Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker.

LUCAS, George. [Alan Dean Foster].

Item Number: 131254

New York: Ballantine Books, 1976.

First edition of the first Star Wars novel, published six months before the theatrical release of the first Star Wars film. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers. Presentation copy, inscribed by George Lucas on the verso of the front wrapper, “For Bill Barnes, George Lucas.” The recipient was Lucas’ postmaster. In near fine condition. Cover art by Ralph McQuarrie. Rare and desirable in this condition and signed.

The first film in the Star Wars film series and its fourth chronological chapter, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope was released in a limited number of theaters in the United States on May 25, 1977, and quickly became a blockbuster hit. Star Wars takes place "a long time ago", in a fictional universe inhabited by both humans and various alien species; most of the known galaxy is ruled by the tyrannical Galactic Empire, which is only opposed by the Rebel Alliance, a group of freedom fighters. The narrative of the film focuses on the hero journey of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), an everyman who becomes caught in the galactic conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion after coming into possession of two droids, R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), who are carrying the schematics of the Empire's ultimate weapon, the Death Star. While attempting to deliver the droids to the Rebellion, Luke is joined by wizened Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), who teaches him about the metaphysical power known as "the Force", cynical smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford), his Wookiee companion Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and Rebellion leader Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Meanwhile, Imperial officers Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones), a Sith Lord, and Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing), the commander of the Death Star, seek to retrieve the stolen schematics and locate the Rebellion's secret base. Star Wars remains one of the most financially successful films of all time. The film opened on a Wednesday in 32 theaters expanding to 43 screens on the Friday and earning $2,556,418 in its first six days to the end of the Memorial Day weekend.