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. If Star Wars wasn't game-changing enough, Lucas went on to establish another blockbuster series with Indiana Jones, and he completely transformed the world of special effects and the way movies sound. His innovation and ambition forged Pixar and Lucasfilm, among others. Lucas's colleagues and competitors offer tantalizing glimpses into his life. His entire career has been stimulated by innovators including Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, actors such as Harrison Ford, and the very technologies that enabled the creation of his films - and allowed him to keep tinkering with them long after their original releases. 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.