SWBC: 'The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire,' 'The Living Force,' and new Star Wars releases in March
Star Wars finally shared the first excerpt - and a map! - for "The Living Force" by John Jackson Miller.
A new Star Wars reference book coming July 9 is now one of my most anticipated books of the year. The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire comes from DK Publishing and is written by historian Dr. Chris Kempshall — author of The History and Politics of Star Wars and co-author of Battles that Changed the Galaxy.
In an interview with StarWars.com, Kempshall said this book is one he’s wanted to write for most of his life.
“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,” he said. “What was their experience of ruling the galaxy and fighting the war? What would people think about the Empire once it was gone?
“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!”
Interview with the historian
Back in 2022 when Kempshall’s academic Star Wars book came out, I interviewed him for a story for Supercluster, an online space and science magazine. I also included a breakout Q&A piece in the Aug. 10, 2022, newsletter.
Supercluster: The War in Star Wars
Space Wizards Book Club: Book talk with author Chris Kempshall
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire arrives on July 9 and is available to preorder now.
The Living Force: Excerpt and map revealed
In the first excerpt of The Living Force, the Jedi Council considers the latest bullying challenge from Master Qui-Gon Jinn. What follows is a meeting debrief, where the Jedi Masters reflect on the blunt but constructive feedback Qui-Gon lobbed at them regarding the Order’s stagnant priorities.
Ki-Adi-Mundi says they have “heard this before from him, many times” and argues that the Jedi Order “serves society — but it is not a government agency.”
Saesee Tiin calls the rebuke “classic Qui-Gon.” Yaddle says “Qui-Gon sees our condition clearly. But I am not sure what to prescribe.”
Then, as the meeting gets back to business, the Council discusses a recent study from the Senate of places around the galaxy in need of Jedi aid and assets. With that list of new places comes the discussion of outposts the Jedi no longer frequent.
On the list of places the Jedi have all but abandoned: Kwenn. The planet and its gem cities bring back fond memories for many of the Jedi Council, including several who were present at the founding of its Jedi temple during the High Republic era.
“Present, several of us were,” Yoda said. “A symbol, at the edge of Hutt space.”
Plo nodded. “A grand gesture. It showed there was no place we would not go.”
But none of them had been to Kwenn recently. For many reasons, but it appears the tourism and Great Work destination has fallen on hard times. Now, Depa Billaba fears closing the Jedi outpost there will embolden crime.
So, Mace Windu proposes a bold plan.
His eyes widened, and Yoda saw it. “I know that look, Master Windu. A plan, you have.”
“Indeed.” Mace clasped his hands together. “Let us visit the outpost on Kwenn.”
Adi responded by consulting her datapad. “That . . . could be difficult. But let me see who’s available. Maybe someone can get away.”
“Not someone,” Mace said, raising his index finger. “All of us.”
His words startled many. “All?” Oppo asked.
“We will reconvene there, in person. We will meet the people, learn about their lives, and show our support. Both individually—and collectively, in public commemoration of the anniversary of the outpost’s founding.”
Read the full excerpt and see how the rest of the Council responds to Mace’s idea at StarWars.com.
The Living Force by John Jackson Miller arrives on April 9. Special editions and regular copies are available to preorder below.
Barnes & Noble exclusive edition: Full-color pullout poster and annotated map
Inkstone Books: Green sprayed edges and gold foiling of the Jedi Order symbol on the hardcover; signed
Goldsboro Books: Black sprayed edges; signed
This week’s Star Wars releases
Feb. 28
Thrawn: Alliances #2
March’s Star Wars releases
March 5
The High Republic: Defy the Storm
Star Wars (2020) Vol. 7: Dark Droids
Dark Droids: D-Squad
March 6
The High Republic (2023) #4
Star Wars (2020) #44
March 13
The High Republic Adventures (2023) #4
Darth Vader (2020) #44
Mace Windu #2
March 19
Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Tales of Enlightenment
March 20
Jango Fett #1
Visions: Takashi Okazaki #1
The High Republic (2023) #5
Thrawn: Alliances #3
March 26
Dark Droids trade paperback
March 27
The High Republic Adventures: Crash Landing single issue
Obi-Wan Kenobi #6