July 9, 2004

This January, a lavish new hardcover book from Abrams celebrates the epic storytelling, the masterful direction and editing, and the visionary contributions George Lucas has made to the world of filmmaking.

The Cinema of George Lucas draws on exclusive new interviews, oral histories, and unprecedented access to the Lucasfilm archives, including documents such as shooting schedules and production notes. Author Marcus Hearn analyzes Lucas's professional journey as director over four decades, beginning with his student shorts, to his projects as writer, editor, and producer. The book also discusses Lucas's many other accomplishments in the film industry, including the formation of Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. The book is filled with many rare and never-before-published images, from the earliest days of THX 1138 to new images from the forthcoming Star Wars: Episode III.

The Cinema of George Lucas by Marcus Hearn is scheduled for release in January 2005 from Abrams. Ron Howard, a long time associate of Lucas (starring in American Graffiti, directing Willow), pens a foreword that introduces the book. Marcus Hearn is a writer, editor, and publisher specializing in film and popular culture. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and journals, and he is the author of the best-selling Star Wars: Attack of the Clones--The Illustrated Companion, among other books.