Overview

At last--an analysis of the historical patterns that influenced the creation and storyline of the Star War s saga Star Wars took place long ago in a galaxy far, far away, but its epic stories are based on our own history. From Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to the French Revolution and the Vietnam War, Star Wars and History explores the major historical turning points, heroes, and villains in human history and their impact on the creation of the Star Wars saga. Star Wars and History shows how the atomic and hydrogen bombs led to the Death Star; how Princess Leia's leadership in the Rebel Alliance resembled the daring work of intrepid women in the French Resistance during World War II and the Mexican Revolution; historical parallels between the Jedi Code and Bushido as well as those linking the Jedi culture with that of the Templar Knights and other warrior monks; and all of the history that underlies the Star Wars galaxy. Read how our own civilization's civil wars, slavery, international corporation states, and teenage queens were transformed into the epic Star Wars history and discover how Tatooine reflects the lawless frontiers of the past and Coruscant our own history of glittering and greedy capitals. The first book devoted to analyzing the actual historical events in our past that influenced the creation of the space fantasy, Star Wars Features 11 essays by a wise council of history scholars, written in close collaboration with George Lucas and Lucasfilm Gives new insights into central Star Wars characters and historical figures who helped inspire them (including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Yoda, Jabba the Hutt, Lando Calrissian, Emperor Palpatine, and others) Includes both stunning photos from the Lucasfilm Image Archives and historical photos that demonstrate the parallels between both worlds Filled with fascinating historical comparisons and background that will take your experience of the Star Wars saga to a new level, Star Wars and History is an essential companion for every Star Wars fan.

Full Product Details

Author:   Lucasfilm Ltd ,  Nancy R. Reagin ,  Janice Liedl
Publisher:   Turner Publishing Company
Imprint:   John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 19.90cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.968kg
ISBN:  

9780470602003

ISBN 10:   0470602007
Pages:   336
Publication Date:   01 November 2012
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Introduction: The Forces of History and Histories of the Force 1 Janice Liedl Part I Only Imperial Stormtroopers Are So Precise The Wars in Star Wars 7 1 Why Rebels Triumph 9 How Insignificant Rebellions Can Change History William J. Astore 2 Part of the Rebel Alliance and a Traitor 41 Women in War and Resistance Janice Liedl and Nancy R. Reagin 3 Elegant Weapons for Civilized Ages 67 The Jedi and Warrior-Monks throughout History Terrance MacMullan 4 A House Divided 99 The Causes and Costs of Civil War Paul Horvath and Mark Higbee Part II Join Me, and Together We Can Rule the Galaxy as Father and Son Political Histories in Star Wars 123 5 I, Sidious 125 Historical Dictators and Senator Palpatine's Rise to Power Tony Keen 6 Teen Queen 151 Padme Amidala and the Power of Royal Women Janice Liedl 7 There's Always a Bigger Fish 177 Power, Politics, and the Rule of the Ruthless Kevin S. Decker 8 Fear Is the Path to the Dark Side 203 Nuclear Weapons and the Death Star Lori Maguire Part III Excuse Me, Sir, but That Artoo Unit Is in Prime Condition, a Real Bargain Economy and Society in a Galaxy Long, Long Ago 227 9 From Slavery to Freedom in a Galaxy Far, Far Away 229 Paul Finkelman 10 Greed Can Be a Powerful Ally 255 The Trade Federation, the East India Companies, and Chaotic Worlds of Trade Michael Laver 11 Coruscant, the Great Cities of Earth, and Beyond 283 Katrina Gulliver The Jedi Council 305 Acknowledgments: Making History That Spans Galaxies 308 Notes 310 Illustration Credits 324 Index 327

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Author Information

NANCY R. REAGIN is professor of history and women's and gender studies at Pace University. She has been active in fan organizations for more years than she cares to admit; her current research project focuses on the history of fan communities since the late nineteenth century. She is the editor of Twilight and History , Harry Potter and History , and Star Trek and History . JANICE LIEDL is associate professor of history at Laurentian University. She has been an avid fan of Star Wars since the first film's 1977 release. Her present research deals with the history of English stepmothers from the sixteenth century. She contributed to both Twilight and History and Harry Potter and History and is the editor of The Hobbit and History .

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