New Star Wars Reference Book from DK Publishing Will Chronicle “The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire”

This morning Lucasfilm Publishing announced via the official Star Wars website that a new reference book from DK Publishing, entitled Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, will be coming this summer from author Dr. Chris Kempshall (co-author of Star Wars: Battles That Changed the Galaxy).

What’s happening:

  • A new reference book entitled Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire will be released by DK Publishing on July 9th.
  • The author is Dr. Chris Kempshall, who previously co-authored one other Star Wars reference book.
  • The cover of the book was also revealed along with this morning’s announcement, and the image is viewable below.

What they’re saying:

  • StarWars.com: “StarWars.com is excited to reveal Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, a new book from DK Publishing that promises to examine the intricacies of Imperial rule. Written by Dr. Chris Kempshall, a historian and co-author of Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy, it will 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.”
  • Author Dr. Chris Kempshall: ““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. 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! That’s what this book has been for me and Beaumont Kin. The chance to fully and deeply explore the realities of the Empire and to show all of you what it looks like up close. This is my first solo Star Wars book but it’s one I’ve wanted to write for most of my life.”

Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire will be released on Tuesday, July 9th, and is available for pre-order right now.

Mike Celestino
Mike serves as Laughing Place's lead Southern California reporter, Editorial Director for Star Wars content, and host of the weekly "Who's the Bossk?" Star Wars podcast. He's been fascinated by Disney theme parks and storytelling in general all his life and resides in Burbank, California with his beloved wife and cats.