Star Wars enthusiasts are accustomed to seeing their beloved franchise components receive upgrades, and now this concept is being applied to a bookstore near you. To commemorate the 20th anniversary, Lucasfilm has announced the release of a deluxe edition of Matthew Stover’s novelization of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, novelizations in the series and possibly the medium.

Tom Hoeler of Random House World expressed his excitement about publishing this exceptional deluxe edition of the Revenge of the Sith novelization, stating, “It has been thrilling to collaborate with author Matthew Stover and Lucasfilm to create a fully annotated edition, providing readers with unparalleled insight into the creation of this masterpiece.” He further emphasized that across nearly 50 years of Star Wars books, this novelization stands alone due to its unique approach to adapting characters and story from screen to page.

Hoeler highlighted that even among film novelizations, the approach taken by Stover is distinct, and two decades later, this novelization remains as essential, enduring, and influential as it has ever been. He noted that bringing the book back to hardcover in a stunning deluxe keepsake edition is a perfect way to celebrate 20 years of Revenge of the Sith.

The deluxe edition of the novelization features an upgraded book with an acetate jacket, foil stamping, a paper over-board book case, gilded and stained edges, illustrated full-color endpapers, and a red satin ribbon marker. Additionally, the text includes over 150 annotations from Stover, offering readers a rare glimpse into the author’s mind and creative process.

This deluxe edition is a fitting celebration of the Revenge of the Sith novelization, which has remained influential even 20 years after its initial release. Stover’s approach to novelization is distinct, as it grants a layer of interiority that adds depth to the characters and world, making it a perfect complementary text to the movie. The novelization’s lavish prose amplifies the mytho-poetic underpinnings of Star Wars, weaving the inevitable tragedy of the Jedi Order and Republic’s falls into a grand narrative.

According to the Random House website, the deluxe edition will be released on October 14 and will be priced at $60. For more information, visit the Random House website.

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