I read the SW novel some time ago, but from memory it had many differences from the movie. I recall that R2D2 had claws instaed of wheels, and Vader made some sarcastic remark about the Emperor at one point which I though really conflicted with his character in ANH, which is rather subserviant. Maybe I should read it again.

As far as GL not recieving enough credit, I must disagree... sure, SW is a great movie, and the guy had alot of great ideas and vision (not sure if "genious" is being too generous but it is a subjective term) but surely compared to, say, a heart surgeon or such, he recieves much more credit than he is due? Comparatively speaking. I think he has been more than compensated in terms of his fanbase, and his bank account.