Project Description
A history of the dark times
When Palpatine declared the birth of his new Empire, he expected it would stand for 10,000 years.
Instead, it lasted only 24. This is the story of how a tyrannical regime rose from the ashes of democracy, ruled the galaxy with an iron fi st, 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 ordinary people, trying to live their lives in the face of a brutal dictatorship.
Reviews for Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire:
‘I loved this book. I think it’s a bold, ambitious masterpiece … It is not a light read or thrilling page-turner, but it is serious, thought-provoking, and, I think, important. It could be the most important Star Wars book of a generation.’
Empire Magazine (09/2024)
‘The Rise And Fall Of The Galactic Empire … has been a long time coming for anyone in the Venn diagram of ‘war-history nerd-dom’ and ‘Star Wars nerd-dom’’
‘Rise and Fall treats Star Wars in its entirety as a world to be studied and analyzed, not in a manner of collating raw information about it, but in a way that invites us to question its narrative and the perspectives we glimpse that narrative through.’
‘If you like the politics of Star Wars then this book is a no-brainer and a must read.’
‘A deeply moving love letter to Star Wars history’
‘It’s been days since I finished that final page. I haven’t been able to write my review sooner because, in part, I wasn’t ready to face the feelings it would force me to feel. Regret, and guilt, and despair, and grief. But also hope. Hope that not all is lost. Hope that brighter days always come, even after a seemingly endless stream of unbearable ones.’
‘The latest Star Wars book, Dr. Chris Kempshall’s The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, is an absolute masterpiece that shows just how to make canon work.’
‘The way Kempshall situates his book in the midst of an era of storytelling that is still ongoing is masterful.’
‘Rise and Fall is an absolutely phenomenal piece of work and a real crowning achievement in academic writing in the world of Star Wars.‘ – 9.5/10
‘The fact an actual historian is writing this book helps me note its overall success. Not being a historian myself, I don’t think I could’ve written an almost-400 page document detailing the history of the Empire. There are so many dimensions to this book I, a lay person, would never be able to put together. Full chapters detail the Imperial societies that make up the Empire, the effects of mass prejudice and racism, and lays out a look at the Imperial economy. With the eye of a historian, Dr. Kempshall brings out dimensions to stories I wouldn’t have noticed on my own.’
‘The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire is a marvelous work. It blends so many elements into a complete whole, and while the book is dense with information, it genuinely makes itself accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers with its methodical handling of the subject matter. We look forward to seeing whatever Dr. Kempshall writes next in the Star Wars universe!’ – Rating: 10/10
Andres Alvarez / Sithty Minutes:
‘As a highly respected World War 1 historian, Dr. Kempshall’s military analysis brings the Galactic Civil War and subsequent First Order-Resistance conflict to life in a way that gives it much needed nuance. Whether you’re new to the franchise or have been around since 1977, “Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire” adds new layers of analysis that elevates and highlights the political elements of the franchise in a digestible, but impactful way. There were multiple times reading the book that I found myself writing down quotes because they were so powerful even though it was referencing events that are, famously, made up and in space.’
‘Of all the cool and interesting and remarkable things of the book, the conclusion of the book was surprisingly powerful and emotional.’
‘[t]his book is an absolute must-read exemplar of Star Wars storytelling. An extraordinary achievement that will ensure its place as an indispensable piece of the canon for years to come.’
