail and features. The information is nothing new to fans of Star Wars, and the writing is basic encyclopedia style. I highly recommend this book to any Star Wars fans (fanatics). I don't think this should be placed in the hands of kids. The mechanisms of the pop-ups are very delicate and you can easily destroy the book if you are not careful. Enjoy.
May 3, 2020
The summary of this book says, "This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films."
I partially agree. It is a beautiful book but I'm not sure how it will give you a new perspective on the films and I'm fairly certain most Star Wars fans can skip it.
Also, check the page count, this is a very pretty but very short book.
Ultimately this is an interesting novelty for diehard Star Wars fans looking to add something to their collection or children.
I partially agree. It is a beautiful book but I'm not sure how it will give you a new perspective on the films and I'm fairly certain most Star Wars fans can skip it.
Also, check the page count, this is a very pretty but very short book.
Ultimately this is an interesting novelty for diehard Star Wars fans looking to add something to their collection or children.
January 25, 2017
Even though this book took me only minutes to read. Even though this book had no real pages to it. I found it enjoyable.
If you have a child who is into Star Wars, this book is certain to bring the Star Wars Geek to a whole new level. It was easy to read but it also had challenging words like "Adhered" and "Acolytes". Not your average vocab. And what's really cool? One of the pop ups has a lightsaber that actually lights up! Kids are gonna love that!
High marks for this book. I recommend it.
If you have a child who is into Star Wars, this book is certain to bring the Star Wars Geek to a whole new level. It was easy to read but it also had challenging words like "Adhered" and "Acolytes". Not your average vocab. And what's really cool? One of the pop ups has a lightsaber that actually lights up! Kids are gonna love that!
High marks for this book. I recommend it.
January 28, 2009
So, Jared and I saw this book last year and just loved it but couldn't pay the $50 to buy it. He got it this year for Christmas for about half the price (thank goodness). This book is really cool and a piece of art, too. Although we love all the pages and the little mini pages within pages... our favorite is probably the last page where Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker pop out to duel and their light sabers glow!
February 7, 2017
One of my favorites. I read it to my girls tonight, and they geeked out!
February 9, 2009
Thicker than two dictionaries and with less than 10 pages, this book is truly spectacular. If a picture is a thousand words, then an animated spread of the Rancor flailing his arms and opening and closing his mouth is totally awesome. I am having trouble activating the stars but rest assured, this is a five star tome worthy of anyone's library.
March 15, 2011
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 8.9
Subjects:
Star wars (Motion picture)
Pop-up books.
Toy and movable books.
Notes: "Star wars 30"--Cover p. 4. More than thirty-five pop-up illustrations and brief text describe the characters, places, spaceships, and galaxy of "Star Wars."
Reading Level: 8.9
Subjects:
Star wars (Motion picture)
Pop-up books.
Toy and movable books.
Notes: "Star wars 30"--Cover p. 4. More than thirty-five pop-up illustrations and brief text describe the characters, places, spaceships, and galaxy of "Star Wars."
May 4, 2011
Wow, this is a Star Wars fanatic's dream (adult or child). Each page contains a pop-up along with other pull-outs or interactive smaller pop-ups. Tihs will provide hours of entertainment for a fan of this movie series. One to purchase (we checked out the library's copy and it was worn out to say the least).
August 27, 2012
This is without a doubt the greatest pop up masterpiece ever created. There is a pop up in a pop up in a... You get the idea. The light up battery operated lightsabers at the end always cause me to make lightsaber noises when I show kids or adults. Well crafted and a must have for any Star Wars fan.
August 9, 2014
I received this as a joke from my father for my 25th birthday, after he found it at a market stall. I'm not even a huge Star Wars fan. I love this book. The detail is amazing. All of my friends love it the first time they see it. Plus who doesn't want to play light saber fights within your own pop-up book.
December 4, 2007
I'm neither a pop-up book nor a Star Wars connoisseur, but this book is an amazing piece of art. I bought it as a gift for kids but couldn't resist exploring it myself first, and it's extremely impressive.
October 3, 2013
Matthew Reinhart is the best pop-up artist around these days and this book does not disappoint. The pop-ups are perfectly executed, they fold well when the page is turned and they can be viewed from 360 degrees. Plus there are glowing pop-up light sabers!
July 3, 2017
Artisticamente el libro es muy bonito, tiene un estilo distinto, textos breves de explican un poco la naturaleza de los personajes y escenarios plasmados en el pop up y el gran final los sables laser que se prenden al doblar la pagina. Muy chevere
September 11, 2016
This is one of the more amazing pop-up creations I have seen. The level of detail is amazing, as is the variety of characters and places represented. Plus, it lights up and has sound effects! What more could you want.
January 7, 2008
My kids aren't allowed to touch this "kids book." This has amazing artwork, and is so intricate. The last page with the glowing light sabers is just over the top. Love it!
January 23, 2008
This pop-up books is one of the best pop-ups of all time. It was so well put together with pop-ups inside pop-ups. Glowing lightsabers, as well as a history of the star wars world. fun book!
March 4, 2008
Super incredible pop-up book representation of Star Wars IV-VI. I was wowed by the tons and tons of pop-ups inside. Extremely well done.
March 5, 2008
Just about every character in Star Wars has a corresponding pop-up in this wonderful little guide. The rancor even gets a double page. And there are glowing lightsabers too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews