When the Star Wars Radio Drama made its debut in 1981, on the NPR network, it was an instant success. Saga creator George Lucas sold the rights of the story to his alma mater for a dollar After that, a highly creative team took on the task of adapting the very visual film, for the radio medium. The end result is an enjoyable and very worthwhile, experience that makes the film come alive all over again, despite the lack of any of the film's landmark visuals

Using sound effects, the original score by composer John Williams, and with 2 key actors reprising their roles from the film, the radio drama boasts lavish production values. This is not some cheesy adaptation that they slapped together, quickly and put the name Star Wars on it, hoping for the best. Author Brian Daley's radioplay expands on the film verison by including additional "scenes" and backstory. Directed by John Madden (Shakespeare In Love), the radio drama has a top notch cast. Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels add some additional class by recreating their film roles as Luke Skywalker and C-3PO respectively. Brock Peters as Darth Vader, makes the part his own, while Ann Sachs gives Leia the right amount of spunk. Perry King, as smuggler Han Solo, may not be Harrison Ford, but he could be Solo, and that's what counts. Bernard Beherns as Ben Kenobi and the late great character actor, Keane Curtis, as Grand Moff Tarkin, round out the main cast, with style. While I was listening to this, I got the impression that, even though it must have been a lot of work to put this production together, it seems like everyone had a good time too. Sure some of it may sound a bit off at times, because most of us know the film so well. But one must remember that no one working on the project set out to just copy the film. The Star Wars Radio Drama captures the sprit of its of source material perfectlly...and that's all it needs to do.

I highly recommend this presenation. The Star Wars Radio Drama on CD contains all 13 episodes as originally presented, spread over 7 discs, with a running time of about six and a half hours. The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi radio drama adaptations are also available as well.

All the sound effects and music added much as well as having two members of the original cast from the movies(Mark Hamil and Anthony Daniels)was wonderful!! Anne Sachs was brillient as Leia and Perry King was magnifesent as Solo although getting used to King's voice instead of Ford's was a bit difficult.I enjoyed getting more background on Luke and Leia. Brian Daily wrote a wonderful script!! All in all this series should be re-brodcast.

At first, the idea seems bizarre, even ridiculous. Star Wars, a movie best known for its vistas of alien worlds and epic battles, as a 13 part radio drama? No way would it work, right?

Well, unless you have the cold heart of a Sith, Star Wars did indeed translate well from the silver screen to radio, thank you very much. Yes, Star Wars' visual effects are a big part of the magic of the saga, but the heart and soul of George Lucas' galaxy far, far away are the characters and the storyline. And while the movie is satisfying on its own, the radio dramatization written by the late Brian Daley takes us beyond the movie....beyond the screenplay...and even beyond the novelization.

By expanding the movie's story beyond its two hour running time, the Radio Drama allows us to catch glimpses of Luke Skywalker's life BEFORE the movie. It tells us how Princess Leia acquired the Death Star plans....and what, exactly, happened to her during her interrogation aboard the Empire's battle station...(it is an interesting scene, but not for the squeamish, by the way). In short, by expanding the story to nearly seven hours, characters we loved on screen acquire depth only equaled by novelizations.

The Radio Drama makes extensive use of material written (and in some cases filmed) for A New Hope's silver screen version but cut for editorial or technical reasons. Also, Ben Burtt's sound effects, John Williams' score, and the acting of Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Anthony Daniels (See Threepio) give the whole project its "true" Star Wars cachet.

First of all, you must know that Brian Daley has been my favorite author for several years and all his books have captivated me like no other books have (except the best of classic sci-fi/fantasy). Sadly, he was never that popular and most people probably don't know his works, excepting his Star Wars trilogy. Any of his books are good enough to be on the same shelf with The Lord of the Rings and Dune, and his style of writing has always appealed to me.

In Jinx on a Terran Inheritance, this style is taken to the max. The humor and irony is there, and so is the action. This is also the longest of "The Trilogy" (for lack of a better name). Alacrity and Hobart are on their way to Blackguard, a planet infamous for its oppression of the weak and poor by the powerful, who made it into a theme park where they can play out fantasies such as being Lord of a medieval castle, etc. This is also where Hobart's inheritance, a ship called Astrea Imprimateur, is being held. With no idea where the ship is on the planet, or if it has fallen into an evil warlord's hands, they set out towards the planet with no funds, and no way to get there. Eventually, they get employed as breakabouts by a ship captain, and off they go. One of the funniest parts in any of the books is where they make a stop on a planet in the process of a funeral for the mayor of one of the cities or something like that. I won't give it away, but you'll get there soon enough....

I don't think it's possible to dislike this book. Any fan of good sci-fi should get this, and anyone who calls himself/herself a fan of Brian Daley should already have it.

Long live the Srillans!

I picked up this book at a yard sale and it soon found a place among my favorites, including the greats like Heinlein and Asimov, and Gibson and Pohl and Brin.

Although it's the second book in the trilogy (which includes "Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds" and "Fall of the White Ship Avatar"), it's my favorite of the bunch. I didn't mind to read any of this trilogy out of order; each book sets itself up strongly.

What Daley created was a pair of great characters and some top-notch adventure sci-fi. It's a shame these books are out of print; my copies of the last two are starting to disintegrate from heavy reading. If you can find the trilogy at all, pick it up: Each book is a great read.

Book 2 of the chronicles of Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh

While you could read this book by itself, it really needs the background of the predecessor volume, 'Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds,' in order to shine its brightest. The companions in misfortune that were introduced in Requiem continue their adventures through dens of techno-cannibals, lairs of scum and villainy, abject poverty, fabulous wealth, battles with clone librarians, negociations with juvenile gangs, and intoxicated funerals for varnished aliens. Every bit as good as Requiem.

Like the previous book in the series ('Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds'), I rate this one 'G.' I consider the content of this book to be suitable reading for all ages.

Book 3 of the chronicles of Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh

The third and final novel in the Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh series, following 'Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds' and 'Jinx on a Terran Inheritance.' It continues the chronicle of the madcap adventures of this odd couple, in the same fast-paced, free-wheeling, and thoroughly enjoyable style as the first two. It, too, can stand on its own -- but is more enjoyable if one is steeped in the wonder and hilarious hysteria of the preceding titles. I consider it a significant tragedy that Brian Daley died of cancer in 1996 before he could continue the stories (if such was indeed his intention). Requiescat en pace, mon ami.

'G'-rated according to me. I consider the content of this book to be suitable reading for all ages.

In this, Daley's third installment of the "Adventures of Hobart Floyt and Alacrity Fitzhugh" (following _Requiem for a Ruler of Worlds_ and _Jinx on a Terran Inheritance_), we go beyond the scope of the original books into the past of Alacrity Fitzhugh--including his real name, his "Captain's Sidearm", and his obsession with the Precursors, an uber-race that has disappeared from the Cosmos--but not before leaving tantalizing technological clues. Much of the story takes place on an inhospitable planet as Floyt, Fitzhugh, and a female companion fight nature to reach an important meeting for the eponymous White Ship of the title. Enjoyable--but it leaves some unanswered questions, which, alas, will now remain that way with Daley's passing.

After reading the books and listening to the audio adaptions, I can't watch the movies anymore. Buy the CDs/Cassetes...to borrow a line from Garrison Keillor, the pictures are better. Anthony Daniels intro and insight was worth the jacket price.

I am a Star Wars fan, like most everyone else in my generation. If you are like me, having lived and breathed Star Wars at one time or another during your life, you really owe it to yourself to listen to the Star Wars Radio Drama casettes, available from Amazon. Click here, here and here to link to the casette versions, although I found a boxed set of CDs from Amazon that really kicked. These audio versions are terrific, offering tons of material not in the movies, background on all characters, great acting by Anthony Danielt and Mark Hamil, great audio and sound effects, and much more. Recommended to all Gen X'ers. END

In high school, I read only comic books and short stories. I absolutely hated novels. While this story is relatively short, it is a very interesting and well written adaption of the movie. After I read this book, I went on the the Han Solo trilogy Mr. Daley wrote and then anything else he wrote. If you want a taste of Mr. Daley's writing style without having to work through a long book, find a copy of this one.

If you liked Disney's spectacular science-fiction film "Tron" than you will like this novel. Brian Daley proved his talent at writing about existing worlds created by other artists when he wrote his "Han Solo" trilogy sanctioned by George Lucas and following the success of Star Wars in 1977. Brian Daley does it again, creating a unique world and society that exists inside a computer complete with classic religious overtones. If any novelization of a movie could stand alone, this would be it! This novel is exciting, original and adds to one's enjoyment on the movie instead of simply retelling it. This is a novel for any lover of the movie or for anyone who is simply interested in exploring a new world.

As I said about Doomfarers, this one is really a great read. It wouldn't make much sense without Doomfarers, but it develops the world nicely and provides a really good sense of completion. THe great characters from Doomfarers continue: Gil MacDonald recovers his sanity eventually, Springbuck grows up, and Yardiff Bey gets run through, but only after making a good play for the brass ring. And the supporting cast--van Duyn, the de Courtenays, Angorman, Reacher and Katya, etc. And the pace keeps up, never letting things slide.

Unlike the standard fantasy cliche nowdays, the Coramonde series has but two lean and mean books, not a trilogy or the multi-volume bloat that has become all too common these days. I'd love to have seen more in the world of course but not at the expense of quality. Alas they don't write 'em much like this anymore.

I re-read the Doomfarers and Starfollowers at least once every year. Mr. Daley was one of those authors who threw you right into the action within the first few pages and unfolded the history and detail as he went. Brian Daley served in the Army and it shows in the books attention to detail. I highly recommend.

I'm sure most of us got started on Brian Daley through his Han Solo trilogy like I did. Then my cousin brought this book over called "The Doomfarers of Coramonde" and since it was from the author of some of my fav. Star Wars books, I gave it a shot. Boy am I glad that I did! An Armored Personnel Carrier gets [snatched] out of the middle of a fight [and sent] to another reality where they have to slay a dragon and rescue a sorceress... and that's only a small bit! It was very readable and believable (for a fantasy story). Of all Mr. Daley's books, this and "The Starfollowers of Coramonde" are probably my favorite that he's written. I still have to read the GammaLAW books and Tron, so my opinion *might* be subject to change, but for now, "The Doomfarers of Coramonde" and "The Starfollowers of Coramonde" remain my favorites.

This and Starfollowers of Coramonde (the sequel) are two of my favorite sci fi books. Daley really kept the action rolling and had some wonderful ideas, but always made sure to develop the characters. I love the characters, Gil MacDonald the disaffected Vietnam vet who gets sucked into fantasy land, Springbuck the dispossed, nearsighted king, Yardiff Bey the archvillain, etc. Well worth the price.

I went into this book skeptically -- the election was not something I cared to revisit -- but I enjoy Achenbach's columns on the Washington Post website, so I thought I'd give the book a chance. I'm really glad I did. Achenbach does a great job of parodying the main characters of the campaign and election and recount -- Bush, Gore, Katherine Harris, etc -- while taking the Average Joes quite seriously and unironically. He does more legwork than the average columnist and he's funnier, too. Who knew I would laugh out loud when reading about chads?

I know, I know. People are sick of hearing about the election. But if you are going to read any book on American politics this year, I suggest it be this one. Surprised? I was too.

Achenbach, who writes a column for the Washington Post online, is at heart a humor columnist. And a good one. The book contains hysterical commentary on the entire campaign, from the primaries through the innagural. That didn't suprise me. Achenbach's a funny guy.

What did surprise me is that the book captures the essence of the 2000 election more poignantly and insightfully that any of the "serious" pieces I have read. Achenbach is at his root a journalist, and his humor is always digging at something deeper. Sure, he can make the obvious "W. ain't so smart" joke. But most of his commentary is both funny on the surface and incisive upon reflection. His writing about the recount captures the madness, mayhem and unique uncertainty of that process far more effectively than even the Post's own history of the election.

Look, this is a funny book. If that's all you want, buy it. But it comes with an added bonus-- with wry humor it captures a surreal moment in American history perhaps the only way it can really be captured.

Achanbach's little book is as funny as it is easy to read. It's the kind of book your sarcastic roommate might write if he road along on the press bus during a national election. Of course, the books strength is also it's weakness, since Achenbach seems to know as much about the history of politics and elections as your sarcastic roommate might. His observation that the campaign was vapid and devoid of ideas was accurate but his assumption that it was unique because of this is faulty. Likewise his assessment of the candidates, summed up by his title, is correct but his assumption that in the past the country sent moral or intellectual giants onto the campaign trail is flawed. Every politician is considered a pandering vapid idiot in his time, and is excoriated by his enemies for his intellectual and moral deficits. It is possible that Gore was more boring than average and W was stupider, but you could not discern this simply by reading accounts written during elections. Achenbach is on target when he suggests that the candidates do not represent the voters, but again he is off base when he tries to explain why. He would have us believe that it is the independent voters that vote for the likes Nader and Buchanan are to blame. It is not those who actually vote for leaders they admire who are the problem, it is those like Achenbach who dutifully pull the handle for whomever the party bosses select. Achenbach is no Jack Germound, to be sure, and this book should not be seen as a serious, detailed explanation of the nuts and bolts of the campaign. It is not. It is a playful romp, a witty, vicious assault from a neophyte. There is nothing wrong with that. It's darn funny and quite a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

Thanks to the many requests of Star Wars fans and radio enthusiasts alike, the team that brought us the radio adaptations of A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, reunited to conclude the original saga. Made exclusively by Highbridge, Return Of The Jedi, once again uses the film's score by John Williams and sound effects by Ben Burtt, to make for a top notch production. By using the actual soundtrack from the film, it gives the audio production crediability, as opposed to being made without it.

Once again, directed by John Madden, Jedi reunites most of the actors from the previous adaptions, with a couple of notable exceptions. Mark Hamill, who reprised his role as Luke Skywalker, for the first 2 productions, is replaced by Joshua Fardon. While, Billy Dee Williams, as rogue Lando Calrissian, is replaced by Arye Gross. As hard as these gentlemen try, because of the original actors previous involvment with the other two radio dramas, its difficult to imagine anyone else in those parts. Fardon's portrayal lacks the maturity of Hamill's character in the film version, Gross comes off, not quite as smooth, in playing Lando. The rest of the main radio cast, from the other two adaptations is thankfully intact. Actors Anthony Daniels, once again as C-3PO, (who has appeard in all 3 radio dramas as well as all of the films in the series) Brock Peters as Vader, Perry King, as Han Solo, Anne Sachs as Princess Leia, all complete their character arcs in the seies with style. Actor Edward Asner as the gangster Jabba The Hutt and John Lithgow as Master Yoda, (as he did in the Empire radio drama) use vocal talent, like no others, to bring these 2 unique characters to life.

Sci-fi author, Brian Daley, once again. wrote the radioplay for Jedi. As before, there are a few additional "scenes" presented, not in the film version. The end result is very good, but thanks to its shorter length, and the casting changes, I mentioned, Jedi doesn't seem quite as epic, as the other radio dramas in the series. Sadly, Daley passed away soon after the dialogue was recorded, and the production is dedicated to his memory. His script is very faithful to the film and the added scenes remain true to the characters and story.

If you own the other two radio dramas in the series, Jedi is a must have, minor problems and all. The story has six episodes, presented on three compact discs with a total running time of nearly 3 hours. Recommended

Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite Star Wars movie, both because I like how all the characters matured, (especially Luke) and because it finally delt face to face with the dark side, possibly the best force of evil ever thought of in the realms of fiction. This book exheeded not only my expectations for the book itself (which were very high) but even surpassed the movie in some ways. The author has a deep, highly emotional writing syle which apealed to me greatly, and was so profound that all through the book I truly felt as if was there, a part of the story. Every Star Wars fan should read this at some point, especially those who didn't like Return of the Jedi because they thought it was weaker than the others. I could almost garantee this book would change their minds. Also, the author did a tremendous job on the characters. Just they way they were presented made me truly feel for them, even characters who were previously not my favorites. At times this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat actually wondering if maybe this time it would turn out differently, and the part where Anakin Skywalker dies almost had me in tears. Anyway, I don't think think this book belongs in any particular age range, though probably some of it (in fact a lot of it) would most likely go over the heads of people younger then twelve or so.

You'll never see me cite one Star Wars movie being better than all the others (at least until Episode III comes out, which I'm convinced has the potential to be the best movie of all time), but as far as the novelizations go, Return of the Jedi is by far my favorite.

If you didn't already know it, there are a handful of important details included within this book that didn't make it into the movie. These details alone are reason enough for all Star Wars fans to read this book. When Episode III finally comes around, you will be able to appreciate it much more having read this book.

However, the true strength of this book is the wonderful portrayal of the characters. So much depth was given to them that it just strengthened all of the reasons why I love Star Wars. And the reason I do love Star Wars is because of the characters. While all the sci-fi stuff is really great, it is the story of these characters that has drawn me into this universe. Reading about Luke flaunting with the Dark Side as he faces against Vader and the Emperor is gut wrenchingly incredible.

This is the third part of a three part story. I recommend reading the first two parts first respectively - the third part is a treat you won't regret.