100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Auckland Bookstore open Sunday until 5:00pm πŸ“š

How Star Wars Conquered the Universe

The Past, Present, and Future of a Multibillion Dollar Franchise
4.2 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 2,816 ratings, 432 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How Star Wars Conquered the Universe by Chris Taylor is a comprehensive exploration of the cultural impact and history of the Star Wars franchise. It delves into the origins of the saga, its influence on the film industry, and how it became a global phenomenon. The book provides an engaging look at the passionate fanbase and the enduring legacy of the series.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock

Sorry, we're currently out of stock of How Star Wars Conquered the Universe. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the cultural impact of films, enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, and want to understand how a single movie franchise can influence pop culture globally. It is perfect for fans of cinematic history and those curious about the intricate journey of a legendary film series.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Forty years and $37 billion later, on the eve of EPISODE VII, the first complete history of STAR WARS – from Lucas's early drafts to the present day.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

How Star Wars Conquered the Universe by Chris Taylor is a comprehensive exploration of the cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars. Spanning four decades of galaxy-spanning adventures and monumental influence, this book delves into the fascinating journey behind the iconic franchise. From George Lucas's early drafts and brainstorming sessions to the intricately orchestrated world that has captivated millions, Taylor examines every phase of this intergalactic saga with meticulous detail.

Why do people from all walks of life know what an Ewok is, even if they haven't seen Return of the Jedi? How did Star Wars action figures come to proliferate until they outnumber human beings? How did 'Jedi' become an officially recognised religion? And when did the franchise's merchandising revenue start to rival the GDP of a small country? Taylor deftly tackles these questions and more, revealing the profound and surprising impacts of the Star Wars universe on popular culture and everyday life.

Tracing the birth, death, and rebirth of the epic universe built by George Lucas and hundreds of writers, artists, producers, and marketers, Taylor immerses the reader in the process of creative engagement and evolution. He jousts with modern-day Jedi, tinkers with droid builders, and even gets inside Boba Fett's helmet to understand the essence of Star Wars mania. Through interviews, anecdotes, and insightful analysis, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe unveils the secrets behind the enduring allure and inspirational force of the Star Wars saga.

Indeed, it's impossible to imagine a Star Wars fan who wouldn't love this book. Critics and fans alike have praised Taylor's work. As Booklist (starred review) puts it, "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."

Whether you've been a Star Wars devotee since the original 1977 release or you're a newer fan enticed by the latest instalments, How Star Wars Conquered the Universe promises a rich, immersive experience that deepens your appreciation for this legendary cinematic universe.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

How Star Wars Conquered the Universe by Chris Taylor is praised for being entertaining, affectionate, and packed with fascinating anecdotes. It is considered a definitive history of Star Wars, with smart and eloquent prose that appeals to both genre enthusiasts and dedicated fans. The writing quality and thorough research are particularly highlighted.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784970598

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 October 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Head of Zeus

Edition: UK Airports ed

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Chris Taylor is the deputy editor of MASHABLE, the world's largest social media and technology news website. He has covered the intersection of business and culture for two decades as a writer and editor for TIME, BUSINESS 2.0, FORTUNE SMALL BUSINESS, and FAST COMPANY. A graduate of Merton College, Oxford and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he lives in Berkeley, California.

Also by Chris Taylor

View all
  • Fabulous Modern Cookies
    One of NPR's "Books We Love" 2022 Do we need another cookie book? As far as I'm concerned, the answer is always "yes." Here we have the classic cookie food groups (bar, drop, rolled, slice-and-bake, etc.), but they've been wickedly turbocharged with unique flavour hacks. Why wouldn't you insinuate a layer of ganache into your black-bottom lemon squares? Why wouldn't...
    Paperback
    $4799
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • National Geographic A Diver's Guide to the World
    Filled with compelling stories, expert advice, and stunning National Geographic photography, this comprehensive guide features extraordinary destinations for divers who like to travel, divers travelling with non-diving companions, and travellers who are passionate about the ocean. Dive travel experts Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor travelled to 50 inspirational locations around the worldβ€”spending more than 250 hours underwaterβ€”to bring you this...
    Paperback
    $6500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Experimental Test Pilot
    An autobiographical, readable, and humorous account of ten years as an experimental and military test pilot at MOD Boscombe Down. Chris Taylor has had a highly successful career as a Royal Navy officer, helicopter pilot, test pilot, instructor, and as an internationally acclaimed civil certification test pilot. His first book, Test Pilot, concentrates on anecdotes and incidents from the most...
    Hardback
    $10000
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • How Star Wars Conquered the Universe
    In 1973, a young filmmaker named George Lucas scribbled some notes for a far-fetched space-fantasy epic. Some forty years and Β£37 billion later, Star Wars-related products outnumber human beings, a growing 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...
    Paperback
    $6900
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    New Release
    Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • They Bloom Because of You
    Bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood - the hard, the magic and the fleeting. β€˜A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears.’ - Hilary Swank β€˜A book to keep close and...
    Paperback
    $3000
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Leaves of Grass
    A collectible new Penguin Classics series offers beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets. In 1855, Walt Whitman published his first collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass. The volume received great praise from leading Transcendentalist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. This encouragement led to what would become a lifelong project, as Whitman expanded and rewrote the volume until his death...
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Great Writers and the Cats who Owned Them
    Throughout history, cats and writers have bonded together in a magical combination of comfort, companionship and inspiration. The famous authors featured here range from Samuel Johnson, whose cat Hodge dined on oysters, and Edward Lear, whose charismatic cat Foss was missing half his tail, to Margaret Mitchell, L. M. Montgomery and Dorothy L. Sayers, who rescued her kitten Blitz from...
    Hardback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Beautiful Chaos
    The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller Selected poems from bestselling author and Instagram poet, Jessica Urlichs. 'These words awaken the magic of life by celebrating the ordinary.' - Giovanna Fletcher Motherhood is messy and beautiful, and hard and humbling. We adore our children and sometimes we miss ourselves. Beautiful Chaos is a collection of raw, honest poems about motherhood, capturing everything...
    Paperback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • To the Women - The New Collection of Wise Words Every Woman Needs
    THE COMPLETELY UPDATED COLLECTION WITH OVER 70 BRAND NEW POEMS, FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WILD HOPE AND WORDS TO LIVE BY 'Amazing . . . Donna's words speak to my heart' Davina McCall To the Women is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and joy of being a woman. A love letter to our deep capacity...
    Hardback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Odyssey
    Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3599
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour
    The creative journey continues with Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour by Keri Smith, the latest and most vibrant edition of the groundbreaking series that redefined journaling. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this edition brings the playful destructiveness of the original to life in dazzling full colour, adding a dynamic new dimension to the beloved prompts. Whether you're a seasoned Wreck-er,...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Did I Ever Tell You This?
    In this unexpected memoir, written in a creative burst of just a few months in 2022, Sam Neill tells the story of how he became one of the world’s most celebrated actors, who has worked with everyone from Meryl Streep to Isabel Adjani, from Jeff Goldblum to Sean Connery, from Steven Spielberg to Jane Campion. By his own account, his...
    Paperback
    $3799
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    Backorder
    Ships early September
  • A Thousand Feasts
    THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From award-winning writer Nigel Slater, comes a new and exquisitely written collection of notes, memoir, stories and small moments of joy. 'Nigel Slater’s prose is the rarest delicacy of all: exquisite yet effortless, filled with heart, tenderness, yearning and humour' ELIZABETH DAY For years, Nigel Slater has kept notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, penned...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.