Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide is a reference work authored by Daniel Wallace that details the procedures and tactical guidelines of the Imperial Military. It comes packaged with a motorized case featuring integrated lights and sounds, an introductory message penned by Luke Skywalker, and a custom-made die-cast Imperial military medal. A standalone version of the book is also available for purchase.
The initial plan was to make pre-orders available starting on July 1, 2014. However, a subsequent message from becker&mayer! customer service suggested that pre-orders would instead be launched on their website around September 1. The official release date was October 14, 2014.
As the Galactic Empire extends its reach, high-ranking officials from every branch of the Imperial Military have documented tactical guidelines and procedures intended for all newly appointed commanders. Presented as an in-universe document, this compilation of regulations, mission logs, and Imperial ideology was intercepted by members of the Rebel Alliance, some of whom added their own commentary in the margins. Contained within a deluxe case that activates with lights and sounds when opened, this previously unseen Imperial Handbook is ideal for all Star Wars enthusiasts, irrespective of their allegiance in the Civil War.
In 2019, Ansel Hsiao, a 3D artist recognized for his contributions to The Essential Guide to Warfare, voiced concerns that some of his artwork featured on his website had been used without his permission by illustrator Joe Corroney in Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide.
Despite its release after the April 2014 separation of the canon and Legends continuities, and the establishment of the rule designating all works released after that date as canon, becker&mayer! has confirmed that the Imperial Handbook carries the Star Wars Legends label, indicating its non-canonical status. Nevertheless, it incorporates references to canon material, such as the Lasan Suppression, the AT-DP, the TIE Advanced v1 (identified as the TIE Advanced prototype), and the propaganda posters Strength & Obedience, COMPNOR Recruitment, and Expose, Pursue, Destroy (although the latter underwent slight modifications before its later appearance in canon).
- ISBN 9781603803403 ; October 14 , 2014 ; becker&mayer! ; US hardcover, deluxe box set edition [10]
- ISBN 9781452145280 ; August 11 , 2015 ; Chronicle Books ; US hardcover [11]