The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire

Star Wars

by Dr. Chris Kempshall

Hardcover, 432 pages

English language

Published by DK.

ISBN:: 978-0-7440-9882-2

(4 reviews)

A history of the dark times

“So this is how liberty dies—with thunderous applause.” -Senator Padmé Amidala

When Palpatine declared the birth of his new Empire, he expected it would stand for millennia. Instead, it lasted only 24 years. This is the story of how a tyrannical regime rose from the ashes of democracy, ruled the galaxy with an iron fist, and then collapsed into dust.

It is a story of war and heroes, of the power of propaganda and the dangers of complacency. But most of all, it is a story of normal people trying to live their lives in the face of a brutal dictatorship.

From the ruthlessness of Darth Vader’s campaigns to the horrors of the Tarkin Initiative, this book offers fresh new insights into the dark entity at the core of Star Wars.

1 edition

David Colborne reviewed The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Dr. Chris Kempshall (Star Wars)

The Force is strong with this one

5 stars

What would an in-universe professional historian have to say about the events of the Star Wars universe — the rise and fall of the Empire, followed by the rise and fall of the First Order? How would they contextualize each event? Whose actions would they focus on?

That is the concept behind this book, which quite clearly and intentionally has things to say about the real world of its readers, just as Star Wars has something to say about the nature of good and evil, of heroes and villains, and how otherwise minor characters can sometimes step up and change the galaxy. A poignant read from page 1, it fully commits to the bit — in-universe citations are liberally sprinkled through each chapter and no canonical stone is left unturned.

This book is well worth the time and attention for casual and committed Star Wars fans alike.