emacs boot error from .emacs file

[notbob]

I get this opening error from the messages buffer for 3-4 secs before
opening emacs proper:


An error has occurred while loading `/home/notbob/.emacs':

Symbol's value as variable is void: *


The offending line is no doubt this line of code in my .emacs file:


;;;  Dired Settings
     ;setting for recursive dir delete from dired

     (setq dired-recursive-deletes *)


I know there are several alternative options for the * setting, but I
want it to cover all files.  Which other option might work and not
trigger the error message prior to opening emacs proper?  Is there a
way to keep the * and not trigger the error?  

Thank you
nb