The definitive exploration of the original trilogy
Star Wars exploded onto our cinema screens in 1977, and the world has not been the same since. After watching depressing and cynical movies throughout the early 1970s, audiences enthusiastically embraced the positive energy of the
Star Wars galaxy as they followed moisture farmer
Luke Skywalker on his journey through a galaxy far, far away, meeting extraordinary characters like mysterious hermit
Obi-Wan Kenobi, space pirates
Han Solo and
Chewbacca, loyal droids
C-3PO and
R2-D2, bold
Princess Leia Organa and the horrific
Darth Vader, servant of the dark, malevolent Emperor.
Writer, director, and producer
George Lucas created the
modern monomyth of our time, one that resonates with the child in us all. He formed Industrial Light & Magic to develop
cutting-edge special effects technology, which he combined with innovative editing techniques and a heightened sense of sound to give audiences a
unique sensory cinematic experience.
In this first volume, made with the
full cooperation of Lucasfilm,
Lucas narrates his own story, taking us through the making of the original trilogy—Episode IV
A New Hope, Episode V
The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI
Return of the Jedi—and bringing
fresh insights into the creation of a unique universe. Complete with
script pages,
production documents,
concept art,
storyboards,
on-set photography,
stills, and
posters, this is the authoritative exploration of
the original saga as told by its creator.
The editor
Paul Duncan is a film historian whose TASCHEN books include The Star Wars Archives, The James Bond Archives, The Charlie Chaplin Archives, The Godfather Family Album, Taxi Driver, Film Noir, and Horror Cinema, as well as publications on film directors, film genres, and movie stars.
The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983. 40th Ed.
Hardcover, 6.1 x 8.5 in., 3.11 lb, 512 pages
ISBN 978-3-8365-8117-2
Edition: English
ISBN 978-3-8365-8116-5
Edition: French
ISBN 978-3-8365-8115-8
Edition: Spanish