A brief guide to Star Wars : the unauthorised inside story of George Lucas's epic

George Lucas was a rebel, refusing to make films in the style of the dying studio system, relentlessly pushing the technology of the day, and almost alone in understanding the potential of merchandising; but he was a rebel who built an empire. From the staggering unexpected success of the original Star Wars in 1977, when cinema attendances exceeded 20 million for the first time since 1963, through The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, then the 'dark times', the 16 years leading to the blockbusting prequel trilogy - this is the fascinating story of how i.;Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; Chapter 1 A Long Time Ago ... ; Chapter 2 A Galaxy Far, Far Away; Chapter 3 A New Hope; Chapter 4 Tatooine Troubles; Chapter 5 Unleashing the Force; Chapter 6 Summer of '77; Chapter 7 Striking Back; Chapter 8 Creature Feature; Chapter 9 Empire Building; Chapter 10 The Road to the Prequels; Chapter 11 Digital Menace; Chapter 12 Cloning Success; Chapter 13 Revenge of the Rebel; Chapter 14 The Emperor; Appendix: Acknowledgements and Resources; Index. George Lucas was a rebel, refusing to make films in the style of the dying studio system, relentlessly pushing the technology of the day, and almost alone in understanding the potential of merchandising; but he was a rebel who built an empire. From the staggering unexpected success of the original Star Wars in 1977, when cinema attendances exceeded 20 million for the first time since 1963, through The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi , then the 'dark times', the 16 years leading to the blockbusting prequel trilogy - this is the fascinating story of how it all happened. Life-long Star Wars fan and movie journalist Brian J. Robb edited the official Star Wars magazine for a decade and visited the sets of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith in Australia (observing director George Lucas at work), as well as the famous Skywalker Ranch. He has interviewed many of the stars and crew of all six Star Wars movies. This complete Brief Guide will explore everything from creator George Lucas's first inspirations to the upcoming 3D editions of the original films. Author and expert Brian J Robb is an insider and has worked with Lucas Films for over a decade, both on set as well as alongside the director. Looks at the history of George Lucas' creation of the Star Wars films The ultimate insider's guide to the world of the Jedi and the Sith