Few can doubt the phenomenal impact of the Star Wars films. But why do so many fans feel that the films touch them on a deeper level than any of the other popular fantasy films? Why are there even people who say that they base their ideas of right and wrong on the Star Wars films? In his intriguing but light-hearted book, David Wilkinson investigates the cultural context into which the films were first released. He reveals how George Lucas's proposal was originally met with ridicule. He shows the films' profound impact on the market for film merchandise. And he demonstrates how Lucas has created a basis for a contemporary religion by incorporating many of the great themes of myth and religion: hope; evil and redemption; and the belief that there is more to the universe than just technology.