The New Essential Chronology

The New Essential Chronology is a 256-page reference book published by Del Rey, the eleventh book in the Essential Guide series. It was written by Daniel Wallace (expanding on the original text by him and Kevin J. Anderson) and illustrated by Mark Chiarello, John Van Fleet and Tommy Lee Edwards. Ian Fullwood created the galaxy map seen near the end of the book. The New Essential Chronology was released October 25, 2005.

The book provides a broad history of the Star Wars saga, from pre-Republic history to after the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, drawing upon both well-known and obscure sources. This edition is updated for the prequel trilogy and the New Jedi Order. It is written from an in-universe perspective by Voren Na'al, Archivist Emeritus of the Historical Council, Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.

Editions

 * ISBN 0345490533; October 25, 2005, Del Rey, 238-page hardcover
 * ISBN 0345449010; Del Rey, 238-page paperback

Publisher's summary
At last, it's the ultimate history of the spectacular Star Wars saga, lavishly illustrated and in full color for the first time.

With the completion of Episodes I, II, and III, the epic story that's captivated millions can now be told in its entirety, from the time of the primordial Knights of the Old Republic and the Clone Wars to the birth of the Empire, from the destruction of the Death Star to the adventures of the New Jedi Order.

Beautifully illustrated by Mark Chiarello, Tommy Lee Edwards, and John Van Fleet, Star Wars: The New Essential Chronology'' offers the comprehensive and official chronicle of that extraordinary galaxy so far, far away. Herein you'll find''


 * the most exciting and climactic events from all epochs of Star Wars&mdash;those explosive turning points in the shaping of the galaxy
 * a gripping account of the controversial Clone Wars&mdash;the treachery that fueled them and the terrifying aftermath
 * profiles of the key players in the history of the Star Wars galaxy, along with all the most popular heroes and villains from every movie, book, comic, TV special, game, and cartoon

Follow Anakin Skywalker's perilous journey as he wrestles with the dark side; behold the black soul of each Dark Lord of the Sith, from Darth Sidious to Darth Vader; experience the fiery space battles that decided the fates of entire planets; and witness the ferocious invasion of the seemingly invincible Yuuzhon [sic] Vong.

The training of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the invasion of Naboo, the capture of Princess Leia, the Battle of Yavin, the lightsaber death duel between Organa Solo and Beldorion the Hutt&mdash;all of the key events are captured and preserved for all time in this drama-filled Stars Wars chronicle.

Contents

 * Author Acknowledgements
 * Introduction to Students of History
 * Note on Dating Conventions
 * Part One: Tales of the Ancient Republic
 * Formation of the Republic
 * Emergence of the Sith
 * Legacy of the Sith
 * Part Two: The Fall of the Republic
 * The Beginning of the End
 * The Clone Wars
 * Part Three: The Empire and the New Order
 * The Dark Times
 * Part Four: Profiles in History
 * Han Solo
 * Lando Calrissian
 * The Skywalkers
 * Part Five: The Galactic Civil War
 * Armed Rebellion Begins
 * A Light Eclipsed
 * Alliance Triumphant
 * Part Six: Birth of the New Republic
 * Part Seven: Empire Resurgent
 * Part Eight: The Return of the Jedi Knights
 * Part Nine: Uprisings and Insurgencies
 * Part Ten: A Lasting Peace
 * Part Eleven: Generations of Jedi Knights
 * Part Twelve: The New Jedi Order
 * Galaxy Map
 * Index

Behind the scenes
Some fans consider the book's in-universe perspective to be an explanation for its various inaccuracies and contradictions.

Also the picture of this book in the back has the original cover without paint, an author, and a different arrangement.

There are several statements in this book that conflict with established canon, compounded by the numerous retcons created by the 2008 The Clone Wars project.

The calendar used in the book is either a different calendar than the Galactic Standard Calendar, or inaccurate; as dates are based on a 12-month year.

Cover gallery
This is a gallery of the different cover variations of The New Essential Chronology.