Have you ever heard Star Wars fans talking 
about the High Republic? Have you wondered, “What is the High Republic?” To answer that question, the era of the High Republic took place 200 years before the events of the prequels and the rise of the Galactic Empire. This time period is also known as the “golden age of the Jedi.” Many people don’t know the history of the High Republic since that period has not been depicted on the big screen, only in print. The stories about the High Republic were told across a wide range of print media, including comic books and novels.
The period known as the High Republic was a time of relative peace in the galaxy when the Sith were believed to have eradicated. The Jedi at this time were peacekeepers, maintaining order throughout the galaxy. This time period was mentioned in Star Wars: A New Hope when Obi-Wan tells Luke of the Jedi. “For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.”
I think that one of the best ways to learn about the High Republic would be to pick up a copy of The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic. This is actually how I learned about this era. The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic, published by Abrams Books, is broken into 7 chapters with a forward, an introduction and an epilogue. The chapters are:
- The Inspiration
- The Jedi
- Citizens of the Republic
- Enemies of the Light
- Ships and Vehicles
- Locations
- The Series
The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic is 224 pages of beautiful concept art, comic book art and sketches from several different artists including Phil Noto, Nick Brokenshire, Evan Whitefield, and Ralph McQuarrie to name a few. I have been a fan of Ralph McQuarrie’s art since the first time I saw his concept work for the original Star Wars movies.
The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic is written by Kristin Baver with a forward by Kathleen Kennedy. This beautiful art book is published by Abrams Books and retails for $50.00USD. If you are a fan of everything Star Wars or you just love art books, this book is the perfect addition of you library. The Art of Star Wars: the High Republic is available wherever you purchase you books.
May the Force Be with You!
