This is going to be epic.
Dan Wallace is at it again with what looks to be a great in-universe book entitled, Book of Sith. In order to bring balance to the Force and bookshelves across the globe, Wallace is taking the format and concept that made the Jedi Path a wildly popular release and falling to the Dark Side with it.
For those who have not read Jedi Path, the book as treated as in-universe, meaning it is not like an essential guide. It is treated as if the fictional Star Wars characters created and are consuming this book. A book that Luke would have used in establishing his new Jedi Order and continued to use in the training of Jedi.
This new book from Wallace and publisher Becker & Mayer brings together six Sith texts from the dastardly, Sorzus Syn, Darth Malgus, Darth Bane, Mother Talzin, Darth Plagueis, and Darth Sidious.
I find it very interesting that Mother Talzin is on this list of "Sith," while we know she is a villain, TCW seemed to indicate that the Nightsister's magic was separate from the Force. I can't wait to read what she has to say.
It will also be fascinating to see how this book interacts with James Luceno's new Darth Plagueis novel, because I would imagine they will cover some similar territory.
The synopsis of the book from the press release:
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…. Fragments of five essential dark side texts were passed among numerous Sith and Jedi—Darth Sidious, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Asajj Ventress, Mace Windu, Quinlan Vos, and others—who added their comments to the pages. Through the years, Darth Sidious pilfered and secreted away these texts, along with various objects created by his most powerful predecessors. Using this collected knowledge, the Emperor wrote his own manifesto, a sixth text, as well as a preface for the compilation. Each original text sheds light on the plots, exploits, and philosophy of the infamous Sith Order.
The Jedi Path contained some cool items inserted into the book, my favorite of which was the Corellian Jedi Credit coin. The Book of Sith will also have a number of inserts.
The 160-page book features a faux-leather cover with debossing and heat stamping. Five removable artifacts—including a scrap of a Sith burial shroud, a battle map from the Great Galactic War, a diagram of Palpatine’s master plan, an Empire propaganda poster, and a note from Luke Skywalker—are tucked within the pages of the book. The book’s elegant design showcases original illustrations by acclaimed STAR WARS® artists, including Paul Allan Ballard, Jeff Carlisle, Chris Reiff, Chris Trevas, Russell Walks, Terryl Whitlatch, and the illustrators of Aristia/Hive Studios. The book and two accompanying mementoes—a Sith crystal and a Sith talisman—are enclosed in a mechanized blood-red and black Holocron case, which opens at the touch of a button with flashing lights and sounds.
The diagram of Palpatine's master plan has some comedic potential, lots of dead stick figure Jedi.
The black-and-red pyramid-shaped Sith case appears innocuous. But with the touch of a button, the door of the case lifts, accompanied by lights and Star Wars sound effects. The secrets within are revealed—the Book of Sith slides into view.
The Sith have existed in the galaxy for centuries, lurking, waiting for their chance to seize control. As various Sith Lords emerged and rose to power, they recorded their thoughts, exploits, and plots for Sith control of the galaxy. When they fell, their knowledge vanished with them forever. Or so it seemed. . . .
Over the years, these writings were passed among numerous Sith and Jedi, who added their comments to the pages. In his quest for domination, Darth Sidious tracked down what remained of five pivotal Sith texts written by his most powerful predecessors. Then, drawing on the knowledge within the compiled pages, he wrote a sixth text—his own manifesto. Together, these documents, along with several collected objects associated with them, shed light on the philosophy, achievements, and failures of the Sith Order.
For years, this collection remained hidden, existing as legend only. But now all who are tempted may unlock the Book of Sith and delve into the dark side. . . .
From the creators of The Jedi Path, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Book of Sith reveals the mystery and madness of the dark side—while introducing new characters, history, as well as sinister insights into what it means to be a Sith Master.
Recovered dark side texts: • A chronicle by Sorzus Syn of her encounters with Sith Purebloods, explorations in alchemy, and the foundations of the Sith Order. • A war journal kept by Darth Malgus during the Great Galactic War, describing methods of war and the campaigns of the Sith army. • A source book by Darth Bane that details the idea and the philosophy behind the Rule of Two as well as the training required for a Sith. • An instructional manual by Mother Talzin exploring the Nightsisters’s use of the dark side and their role as dark side mercenaries in the galaxy. • A scientific journal by Darth Plagueis with notes about his experimentation with and manipulation of the Force. • Darth Sidious’s manifesto about the philosophy and political manipulation that marked his rise to power and established his Empire.
Those who added their comments: Darth Sidious, Darth Vader, Asajj Ventress, Yoda, Mace Windu, Quinlan Vos, and Luke Skywalker
Removable features: A scrap of a Sith burial shroud, a battle map from the Great Galactic War, a Sith lightsaber crystal, a Nightsister talisman, a diagram detailing Palpatine’s political strategies during the Clone Wars, and a propaganda poster for the Galactic Empire
Fully Illustrated, with Removable Features and a Motorized Case
Book Dimensions: 8.25" x 6.125" x 0.75" Case Dimensions: 11" x 11" x 6.25" Box Dimensions: 11.75" x 11.75" x 6.5"
Book of Sith will be released February 20, 2012, come in at 160 pages in length and have a suggested retail price of $99.99, but you will be able to find it for below that price. Amazon currently has a pre-order up for the book at $62.99. I will be buying this and look for an in depth review in February when it is released.
There are two particular inserts in this book that had me giggling with how awesome they were. There is an official memorandum from Lucasfilm regarding the care and maintenance of the Darth Vader suit. Just remember when the Dark Lord is after you, that he puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us.
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