In the galaxy of entertainment, few events rival the impact of May 25th, 1977. It marked the birth of an intergalactic saga that would captivate hearts and minds across the cosmos. As the Star Destroyer loomed over the screen in pursuit of a Rebel Blockade Runner, audiences were introduced to the formidable presence of Darth Vader, a villain whose legacy would echo through the ages.
From its humble beginnings as Star Wars, later christened Episode IV: A New Hope, the franchise soared to unprecedented heights. The sequel, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, remains a pinnacle of cinematic excellence for many fans, revealing shocking truths about Vader's past. It wasn't until Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in May 1983 that the full scope of his story unfolded, concluding the Original Trilogy with triumphant fanfare. Yet the Force's tale didn't end there. In 1999, Episode I: The Phantom Menace introduced Anakin Skywalker, a young prodigy destined for greatness and tragedy. His journey delved into the darkness that would consume him and reshape the galaxy.
The Phantom Menace spawned two more sequels: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005), Star Wars Episodes II and III respectively. Revenge of the Sith concluded the trilogy that gave us the backstory to the Original Trilogy and pieced everything together regarding Darth Vader’s shock in The Empire Strikes Back and another shock in Return of the Jedi.
Three years after the release of Revenge of the Sith, a new chapter in Star Wars began and it takes place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. This chapter is called The Clone Wars, and it was inspired by a dialogue from one of the characters in the Original Trilogy named Obi-Wan Kenobi. This series was a hit but was canceled due to advancements in making more stories. These stories were a result of Disney purchasing Lucasfilm, which reawakened Star Wars 10.5 years after the release of Episode III.
Under Disney, there have been 5 Star Wars movies and 6 series released, and all of them have been successful to some degree. During 2020, the team at Lucasfilm went back to the Clone Wars to finally finish the series after its cancellation and to a standing ovation at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022, it was shown to a wider audience in the way it was meant to be.
At the Los Angeles Public Library, we want to transport you to that galaxy far, far away with this reading suggestion list, and May the Force be with you…always!
Recommended Media
![Book cover of Star Wars [omnibus]. Vol. 1-3, Boba Fett : death, lies, & treachery](https://lapl.org/sites/default/files/styles/staff_recommends_x97w/public/items/2024/0a68b50f5c1010ea766616b0e000fbac.jpg?itok=-Qqf9eN4)