How Star Wars Conquered the Universe

The Past, Present, and Future of a Multibillion Dollar Franchise

By: Chris Taylor

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

In 1973, a young filmmaker named George Lucas scribbled some notes for a far-fetched space-fantasy epic. More than 40 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.

©2014 Chris Taylor (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Taylor brings a genuine love of pop and nerd culture to this comprehensive retrospective on one of the 20th century's most popular film series.... Taylor has compiled an impressive collection of background research and insider info that any fan would be glad to own." (Publishers Weekly)

"Taylor's fan-boy enthusiasm coupled with his inviting narrative style make this a fun and informative read for sf enthusiasts, media studies and marketing students, film industry professionals, and aspiring Jedi Knights." (Library Journal)

"It's impossible to imagine a Star Wars fan who wouldn't love this book.... It really is hard to imagine a book about Star Wars being any more comprehensive than this one. It's full of information and insight and analysis, and it's so engagingly written that it's a pure joy to read.... There are plenty of books about Star Wars, but very few of them are essential reading. This one goes directly to the top of the pile." (Booklist, starred review)

Awesome history of Star Wars

Excellent history and good companion piece to the Secret History of Star Wars. As it was written recently it also includes information updated regarding the recent sale to Disney. Very nice storytelling that keeps you engaged.

One of the best tie ins and outs

Just to show how powerful this book is - the minute I fished it which was last night - I went into a tail spin and found and started a semi marathon of all 6 movies! Not only Lucas inspired me in all of his phases ...the book is awesome ..any Star Wars aficionado must read/hear this

Star Wars history

This is a great summary of the Star Wars franchise thus far. Hear Star Wars go from a long-shot Flash Gordon pastiche to a jewel in the Disney empire.

Well done!

I read a review on goodreads that called this a long-winded treatment of Lucas and the films that was good but could have been shortened. Maybe...but I loved the details, the sideways paths, the extra fans, the back history. I learned tons, and recommend to all Star Wars fans. Plus Nick Podehl has a pleasant voice and seems to encompass the text with his own personality. Really enjoyed!!

So good I listened to it twice!

A fascinating story and a brilliant performance. A must for any true Star Wars fan. Even if you prefer to read books yourself, this one is worth the listen.