'Star Wars - The Magic of Myth'  by Mary Henderson   Bantam Spectra 1997

Compares Star Wars (the Original Trilogy) with Classic mythology, discusses cultural and historical influences, and the look of Star Wars.

An absolutely fascinating book revealing where Lucas got some of his inspiration from, and trying to explain why Star Wars has become so popular.

First chapter compares Star Wars with classic mythology, including Homer, various religions, Dante, The Legend of King Arthur, and Greek mythology. You don't have to be well-read to understand the concepts, although a passing acquaintance with the texts mentioned helps.

Chapter two discusses cultural and historical influences, for example, westerns, the Far East (particularly the Samurai), the space age and science fiction, World War II, and the Cold War. The feminine hero gets a special mention in this chapter.

Chapter three covers the 'look' of Star Wars, as created by George Lucas. Discusses costumes, weapons, settings, etc.

The book includes a huge number of AWESOME pictures and photographs - stills from the movies, behind-the-scenes piccies, fabulous Ralph McQuarrie production paintings and other professional artwork, storyboards, concept drawings and art, close-ups of costumes, etc. Just gorgeous to look at.

There are also plenty of non-SW pics - illustrations that really show the similarities the author is trying to get across.

Buy it? - yup! Thoroughly recommended! Particularly if you're interested in the whole 'Star Wars as a modern myth' thing.

Rating -- 8 out of 10
 
 
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