In 1973, a young filmmaker named George Lucas scribbled some notes for a
far-fetched space-fantasy epic. More than forty years and $37 billion
later, Star Wars-related products outnumber human beings, a stormtrooper
army spans the globe, and "Jediism" has become a religion in its own
right. Lucas's creation has grown into far more than a cinematic
classic; it is, quite simply, one of the most lucrative, influential,
and interactive franchises of all time. Yet until now the complete
history of Star Wars--its influences and impact, the controversies it
has spawned, its financial growth and long-term prospects--has never
been told.
In How Star Wars Conquered the Universe, veteran journalist Chris
Taylor traces the series from the difficult birth of the original film
through its sequels, the franchise's death and rebirth, the prequels,
and the preparations for a new trilogy. Taylor provides portraits of the
friends, writers, artists, producers, and marketers who labored behind
the scenes to turn Lucas's idea into a legend. He also jousts with
modern-day Jedi, tinkers with droid builders, and gets inside Boba
Fett's helmet, all to find out how Star Wars has attracted and inspired
so many fans for so long.
Since the first film's release in 1977, Taylor shows, Star Wars has
conquered our culture with a sense of lightness and exuberance, while
remaining serious enough to influence politics around the world and
spread a spirituality that appeals to religious groups and atheists
alike. Controversial digital upgrades and critically savaged prequels
have actually made the franchise stronger than ever. Now, with a new set
of savvy bosses holding the reins and Episode VII on the horizon, it
looks like Star Wars is just getting started.
An energetic, fast-moving account of this creative and commercial
phenomenon, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe explains how a
filmmaker's fragile dream beat out a surprising number of rivals and
gained a die-hard, multigenerational fan base--and why it will be
galvanizing our imaginations and minting money for generations to come.
