George Lucas

A Life

By: Brian Jay Jones

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

The essential biography of the influential and beloved filmmaker George Lucas.

On May 25, 1977, a problem-plagued, budget-straining independent science-fiction film opened in a mere thirty-two American movie theaters. Conceived, written, and directed by a little-known filmmaker named George Lucas, the movie originally called The Star Wars quickly drew blocks-long lines, bursting box-office records and ushering in a new way for movies to be made, marketed, and merchandised. It is now one of the most adored-and successful-movie franchises of all time.

Now, the author of the bestselling biography Jim Henson delivers a long-awaited, revelatory look into the life and times of the man who created Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Indiana Jones.

If Star Wars wasn't game-changing enough, Lucas went on to create another blockbuster series with Indiana Jones, and he completely transformed the world of special effects and the way movies sound. His innovation and ambition forged Pixar and Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and THX sound.

Lucas's colleagues and competitors offer tantalizing glimpses into his life. His entire career has been stimulated by innovators including Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola, actors such as Harrison Ford, and the very technologies that enabled the creation of his films-and allowed him to keep tinkering with them long after their original releases. Like his unforgettable characters and stories, his influence is unmatched.

Critic reviews

Praise for George Lucas

One of the Best Books of 2016 - Kirkus

A San Francisco Chronicle and The Globe and Mail Holiday Gift Guide Pick

One of Bustle's "Best Nonfiction Books of December"

One of Amazon's Best Books of December

"George Lucas is a terrific book! Brian Jay Jones has pulled off the rare trick of a writing a biography that appeals to both hard-core fans and casual readers. It is filled with fascinating details, backed up by deep and dogged research, woven into a breezy, fast-paced story that effortlessly pulls the reader into Lucas's world. Future film buffs and historians will look back on George Lucas as a landmark achievement."—Debby Applegate, Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher

"Like the famous opening shot of the very first Star Wars, George Lucas: A Life is sweeping, humbling, and instantly transports you into the world of the mad dreamer. Fellow nerds unite! Finally, we get a book that examines the history of a titan who really changed our lives. Beautifully obsessive and relishes every detail. Just like us."—Brad Meltzer

"A sweeping, perceptive biography. This in-depth portrait...is never less than fascinating. Masterful and engaging: just what Lucas' fans and buffs, who love the nitty-gritty of filmmaking, have been waiting for."—Kirkus (starred review)

"Maestro biographer Jones tackles another brilliant entertainer. The world knows George Lucas as the filmmaker who brought us Star Wars, one of the most iconic Hollywood franchises in history, but as Jones' in-depth, fascinating, and even gripping exploration reveals, Lucas is much more than a gifted storyteller....Jones digs deep to limn the highs and lows of Lucas' career and life, capturing his drive and innovation in crisp, sparkling prose. Masterful and essential for film and pop culture enthusiasts."—Booklist (starred review)

"The collective double take over Star Was never gets old.... Jones, who comes to Lucas from a celebrated life of Jim Henson, tells a more straightforward story in definitive detail."—Tom Shone, New York Times

"Exhaustively chronicles the life and movies of George Lucas, arguably America's most successful filmmaker. [T]ells in granular detail how his films were produced: from initial concept and scriptwriting, to casting and location selections, to the filming and, most importantly for Lucas's process, the editing. [P]roves Lucas's singular legacy is well deserved."—Publishers Weekly

"Engaging... Jones captures the bone-crushing work, the frustrations with film studio overlords and the near failures that resulted in ground-breaking films like American Graffiti and Star Wars."—Jane Ciabattari, BBC

Seemed like a very well balanced story of Lucas

I was impressed because I feel this really did give a good well-balanced view of George Lucas. he definitely celebrates his achievements and innovations, but it also isn't afraid to talk about how he could be quite hard to get along with at times. I know people that know him and it seems like it's a pretty accurate portrayal.

amazing

beautifully written and read, thank you!
it was a massively entertaining and interesting look into one of my heroes of film

Great information on movies

Yes, this book gives you a lot of u formation on Star Wars, but it is also information on movies and the movie making process. The beginning is rather tedious as you get a history of Modesto, California but after a few chapters it rewards your patience.

This book made me love George Lucas again!

If you could sum up George Lucas in three words, what would they be?

Immersive, Enjoyable, Informative

What was one of the most memorable moments of George Lucas?

Almost dying and his connection to his dad was more fascinating than I thought it would be. And, of course, the path he took making his films was so well told. They all seemed to be a personal struggle. His commitment to filmmaking would eventually take it's toll on his first marriage. All amazing stuff.

Have you listened to any of Jay Snyder’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but he was great! I would listen to other works by him.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was very moved at times listening to this book. This book was so good, that I would listen to it on the way to work and coming home. In fact, I got bummed when I got to work because I had to stop listening, but then got all exciting again going home because I got to continue. No lie!

Any additional comments?

George has taken some real hits since his prequel movies, and I certainly have been among them. But I can tell you, if you get this to learn about George, you will have an entirely new respect for the man and the work he has created. I would totally listen to this book again. It has been my favorite Audible book to date.

Outstanding… Simply outstanding.

This book Does a deep dive in the life of George Lucas. It gives facts and not opinions. It does not slander anyone person. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s well worth the time spent to listen. It truly is outstanding.