Star Wars: Imperial Handbook

In "The Star Wars Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide," Daniel Wallace provides fans valuable insight into not only the Galactic Empire, but the heroes of the Rebel Alliance as well. Some in-(Expanded) universe background: It's a copy of a book outlining Imperial equipment and tactics, published just prior to the first Death Star's destruction, which the Rebels found after the Battle of Endor and circulated among their top commanders-including, of course, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo-who've written notes and commentary in the margins. Said commentary is sometimes serious, oftentimes snarky-giving "Handbook" the feel of a movie that's being riffed by the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" crew. One can hear both Harrison Ford's and Carrie Fisher's voices in their heads as Han and Leia bicker with each other through their notes, and Han even gets in a minor comment tiff with General Madine. (When Solo brags that he can teach Rebel recruits how to infiltrate Imperial garrisons, Madine retorts, "Solo...if I wanted fiction I'd have borrowed a holothriller.") What Han's comments lack in useful insight, they more than make up for in sheer entertainment as he uses his singular wit to skewer the Empire. And, boy, is the Empire deserving of a skewering. In "Handbook," the Imperial military's high-ranking officials come across as a collection of smug, self-satisfied dictators convinced of both the Empire's technological superiority and its "right to rule." There's plenty of bragging throughout about the order the Empire's brought to the galaxy through centralized power and absolute rule. Like it or not, politics have always been part and parcel of the "Star Wars" universe-whether it be "Legends" or franchise canon-and the grim picture "Handbook" paints of the Galactic Empire's authoritarian, fear-based rule feels like a depressingly timely warning. In short, "Handbook" is like a Haynes Technical Manual, only with attitude aplenty. It appeals to both head and heart. It's also lavishly illustrated with art from illustrators who've created work for other "Star Wars" products, including books and games. "Handbook" is the fourth of a series of "in-universe" texts which included a training manual for Jedi students, a collection of dark side texts and Boba Fett's copy of the bounty hunters' guild handbook. But no prior knowledge of those volumes is required to enjoy "Handbook," which is a worthwhile addition to any "Star Wars" fan's library.

A very good book

A fun coffee table book full of references both obvious and obscure that any true believer in the Empire would enjoy.

I really enjoy the "behind-the-scenes" stuff of the Empire. This book is full of information and material that builds the universe and I really enjoyed. If you're a GM and role play in games, this is a must have book. If you enjoy the Empire and what makes it run, this is a must have book. If you are in the 501st, I recommend this! I could have used without all the "rebel scribbles" in it... that seemed to dumb it down a little. But I get what they were going for... I just think it was a distraction. But overall, this is a great book!

This really is a great book. If you're a pro-Imperialist and you want to know more about the Imperial mindset and the background of the various armed forces and doctrines, then this is a great baseline to start with. While this book is not as comprehensive as one might wish it to be (for example, this book does not detail the myriad of different capital ships, fighters and land vehicles in the military, only a few), it is a good starting point for the enthusiast. The only other downside to this book, in my opinion, is the random scribblings throughout the book that serve as "commentary" by Rebel / New Republic figures. These writings basically serve as side notes by characters such as Leia, Lando, Han and Wedge Antilles as they comment on statements made in the book. I would have preferred the book published without those little side notes, and instead we be given a nice book that serves as a true Imperial "handbook" and propaganda piece.

Book is good quality and fits the theme of what I imagine an Imperial Handbook to look and feel like. Contains a lot of a awesome knowledge and is written in a factual, interesting, and fun narrating perspective. Contains small notes from rebel members like it was a stolen copy which is cool and adds some comedic effect. Gave it to an adult friend who is a big fan of Star Wars and they loved it. I have full confidence anyone of any age can enjoy this.

Pronta entrega, llegó de acuerdo a lo esperado.

This book is high quality, the details are good too. There are some slight inaccuracies compared to Canon, but this is also a Legends book. So, if you're expecting to know more stuff about Canon, don't get this book. I'll be honest, I got the book for fun and don't regret my purchase.