Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side is a non-fiction work by Daniel Wallace that explores the history and lore of the Sith Order and the dark side of the Force. This book initially launched on February 10, 2012, accompanied by a special collector's case and various supplementary items. A subsequent release, omitting the case and extras, occurred on April 16, 2013.
Subsequently, on August 8, 2014, the book was included as a component of the Star Wars: The Jedi Path and Book of Sith Deluxe Box Set, alongside The Jedi Path. This set also contained two art prints illustrating key figures from Sith and Jedi history. Later, on September 27, 2016, it appeared again as part of the Star Wars: Secrets of the Galaxy Deluxe Boxed Set, together with the Imperial Handbook and Bounty Hunter Code.
By removing the outer packaging, a Sith case in the shape of a black-and-red pyramid is unveiled. At first glance, it appears harmless.
For countless generations, the Sith have been present within the galaxy, secretly awaiting an opportunity to seize power. As various Sith Lords emerged and ascended to positions of authority, they documented their ideas, achievements, and strategies for the Sith to gain control of the galaxy. Upon their downfall, their accumulated knowledge was believed to have been lost forever. Or so it seemed. . . .
Over time, these written works were circulated among numerous Sith and Jedi, who added their own remarks to the pages. In his pursuit of dominance, Darth Sidious sought out the remaining fragments of five essential Sith texts authored by his most influential predecessors. Subsequently, drawing upon the knowledge contained within these compiled pages, he composed a sixth text—his own personal manifesto. Together, these documents, accompanied by several collected artifacts associated with them, offer insights into the philosophy, accomplishments, and failures of the Sith Order. For many years, this collection remained concealed, existing only as a legend. However, now anyone who is tempted can unlock the Book of Sith and explore the dark side. . . .
From the creators of The Jedi Path, in partnership with Lucasfilm, Book of Sith exposes the enigma and insanity 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:
- Sorzus Syn's chronicle of her interactions with Sith Purebloods, explorations into alchemy, and the origins of the Sith Order.
- Darth Malgus's war journal from the Great Galactic War, detailing warfare methods and the Sith army's campaigns.
- Darth Bane's source book outlining the concept and philosophy underpinning the Rule of Two, along with the necessary training for a Sith.
- Mother Talzin's instructional manual examining the Nightsisters' utilization of the dark side and their function as dark side mercenaries in the galaxy.
- Darth Plagueis's scientific journal containing notes on his experimentation with and manipulation of the Force.
- Darth Sidious's manifesto concerning the philosophy and political maneuvering that characterized his rise to power and the establishment of his Empire .
Contributors of commentary: Darth Sidious, Darth Vader, Asajj Ventress, Yoda, Mace Windu, Quinlan Vos, and Luke Skywalker
Included removable items: A fragment of a Sith burial shroud, a battle map from the Great Galactic War, a Sith lightsaber crystal, a Nightsister talisman, a diagram illustrating Palpatine's political strategies during the Clone Wars, a propaganda poster for the Galactic Empire, and a note from Luke Skywalker
In his ambition for complete control, Darth Sidious compiled six legendary dark side texts, each detailing Sith history and philosophy, penned by Sorzus Syn, Darth Malgus, Darth Bane, Mother Talzin, Darth Plagueis, and himself. These documents collectively constitute the Book of Sith. Throughout the centuries, these texts were passed among Force users, who added their own handwritten notes and annotations in the margins, including Darth Vader, Yoda, Mace Windu, and Luke Skywalker, among others. Assembled by the esteemed Star Wars writer Daniel Wallace and enhanced by numerous talented Star Wars illustrators, this book introduces new characters and historical context, while delving deeper into the underlying philosophies and methodologies of the dark side of the Force.
- Note from Luke Skywalker (located inside the front cover)
- Fragment of a Sith burial shroud (situated between pages 44 and 45)
- Coruscant battle map from the Great Galactic War (positioned between pages 62 and 63)
- Diagram illustrating Palpatine's political strategies during the Clone Wars (found between pages 148 and 149)
- Propaganda poster for the Galactic Empire (placed between pages 156 and 157)
- Sith lightsaber crystal (situated beneath the Book of Sith within the Sith Holocron)
- Nightsister talisman (located beneath the Book of Sith within the Sith Holocron)
The caption accompanying the image on Page 13 incorrectly states that Xendor and the Legions of Lettow engaged the Jedi in battle on "Corbos." However, based on the text on the same page, this was a typographical error, and the caption should have correctly stated "Columus." Corbos was accurately mentioned in both the caption and text on the preceding page.
On Page 24, the term Sith Abattar is misspelled as "Sith abbatar," which the author has verified as a typographical mistake.
Both of these typographical errors were subsequently corrected in all future editions of the book.
- ISBN 9781612182612 ; February 10 , 2012 ; Becker&mayer! ; Vault Edition [1]
- ISBN 9781452118154 ; April 16 , 2013 ; Chronicle Books ; Regular edition [2]
- ISBN 9781452126418 ; August 8 , 2014 ; Chronicle Books ; Star Wars: The Jedi Path and Book of Sith Deluxe Box Set [3]
- ISBN 9781452159256 ; September 27 , 2016 ; Chronicle Books ; Star Wars: Secrets of the Galaxy Deluxe Boxed Set [4]