Kylo Ren. Finn. Rey. Jakku. BB-8. How did this new generation of memorable Star Wars characters, worlds, and creatures come to life? A stunning new book, The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will tell that story.

The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, written by Phil Szostak, is a portal that takes you from the earliest gathering of artists and production designers at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to the fever pitch of production at Pinewood Studios to the conclusion of postproduction at Industrial Light & Magic. Arriving in stores on December 18, the same day that Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters, it takes fans deep inside the evolution of the film. Exclusive interviews with the entire creative team also provide a detailed look at what it took to bring director J. J. Abrams’ vision to life, while the unused “blue sky” concept art offers glimpses into roads not traveled.

Bursting with hundreds of beautiful works of art that include production paintings, concept sketches, storyboards, blueprints, and matte paintings, The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will delight both Star Wars fans and film enthusiasts for years to come.

Enjoy this special first look at the cover — featuring the mysterious Kylo Ren in a painting by legendary Star Wars concept artist Doug Chiang.

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