Leigh Brackett Libri

A dark time for the Rebellion unfolds as Imperial Troops pursue them across the galaxy, despite the destruction of the Death Star. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a tense moment, where Vader reveals a shocking truth about Luke's father. This screenplay captures the essence of the second chapter in the iconic Star Wars Trilogy, showcasing intense battles on the ice planet Hoth, Luke's training with the wise Yoda, and Han Solo's capture by the formidable bounty hunter Boba Fett. The narrative culminates in a breathtaking showdown between Luke and Vader. Accompanied by original storyboard art, this definitive edition includes a special introduction by director/producer Irvin Kershner, making it an essential addition to any Star Wars collection.

Leigh Douglass Brackett, an influential figure in science fiction and screenwriting, created the character Eric John Stark, a rugged anti-hero navigating alien worlds. This collection features three of Stark's adventures—Queen of the Martian Catacombs, Black Amazon of Mars, and Enchantress of Venus—originally published in the sci-fi pulp Planet Stories around 1950. Brackett's work is celebrated for its hardboiled style and imaginative storytelling, showcasing her significant contribution to the genre as one of the first women nominated for a Hugo Award.

Set against a backdrop of cosmic conflict, the story revolves around Wes Kirk, who uncovers an ancient secret aboard a ship that could save his dying people. However, in a moment of betrayal, he reveals this secret to their enemies, leading to devastating consequences. The stakes escalate as his actions result in the tragic death of his beloved, intertwining themes of love, sacrifice, and the heavy burden of choice in a perilous universe.

Set against a backdrop of alien horror, the narrative follows a man's unwavering determination to pursue his lifelong goal. Amidst the eerie landscape of a gargoyle planet, where stone figures silently govern from the depths of dark Mercurian caverns, he confronts the unsettling reality of his surroundings. The story delves into themes of resilience and the struggle against overwhelming odds, highlighting the tension between ambition and the oppressive forces of an alien world.

Set in the expansive green star system, the narrative unfolds around the enigmatic Bitter Star, a powerful force that has been orchestrating chaos among war-torn planets for a millennium. Its ominous influence extends far beyond the reach of the Federation, presenting a looming threat that challenges the stability of the galaxy. The story delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the consequences of prolonged conflict, as characters navigate the treacherous landscape shaped by this dark entity.

After dying in a spaceship crash, Hugh Starke awakens in a new body on a beautiful, alien world, only to find that he is despised by its inhabitants. His newfound wealth and power come at a cost, as his soul is claimed by Rann, the devil-goddess of Falga, who has her own agenda for him. This tale unfolds as a grand adventure, blending elements of heist and fantasy, showcasing the imaginative storytelling of two masters from the golden age of pulp fiction.

Set in a dire situation, the story follows MacVickers and his fellow prisoners trapped in a bleak Ionian outpost. Their only hope for liberation lies in a crystalline death, but the stakes are high: failure to escape could lead to the domination of the Solar System by the ruthless Europans. The narrative explores themes of survival and resistance against overwhelming odds.

Set against a backdrop of cosmic adventure, the narrative follows the Falcon as it navigates the dangers of space, pursued by the Patrol. The story explores themes of exploration and the mysteries of the universe, featuring celestial bodies like molten Mercury and the enigmatic Vulcan. As the last child of Sol engages in a cosmic game, the plot delves into the interplay between pursuit and survival in a richly imagined sci-fi landscape.

The story follows Eric John Stark as he journeys toward an ancient Martian city, burdened by the cursed talisman of Ban Cruach. As he struggles through the hostile landscape, he is pursued by the ravenous Ciaran hordes seeking the powerful jewel. Stark is haunted by the specter of Ban Cruach, who compels him toward an inevitable confrontation with the Ice Creatures that await him. The narrative explores themes of fate, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of power amidst overwhelming odds.

Set in a Gypsy world formed from space debris and inhabited by the free races of the Solar System, the story follows Roy Campbell, an outcast fleeing the Coalition. His quest for refuge for the Kraylens of Venus leads him into a treacherous environment that has transformed into a slave trap, presenting challenges that threaten his mission and survival. The narrative explores themes of freedom and entrapment against a backdrop of a richly imagined sci-fi universe.