The book is a chronological account of the main events in the period 100,000 years before the Battle of Yavin (destruction of the first Death Star) to 36 years later. Only the information on the history of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian be treated separately. We learn how the first civilizations of the galaxy and created the so-called "architects" have individual stars and planets changed artificially. Over time, the power is discovered by several groups and the Jedi formed. Later they get with the Dark Jedi in battle, which then escape to other planets. These are inhabited by aliens, called the Sith. The Dark Jedi are the rulers of this system and call now on "Lord of the Sith". The Republic occur in gradually more and more systems and the Jedi establish their order, which is to protect the Republic. Despite many difficulties such. As the Dark Century and the Sith Wars, the Republic has (apart from the area of Hutt) at the end of the dominion over almost the entire galaxy held. Then come the events that are mentioned in the movies. Darth Plagueis decides to create a new student and is therefore murdered by Darth Sidious. Sidious leads Plagueis 'project continues, however: the procreation of a child using the midichlorians to loud Plagueis' Sith theory create a being who is an incarnation of power and thus give under the guidance of the Sith this forever the rule into their own hands. Yes we know the result. It is interesting to know in this context that the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, Jacen Solo, will be later in the greatest Jedi of all time. During battle, he is going to pass a light beings of pure power. He has done what Plagueis really wanted; apparently this is but the Sith impossible. He then withdraws as Obi-Wan to devote his life to the study of (associative) power. The Empire ends only become final after the last clone of the Emperor reborn Palpatine killed and all other pretenders, Moffs were so defeated. The meager remains go into an alliance with the Republic. (As you can see, Palpatine could not make immortal; the ability to be a spirit of power and this possibly be transferred to other, already existed at the time of the Sith Wars.) In reverberation of the Empire, there is an invasion from outside the galaxy, which is reminiscent of the Dominion in "Deep Space Nine". The technology of the architect comes back into play, by means of which the invasion is repelled. The book is written and illustrated exciting. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Star Wars, and especially those who do not book any of the newer series (Padawan, etc.) want to read.
