Star Wars - the magic of myth this book is a companion to the Star Wars - The Magic of Myth Exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C

The story of "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi" has had such an influence on our culture that it prompted Joseph Campbell, one of the most original and influential thinkers of our time, to hail the trilogy as a masterpiece of "creative mythology" - a work of art that gives new depth and dimension to our sense of self and our sense of place in the universe. For millions of viewers, the "Star Wars" epic presents a special vision that incorporates the wisdom and symbols of age-old myths in dynamic new ways that speak uniquely and unforgettably to our modern-day quest for meaning. Using hundreds of illustrations, "Star Wars: The Magic of Myth" presents the relationship between the creation of the movie trilogy and the mythic structure on which it is based. Here is a rich, detailed, and fascinating account of how characters, costumes, and settings were modeled on some of the most powerful imagery from the realms of history, myth, and the imagination. Incorporating elements from Greek mythology to Flash Gordon, "Star Wars" is not only entertainment in its grandest form but, like all great myths, a limitless source of imagery, insight, and universal emotion. Star Wars(r)TM has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions and millions of people like no other story of our time.  This official companion volume to the landmark exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum explores the mythological roots of the Star Wars saga, a story that will continue to unfold into the next millenium.

Written by the exhibit's curator and illustrated with hundreds of photographs, drawings and images, Star Wars(r): The Magic of Myth illuminates this modern tale of the ageless and mythic battle of good versus evil.

An illustrated guide to the mythological, cultural and historical impact of the Star Wars phenomenon. Companion to the Star Wars exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum The companion to the Star wars exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum explores the mythology used as the basis for the Star wars movie trilogy