The Prisoner chimes in recently with information about materials released about the time of Episode I with new information coming to light about Episode II. Some spoilers are dealt with here, and it is interesting to see an overall plan evolving with the entire prequel trilogy:

Although on bookstore stands for almost two years, little has been mentioned about the Dorling Kindersley "Star Wars: Episode 1 Visual Dictionary". It's worth pointing out this is an officially-sanctioned Lucasfilm product, and armed with early fan-leaked knowledge of Episode 2, a reappraisal of the book turns up fascinating nuggets of information.

Though nothing's made of Padme's family (which we see in Episode 2) in the Visual Dictionary beyond a mention that she "was raised by humble parents in a small mountain village," there's a box of two facts in the book: that "Naboo's monarchy is not hereditary: rulers are elected by their people on merit." (This information is reaffirmed in the recent "Battle For Naboo" RPG.) And also that "Amidala can step down from the throne whenever she chooses." We know in Episode 2 that Padme is now Senator for Naboo, and a new Queen features (disastrously) in the opening scenes, and this information seems to corroborate that.

A handful of Republic Galactic Senators are known to both return in Episode 2 in featured positions, and also to be on one or the other side of the secessionist Confederacy that plots to leave the Republic in Episode 2, on the end of Darth Sidious' plotting.

Interestingly, several of these Senators are specifically highlighted with pictures and text in the "Visual Dictionary".

Seen on Coruscant in Episode 2, Mas Amedda is described by the book thus: "The stern Chagrian Mas Amedda is responsible for keeping order in the Senate. Accused of misusing his parliamentary powers for bribes, Amedda stands firm to his own code of honor."

Also seen on Coruscant in Episode 2, Horox Ryyder might be Republic-friendly, as his picture's description is one of "a gesture of reassurance".

Again, seen on Coruscant in Episode 2 (and pictured in one of the early Episode 2 Select Pictures) is Senator Orn Free Taa: "Indulgent lifestyles are nowhere more extreme than on Coruscant. Senator Orn Free Taa has found possibilities beyond his wildest dreams. He views Galactic government as merely the sport of the mighty like himself. In his excesses, he has grown vile and corpulent, but he is confident that money and power will always make him attractive."

Seen at a meeting of corrupt politicos on Geonosis late in Episode 2 (in one of the Select Pictures), Senator Toonbuck Toora's "last traces of idealism have been eradicated by watching the downfall of the just and from counting the profits that flow from finding loopholes in the law. She now counts as friends criminal senators she once held in contempt and rewards loyal supporters with well paid appointments as consorts or aides."

Additionally known to feature on Geonosis in Episode 2 as a "front-man" for the Corporate Alliance in Episode 2, Senator Passel Argente's picture is captioned with a "gesture blaming others".

It's also worth remembering a physical description description of the Senate Building itself in the Visual Dictionary (note the caps):

"Senate Platforms: The vast amphitheater of the Senate Rotunda is lined with 1024 platforms. The majority are used by sectorial senators, who represent their own planet and hundreds of others in a galactic sector. The remaining platforms are available for limited periods to ALLIANCES, COMMERCIAL powers, or individual planets with special causes to bring before the Senate."

As we know from Spy Reports, "Commerce Guild" is known to be allied with the returning Trade Federation powers as part of the secessionist Confederacy in Episode 2. It's also worth noting all the above Senators are "alien". Ongoing alien dissent might prove to be an important part of Sidious' plotting to overthrow the Jedi and Republic in Episode 3.

Interesting connections from already published books and the ever-evolving Episode II.