New Star Wars book gives an in depth examination of the Galactic Empire

The effects of Sheev Palaptine’s transforming the Galactic Republic to the Galactic Empire changed the course of the galaxy and affected almost everyone at large. However, the politician and Sith Lord would lose all of that at the hands of a neophyte Jedi and a motley crew of rebels. 

The book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire examines the accession and eventual defeat of the dictatorial regime created by the man who was secretly Darth Sidious. The book is written by Dr . Chris Kempshall, a historian and author specializing in the First World War and European history as an associate tutor at the University of Sussex and Associate Lecturer for the University of Kent.

The book, published by DK Publishing, was announced on StarWars.com, and it promises to “examine the intricacies of Imperial rule” and “explore the dark times from stories across mediums, including movies, games, series, books, and comics with chapters covering every aspect of the Emperor’s regime” 

Dr. Kempshall’s book also promises to give readers an Imperial perspective into the stories told in the Star Wars universe.

“So much of how we think about Star Wars is based around what we see of the rebels. But that leaves a big empty space for the Empire,” Kempshall said in an interview with StarWars.com. “What was their experience of ruling the galaxy and fighting the war? What would people think about the Empire once it was gone?” 

In the past, there have been a few Star Wars media that showed the perspective of the Imperials and how they viewed the Empire and its defeat during the Battle of Endor. One notable media is the 2017 video game Star Wars Battlefront II, which depicts Imperial commander Iden Versio taking part in Operation: Cinder before defecting to the Rebel Alliance (which would eventually become the New Republic). However, Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire will not only be heavily focused on the inner workings of the Empire but will also offer an opportunity for Kempshall to show readers how historians within the Star Wars Universe would view the Empire.

This is not the first time Dr. Kempshall has used his skills as a historian to delve into the Star Wars universe. He also co-authored the book Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy with authors Jason Fry, Cole Horton, and Amy Ratcliffe. Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire will be his first solo book.  

“I’ve always found the Empire utterly fascinating both as a fan and then as a historian. Working on Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy helped me think really long and hard about what in-universe historians might say about the Empire, but it only gave me a taste. I - much like Anakin - wanted more!” Kempshall told StarWars.com. 

The cover to Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire is emblazoned with the crimson-colored symbol of the authoritarian Galactic Empire. However, the symbol of the once-feared regime is crumbling, depicting its fall and defeat at the hands of the Rebel Alliance. 

Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire arrives in bookstores and wherever books are sold on July 9.