Narrated from an in-universe perspective, this book presents a history of the evolution of propaganda in a galaxy far, far away beginning in the Old Republic in the years before the outbreak of the Clone Wars and continuing through the creation and reveal of the First Order sixty years later. There are five sections (The Republic, The Clone Wars, Building the Empire, Rise of the Rebellion, and The Next Great War) that are each preceded by a short description of the political context that the following works of art were created in. The author of these introductions as well as of the descriptions of each work of art is Janyor of Bith, an artist who contributed his works to every major galactic upheaval described in the book. His descriptions are short, usually under 200 words, but they give helpful insight in interpreting the art, especially when alien iconography or script is used. When possible, the artist and the body that commissioned that art are identified but much of the art is from unidentified artists and the possible place of creation is mentioned instead.

Overall, the book is very informative and highly enjoyable. Readers with a familiarity with real world propaganda, especially the styles of WWI and WWII will recognize much of the artist styles that are used to very similar effect. Studying propaganda allows for an idea of how governing bodies wished to be seen, or how their opponents wished them to be seen. This artist focus works well in the Star Wars universe, given the galactic bodies at work to maintain strength and order or peace and justice in the galaxy at large. The book also includes 10 art prints of propaganda pieces examined within the book. The prints include each time period examined in the book, with a mix of pro-government and anti-government pieces, depending on when they’re from.

All in all, it’s a very well done, well researched book that displays not only a deep understanding of the Star Wars universe (unsurprising from Pablo Hidalgo) but also a solid understanding of the history of propaganda in our world that enabled him to translate it so skillfully to the Star Wars universe.
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