"I collect for the stories. I was first exposed to the expanded universe probably with the Ewok movies as a kid. I know I was very excited to learn there were additional stories that take place in the same universe as the films. My first novel was Splinter of the Mind's Eye and then I think Truce at Bakura. During the 90s, my best friend and I would save up and buy the novels as they came out. Then we'd read them and trade each other the books so that we could afford to get more. It was a joint collection. Sadly we both had to go our separate ways back then, so our collection split up. My collection would number in the teens until I married my wife. She came with an impressive dowry of Star Wars books, probably doubling my collection. From that point on, I got serious. I decided that Star Wars was going to be my thing, and I was going to try to know everything there was to know about it. I have been collecting seriously for the last 5 years or so and casually before that for about 15. Most of my collection is used books, but I do pick up new items now and then.

"I am now at a point where I am collecting different covers of the same book. If the Star Wars logo is white on one edition, gold on another, then I'll end up with two volumes eventually.

"If anyone is interested: I have a blog where I go over some of the necessary challenges when dealing with a collection like this such as: Helpful software for cataloging your collection. Various fun ways of displaying it. The best places to look for used books etc. - http://livingwithstarwars.blogspot.com/2012/06/collecting-star-wars-books.html

"My advice is start small and start with what is available. I started out with only the paperback novels, then at some point I realized how much of the story was being told in the comic books. I started collecting them. Then I moved on to reference books, young adult, and children's books. I've not completed any of those categories, but lately I have been focusing on hardback books, compilations, rare books and other variants. Maybe someday I'll move on to foreign? If you haven't seen those Japanese New Jedi Order series covers you should check them out...

"You have to realize, you'll never have them all. There are according to my records at least 1, 800 volumes, not counting single issue comics, and magazines. Do you have a plan for your collection, should you get hit by a bus. Seriously, do you want it all sold off piece by piece?

"Also I am interested in getting in touch with a UK collector that can be my contact for UK only releases. I'm sure we can work out a system that is mutually beneficial for both parties.*"

*if you are interested in helping Mark please contact him through his blog.

Mark's collection in chronological (in-universe order) It's expanded for display purposes

Mark's collection takes up only one bookcase normally. His wife uses the other book case for her books :)

Close up of left hand book case. Mark uses Ikea 5x5 Expedit bookcases for the sheer amount of volume.

Mark's biggest, and smallest books in dimension.

This is how Mark normally store his books: 3 levels deep.

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