This is the novelization of the first "Star Wars" film, later retitled "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope". The book was first published on November 12, 1976 several months before the film was released. It was ghost written by Alan Dean Foster, but first credited to the films writer/director George Lucas, then in later editions credited Alan Dean Foster. The book's original title "Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker", the cover was painted by Ralph McQuarrie. Later versions of the book from the 1970's thru the 1980's featured the movie poster with art by John Berkey. A hardcover version published in December 12, 1977 by the "Science Fiction Book Club" featured the movie poster, but with the image reversed. The book has several moments from the script that were later removed from the movie before it was released.