Vicarious... you need to be better than this if you want a table at the big boy seat. You know there's this thing called the internet where you can look up information and stuff. So... I'm assuming this is just click bait. Not sure why though?
Empire is far from being the least successful of the original trilogy movies. Adjusted for inflation, it has grossed between $1.7 and $1.75 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time (GamesRadar, Money Nation). This places it ahead of 'Return of the Jedi,' which grossed approximately $1.59 billion when adjusted for inflation (Money Nation). Critically, 'The Empire Strikes Back' is often hailed as the best...blah blah...we know.
As for 'Heir to the Empire,' it was immensely popular within the Star Wars community, spending 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list (Money Nation). This book played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in the Star Wars universe during a time when no new movies were being released. It introduced enduring characters and storylines that have significantly influenced subsequent Star Wars media. Therefore, the claim that only 1% of Star Wars fans have read it seriously downplays its importance and reach to an almost embarrassing level. Come on Vicarious? Again...you knew this.
Not sure why you typed it though.