Sword Fighting in the Star Wars Universe
A book that compares history to the Jedi Knights of Star Wars
Published by McFarland Publishing
Unlike most makers of modern or futuristic films, George Lucas turned away from the standard special operatives or secret agents when he created the heroes for his epic Star Wars saga. Part knight, part monk, the Jedi Knights were an order of swordsmen and women that helped rule the universe in accordance with law and the lofty principles of justice and honor. Without the Jedi, there could be no Star Wars, and without the lightsaber, there could be no Jedi.
This examination of the Jedi Knights, their adversaries the Sith, and their lightsaber swordplay through the first six films of the franchise evaluates the ways in which Lucas blended science fiction with the most ancient and epic tales of traditional samurai and Western swordsmen. It presents swordsmanship as a way to better understand the Jedi Knights, focusing on the human movement and activity surrounding the weapon and the ways in which traditional Japanese martial arts were adapted for use in the films.
Topics of discussion include the powerful effects of the master-apprentice relationship; the technical choreography used in the lightsaber scenes of the Star Wars films, and the historical precedents of the Jedi order, including the Sohei fighting monks of Japan, the Janissaries and Mamelukes of Islam, and the knights of the Templar, Hospitaller, and Teutonic orders.
Sword Fighting in the Star Wars Universe has been cited in academic papers, Wikipedia, and many Star Wars-related non-fiction books. Look for it in major library systems and universities around the world.