Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, begins almost every Star Wars tale. It serves as a reminder that watching Star Wars is like observing the history of a universe, a blend of mythos and past events. However, recent releases like Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Dr. Chris Kempshall, offer a fresh perspective on how we should critically approach Star Wars as a piece of media and as a canon. The book, written from the in-universe viewpoint of historian Beaumont Kin, delves into the formation of the Galactic Empire and its ultimate downfall, analyzing the systems that allowed it to rise over decades.
Unlike traditional Star Wars narratives, Rise and Fall is presented as a historical text, complete with footnotes to fictional sources such as in-universe biographies and archival records. It explores the Empire’s history, structure, and societal aspects, placing them within the context of the Star Wars timeline. The book also incorporates images from the films and shows, treating them not as mere transmedia franchise elements but as actual documentation from within the Star Wars universe.
By attaching “real” sources to recognizable images, Rise and Fall prompts readers to consider perspective and bias in the Star Wars narrative. It encourages us to question the intent behind the dissemination of information and the context in which it is presented. This approach challenges the audience to view Star Wars not as a definitive truth but as a story influenced by various perspectives.
In a time when Star Wars continuity is expanding exponentially, Rise and Fall offers a new way to interpret the saga, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple viewpoints and challenging established truths within the fictional universe. It opens up the possibility of reinterpreting familiar events and characters in new ways, making Star Wars a more dynamic and thought-provoking storytelling platform.