<p> Despite the insatiable public appetite for all things Star Wars the more analytical side of the saga is all too often ignored. This book offers a new way of seeing George Lucas' space opera--particularly the prequel trilogy a series never given a fair chance because of constant comparisons to the iconic originals.</p><p> In the classic style of Joseph Campbell the trilogy is viewed through the lens of myth and metaphor revealing a body of work not only worthy of scholarly study but perhaps destined to find therein its home. A wide variety of philosophical and mythological themes are presented and expounded upon drawing from a rich source of scholars thinkers writers and poets from East and West alike. Heretical or not the Star Wars prequels are a surprisingly rich source of insight into the saga--as well as the human drama--as a whole.</p>