On May 25, 1977, a problem-plagued, budget-straining independent science-fiction film opened in a just small number of cinemas. Conceived, written, and directed by a little-known filmmaker named George Lucas, the movie originally called The Star Wars quickly drew blocks-long lines, bursting box-office records and ushering in a new way for movies to be made, marketed, and merchandised. It is now one of the most adored - and successful - movie franchises of all time.Now, bestselling author Brian Jay Jones delivers a long-awaited, revelatory look into the life and times of the man who created Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Indiana Jones. Like his unforgettable characters and stories, Lucas s influence is unmatched.