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We had a large-format hardcover book growing up (in the US in English) that contained illustrations and fictional snippets about alien spacecraft. It would have been published in the late 70s or early 80s. The text with each picture contained information regarding the ship like engine manufacturer and other various specs. I remember the pictures being very well drawn. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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    I'm sure this has been asked on several occasions. It's an in-universe hardback book called something like "the encyclopedia of known space" or something similar.
    – Valorum
    Feb 27, 2017 at 18:19
  • @Gallifreyan - the spacecraft were not from movies or well known. 30 years dulls the memories. Unfortunately I cannot remember enough to search for them correctly.
    – SDH
    Feb 27, 2017 at 18:32
  • @Valorum - looking for that now, not returning any familiar hits.
    – SDH
    Feb 27, 2017 at 18:35
  • @SDH - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terran_Trade_Authority
    – Valorum
    Feb 27, 2017 at 19:00
  • [As usual], @Valorum was right: two questions (one, two). Alas, none have accepted answers.
    – Gallifreyan
    Feb 27, 2017 at 19:02

1 Answer 1

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And of course I found it right after I posted. The book is "Spacecraft 2000 to 2100 AD" and appears to be related to an RPG. Some of the art is shown here.

Spacecraft 2000 to 2100 AD book cover

If anyone enjoys well done spacecraft art, I highly recommend. It still looks great and brings me back. If anyone is familiar with the old Battletech technical guide books, this book used the same format with a picture, technical specs, and a short blurb.

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  • How did you find it? The technique might be useful for future queries.
    – Gallifreyan
    Feb 27, 2017 at 18:57
  • FYI, it has a ISFDB page, which links to the 'RPG's Wikipedia page
    – Gallifreyan
    Feb 27, 2017 at 18:59
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    @Gallifreyan - nothing special in the search, just '70s book encyclopedia of alien ships'. I just had to be more patient and keep scrolling down.
    – SDH
    Feb 27, 2017 at 19:14
  • OMG. I remember this book (and maybe a sequel or related book by same author?) and having it checked out for months from the library and getting an overdue fine for it. So cool! Too bad we won't have these craft by 2100 amazon.com/Stewart-Cowley/e/B000AQ471W
    – zipquincy
    Feb 27, 2017 at 21:47
  • Someone animated it very beautifully: vimeo.com/29549708
    – SDH
    Mar 15, 2017 at 13:19

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