How many Star Wars novels are there? This question often arises among fans of the iconic franchise, as the vast universe of Star Wars continues to expand with new stories and adventures. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might think, as the number of novels can vary depending on how one defines “Star Wars novel.” In this article, we will explore the various types of Star Wars novels and provide an estimated count of the total number available to readers today.
Firstly, it is important to differentiate between the different categories of Star Wars novels. The most well-known are the “Expanded Universe” novels, which were officially part of the Star Wars universe and were published by Lucasfilm. These novels include both original stories and adaptations of existing films. The Expanded Universe was a rich tapestry of tales that filled in the gaps between the movies, introducing new characters, planets, and adventures.
As of the end of 2020, the Expanded Universe consisted of approximately 1,100 novels, including both adult and young adult titles. However, it is worth noting that the Expanded Universe was officially discontinued by Lucasfilm in 2014, and many of these novels are now considered “Legends” content, meaning they are no longer considered part of the official Star Wars universe.
Following the discontinuation of the Expanded Universe, Lucasfilm introduced the “Legends” era, which allowed authors to continue telling Star Wars stories in the same universe but with a different set of rules and guidelines. This era produced a significant number of novels, including the “Legends” novels and the “Star Wars: High Republic” series. The Legends era is estimated to have around 150 novels, bringing the total number of Star Wars novels to approximately 1,250.
In addition to the Expanded Universe and Legends novels, there are also “Star Wars: New Republic” and “Star Wars: New Jedi Order” series, which are considered part of the “Star Wars: Legacy” era. These series feature new characters and stories set after the events of the original trilogy. The “Star Wars: Legacy” era has approximately 50 novels, bringing the total count to around 1,300.
Lastly, there are numerous “Star Wars: Original Trilogy” novels, which are adaptations of the films, as well as “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” and “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” novels that serve as prequels to the original trilogy. This brings the total number of Star Wars novels to around 1,350, not including the many short stories, audiobooks, and comic books that also contribute to the vast Star Wars library.
In conclusion, the number of Star Wars novels is quite impressive, with an estimated total of around 1,350 novels, including various series and adaptations. While the official Star Wars universe has evolved over the years, the rich storytelling and diverse characters continue to captivate fans and new readers alike.
