It kind of shows what set the stage for my expectations concerning the PT, especially since it isn't an EU source.
Darth Vader (Lord Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith):
Darth Vader epitomizes the Emperors new order. Standing 2 meters tall and dressed in black robes and black body armor, Vader was a tangible evil and symbol of the Emperors doctrine of rule through fear and terror.
He was the servant and emissary of the Emperor, and later commanded the vast fleet charged with finding and destroying the Rebel Alliance.
Vader was once Anakin Skywalker, expert pilot, hero of the Clone Wars, and disciple of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Learning to use the force by Kenobi's methods was too slow for the impatient Anakin. He wanted a quicker, less difficult path to the vast power he sensed all around him. Palpatine offered him just such a path- The Dark Side. All Anakin had to do was to give in to his anger, fear and aggression. Ambitious and headstrong, he stepped into the dark sides embrace and became Darth Vader.
According to the "Return of the Jedi" novel, when Kenobi saw what had become of his friend and student, Anakin Skywalker, he tried to draw him back from the dark side. But Vader wanted none of that. The two fought, and Vader fell into a molten pit. Though Kenobi thought him dead, Vader emerged from the pit. His shattered body, however had to be sustained by life-supporting armor. When Kenobi learned that Vader lived, he helped Anakins wife and new born twins (whom Vader was not aware of) escape into hiding - Luke to Tatooine, and Leia and her mother to Alderaan.
Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith , helped the Emperor hunt down and exterminate the Jedi Knights during the last days of the old Republic and the opening moments of the Empire. Later, he was sent to help Govener Tarken develop the original Death Star battle station. Once the the Rebellion demonstrated that it posed a significant threat to the New Order, Lord Vader was put in charge of the Imperial Fleet assigned to find and destroy the Alliance leaders. The mission took on personal significance when Vader discovered that the Rebel's newest ally was his own son, Luke Skywalker......
Much more consistent and plausible than the PT crap we got in my opinion.
Why couldn't Lucas stick with is own (80's) back story? (and BTW having cast other Anakin would have helped as well)
found here