A look at the worldwide impact of the ‘Star Wars’ saga

“How Star Wars Conquered the Universe” by Chris Taylor (Basic Books, 448 pages, $28.99)

This is an immensely readable look at the worldwide impact of the “Star Wars” saga over the decades. He calls it “a biography of ‘Star Wars.’”

The book covers more than the six movies, cartoons and authorized adaptations. The history includes the fans and their vast creativity and explores the franchise that has become a cultural touchstone with worldwide reach.

Taylor integrates Lucas’ personal biography with the creative influences he grew up with, including the swashbuckling space pulp fiction of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.

Then he turns to the fans. He devotes two chapters to the major fan groups, the 501st legion of Stormtroopers, with garrisons around the globe, and the R2 Builders Club, using them as a way to show the power of “Star Wars” in their real world lives. His chapter on the 501st includes an interview with Alvin Johnson, who created the group.

One flaw in the book, he admits, is the scarcity of women in it, a frequent complaint about the “Star Wars” saga itself. The only woman who gets significant time is Marcia Lucas, film editor and George’s former wife.

Tish Wells, McClatchy Washington Bureau

This story was originally published October 11, 2014 at 4:10 PM with the headline "A look at the worldwide impact of the ‘Star Wars’ saga."