Web posted on: Friday, November 20, 1998 3:54:16 PM EST

(CNN) -- From a cookbook to a stately Anakin Skywalker action figure, "Star Wars" is a hot commodity in the book world.

Chronicle Books, a popular San Francisco publisher that produces hip and colorful books about fun -- food, cocktails, art, architecture, and photography -- is poised (dare we say they sit in the pilot's seat of a Millennium Falcon?) to strike this holiday season with a variety of "Star Wars" books and products. The many "Star Wars" elements in their inventory are designed to appeal not only to those diehards who feel the feverish draw of The Dark Side within them, but to anyone who can utter the name Han Solo.

Just carry an armload of this stuff into a conference room with your co-workers and witness the power of The Force: Everyone wants to read them, everyone wants to borrow them, everyone wants to play.

So read on, and peruse what is soon coming to a book cantina near you.

A limited edition exclusive, this box set includes the illustrated hardcover "Anakin Skywalker: The Story of Darth Vader" and a 13 1/2 inch Anakin Skywalker action figure.

In the book, Star Wars authority Stephen J. Sansweet offers a glimpse behind the scenes for an intimate look at the life and times of Darth Vader, including early sketches, production stills, costume and prop shots, interviews and collectibles.

From C-3PO pancakes to Jedi juice bars, "The Star Wars Cookbook: Wookie Cookies" offers snacks, treats and illustrated, easy-to-use recipes evoking the image of "Star Wars." The book includes 35 recipes, shiny foil stickers featuring "Star Wars" characters, and tips for cooking with kids of all ages.

A wide-ranging tribute to the Star Wars phenomenon, this deluxe limited edition by Deborah Fine features a comprehensive collection of photographs, production stills, sketches, and outtakes. Nearly the entire Lucasfilm archives, with hundreds of never-before-seen images and dozens of creatures, and sections on Star Wars TV specials that have never been published in book form, are brought together in this volume.

The work offers an overview of a modern marketing extravaganza, featuring more than 150 full-color images of collectible items, and text of recent interviews with George Lucas.

Written by John Whitman and illustrated by Brandon McKinney, this little book is part of the Little Chronicles series. The series celebrated the 20th anniversary of "Star Wars" by offering "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" in palm-sized packages.

Ralph McQuarrie is the production artist whose visionary designs helped shape the look and feel of George Lucas' hugely successful films.

A former technical illustrator for Boeing, McQuarrie first heard of George Lucas when the student filmmaker screened his chilling look at a sterile future world, called "THX 1138:4EB." Long before "Star Wars" had a title, Lucas and some associates met with McQuarrie in his small garage apartment to look at images of science fiction art. Before long, McQuarrie was creating what became the "look" of "Star Wars."

The Star Wars ArtBox "Star Wars: The Art of Ralph McQuarrie" features reproductions of McQuarrie's matte paintings, production paintings, and concept sketches, a detailed biography, six collectible stamps, and more.

• Latest book from 'Star Wars' guru scrapbooks trilogy madness
• 'Star Wars' trailer gets sneak preview

• Chronicle Books