Chronicle Books Giveaway

This just in: Chronicle Books is having an AWESOME giveaway. They are giving away a set of books up to $500 to a lucky blogger AND that same list to someone who comments on their blog! That's up to $1000 worth in books! Chronicle Books is an independent publisher of distinctive books and gifts. If you haven't seen any of their books before, check out their website. You will drool.

If you know me even a little bit, you will know that three of my biggest passions in life are Star Wars, The Beatles and pugs. And guess what? Chronicle Books has books about ALL THREE!!! Check out this insanely wonderful list below. If, by the grace of God, I happen to win there will be major shrieking heard for miles around across the DC Metro Area. And if I win, I hope the lucky blogger who wins likes all three as well because then you will be my best friend forever because apparently you have excellent taste as well. Some of these books have been on my wishlist forever or I've been drooling over them in bookstores.

Without futher adieu...the best list ever:

Star Wars Chronicles: The Prequels by Stephen J. Sansweet, Pablo Hidalgo

For the true Star Wars fan, it doesn't get much better than this mammoth compendium in its evocative die-cut slipcase: a companion to the volume that covered the original trilogy and a visual tour through the final three Star Wars films. Photographs, behind-the-scenes production stills, early sketches, computer renderings, outtakes, and more from Lucasfilm's archives deconstruct Episodes I, II, and III—every vehicle, character, planet, and plot line is examined. Featuring more than 3,000 out-of-this-world color images, an insider's-perspective text, and production specifications, this is a gorgeous tribute to the most successful movie saga of all time.

The Star Wars Poster Book by Stephen J. Sansweet and Peter Vilmur

One of the very first Star Wars posters had no images at all—just enormous block letters that announced, "Coming to Your Galaxy This Summer: Star Wars." The rest is history. Now, 28 years later, the 350 most amazing Star Wars movie posters are collected for the first time. This compilation spans the surreal to ultra realistic, the campy to darkly serious: Darth Vader's head exploding in a shower of camera parts; Anakin Skywalker casting an ominous Sith shadow; C-3PO and R2-D2 selling Star Wars shoes; Luke and Vader in mortal battle aboard the Death Star. Classic posters are joined with text by the world's foremost Star Wars collector, Stephen Sansweet, and poster collector Peter Vilmur, behind-the-scenes stories from artists and designers, a scarcity guide to over 2,000 posters, and a bootleg identification guide. Exploding with color, The Star Wars Poster Book illuminates an unexplored corner of Star Wars history.

Obsessed With Star Wars by Benjamin Harper

Even the most die-hard Star Wars fans will find themselves challenged by this entertaining new approach to the details of the saga. This fourth volume in the popular, addictive Obsessed With series again includes an innovative scoring module right in the book, so a player can select questions by number or at random and keep score. With 2,500 original questions covering little known facts, entertaining quotes, and tough trivia from all six episodes, Obsessed With Star Wars will have readers dominating the galaxy in no time.

The Art of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

The imaginations and passions of a whole new generation of Star Wars fans have been ignited by The Clone Wars—the new animated TV series from Lucasfilm; over 8 million viewers tuned in to watch the series' debut on Cartoon Network. This richly illustrated book is the only publication about the art and making of the popular series, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the immensely talented Lucasfilm Animation team and its groundbreaking work.

The Wildlife of Star Wars

Now in paperback, this deluxe field guide offers a unique look at the creatures that populate the Star Wars galaxy. Packed with hundreds of detailed and colorful illustrations of exotic entities in a wide array of habitats—from the ice fields of Hoth and the pastures of Naboo to the concrete jungle of Coruscant—this entertaining and comprehensive classic also provides information on the mating habits, feeding patterns, and defense mechanisms of these incredible beasts.

Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook by Robin Davis

Boba Fett-Uccine and Princess Leia Danish Dos are just the beginning when the Force is with you in the kitchen. Wookiee Cookies is your invitation to fine culinary experiences in the Star Wars frame of mind. From C-3PO Pancakes to Jedi Juice Bars, this intergalactic Star Wars cookbook features healthy snacks, delicious dishes, sweet treats, and easy main courses no Rebel can resist. With hilarious photos and safety tips for cooking on Earth as well as in most space stations, Wookiee Cookies even includes a sheet of shiny Star Wars stickers. Age is no issue when it comes to Star Wars cuisine-kids as well as adults will have a great time with this book. Whether you drove to your first Star Wars flick or just had your fifth birthday, there's no reason you can't whip up some Crazy Cantina Chili at near light speed.

The Star Wars Cookbook II: Darth Malt and More Galatic Recipes by Frankie Frankeny and Wesley Martin

Even the pickiest of Gungans will eat their fruits and veggies when Bubble City Salad and Boss Nass Broccoli are on the menu. With this exciting new sequel to the best-selling The Star Wars Cookbook: Wookiee Cookies and Other Galactic Recipes, Star Wars fans of all ages can cook up more out-of-this-world fun. From razor-toothed Opee's Sea Crunch (for fish fillets with a real bite) to Darth Double Dogs (doubling as a light saber you can eat!), this intergalactic Star Wars cookbook features healthy snacks, delicious dishes, sweet treats, and easy main courses no Rebel can resist. Featuring hilarious photographs and recipes and wipe-clean pages, The Star Wars Cookbook II even includes a shiny plastic stencil of Darth Maul to help decorate culinary creations. And age is no issue when the Force is with you-adults as well as kids will have a great time with this book.

I Me Mine by George Harrison

Cherished by fans and collectors since its first publication in 1980, I, Me, Mine is now available in paperback. The closest we will come to George Harrison's autobiography, it features George in conversation with The Beatles' spokesperson Derek Taylor, discussing everything from early Beatlemania to his love of gardening. The lyrics to over 80 of his songs, many in his own hand, are accompanied by his uniquely intimate and humorous commentary. Fifty archival photographs of George with The Beatles and solo capture a journey of creative and spiritual transformation. Brimming with the wit, warmth, and grace that characterized his life, and with an introduction by his wife, Olivia, I, Me, Mine is a treasured portrait of George Harrison and his music.

Lennon Legend by James Henke

Presented in a handsome slipcase, Lennon Legend is both an illustrated and an interactive biography of the creative genius - songwriter, artist, social activist - who changed his times. Created with the cooperation of Yoko Ono Lennon, who has opened her archives for this project, the book offers insightful details about every era of John's life, from his early days at art school to the height of Beatlemania to "Imagine." A live recording of that song is included, along with several interviews of John talking about his life and art, on the audio CD contained in this package. Throughout, the book features archival photographs and reproductions of John's handwritten song lyrics, drawings, memorabilia, and personal papers. In all, 40 removable facsimiles can be enjoyed by the reader, several previously unpublished, including an intimate self-portrait in pen and ink and a plea for world peace. It's been said that John Lennon's was the voice of a generation. Lennon Legend celebrates that voice's power to resonate across the generations.

Postcards From the Boys by Ringo Starr

Whenever John, Paul, or George went on a trip, they would send Ringo a postcard. Now, for the first time, Ringo Starr is opening his private archive to share this delightful and very intimate correspondence. Whether it's John advising Ringo to record a "great & simple" song like Blondie's Heart of Glass, Paul and Jane Asher dropping a note from Rishikesh to report on their meditation lessons with the Maharishi, or George writing from the Great Barrier Reef to confirm plans for Christmas dinner, each postcard is a warm and personal snapshot of life in (and after) The Beatles. The 51 postcards -- many of which are covered in whimsical drawings -- are colorfully reproduced, both front and back. Ringo's droll commentary fills in the blanks, though he does confess that at times he had to consult the Internet for details! Often funny, occasionally bittersweet, and always revealing, Postcards from the Boys is a must for Beatles lovers.

The Beatles Anthology by The Beatles

Created with their full cooperation, The Beatles Anthology is, in effect, The Beatles' autobiography. Like their music has been a part of so many of our lives, it's warm, frank, funny, poignant and bold. At last, here is The Beatles' own story.

Port-a-Pug

Port-a-Pug has all the perks and benefits of real dog ownership without the exhausting cleanup or the expensive upkeep. Easy to assemble, easy to transport, difficult not to adore.

One last item to add if non book-ish related items are allowed:

Books are My Bag Tote Bag

If my calculations are correct than the total of all this will come up to $499.72. Yes I wanted to get as close to $500 as I could. Is this not the most awesome list ever? *crossing fingers*