The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force [Vault Edition] [Hardcover]

Daniel Wallace (Author), Ryan Hobson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 28, 2010

The Jedi Path, Fully Illustrated, with Removable Features and a Mechanical Vault

With the push of a button, the doors of the vault open in a wash of light and Star Wars sound effects. The inner platform rises, revealing this exclusive edition of The Jedi Path.

This ancient training manual, crafted by early Jedi Masters, has educated and enlightened generations of Jedi. It explains the history and hierarchy of the Jedi Order, and what Jedi must know to take their place as defenders of the peace in the galaxy—from mastery of the Force to the nuances of lightsaber combat.

Passed down from Master to Padawan, the pages of this venerable text have been annotated by those who have held it, studied it, and lived its secrets. From Yoda and Luke Skywalker to Count Dooku and Darth Sidious, they have shaped the content of the book by leaving mementos tucked within the pages, tearing out pages, and adding their personal experiences as tangible reminders of the lessons they’ve learned.

Through wars and rebellion, only a single copy of this manual has survived. It is now passed on to you.

The ancient Masters who wrote the text: Fae Coven, Grand Master and head of the Jedi Council; Crix Sunburris, Jedi Ace starfighter pilot; Restelly Quist, Jedi Chief Librarian; Skarch Vaunk, Jedi Battlemaster and lightsaber expert; Bowspritz, Jedi Biologist and expert on the Living Force; Sabla-Mandibu, Jedi Seer and Holocron expert; Morrit Ch’gally, Jedi Recruiter; Gal-Stod Slagistrough, Jedi leader of the Agricultural Corps.

Jedi who added personal commentary: Yoda, Thame Cerulian, Count Dooku, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Darth Sidious, and Luke Skywalker.

Removable features: A letter tracing the book’s history, a severed Padawan braid, a metal Jedi Credit medallion, a Jedi starfighter patch, a burned poster of the Jedi Code, a map of the Jedi Temple, a lightsaber diagram sketched on the back of a napkin from Dex’s Diner, and a note on the missing pages torn from the book by a Sith.

Created in collaboration with Lucasfilm—along with an acclaimed Star Wars author and revered Star Wars illustrators—this volume provides new insights into the history and lore of the Jedi Order while introducing never-before-seen ships, creatures, characters, and details about how one trains to become a Jedi.

The Jedi Path is for adults, and is intended for ages 14 and up.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Few books tied to iconic movie series are as playful or as well-thought-out as The Jedi Path. From the conceit that the book consists of a series of documents discovered "near the ruins of Byss" to the inclusion of coins, badges, and other artifacts, the contributors have managed to create a tactile and delightful addition to the Star Wars canon. Introductory sections set out the Jedi Code and history of the Jedi Order, while later sections discuss such subjects as the three pillars, becoming an apprentice, and advanced lightsaber techniques. Not only is the text copiously illustrated, but some pages are mischievously ripped out (the Prophecy of the Chosen One) and supposedly handwritten annotations by Obi-Wan Kenobi and others add to the experience. Particularly enjoyable is a galactic bestiary featuring such creatures as a Jodakan needler crab, Mygeetan whiteworm, and the furry but cranky-looking o’cerry. For those who prefer history, an explanation of "The Second Great Schism and the Final War" provides further illumination on the role of the Sith in the Star Wars mythos. The creators of The Jedi Path clearly love Star Wars, and just as clearly wanted to pass that love on to readers. Highly recommended as a gift book for all Jedi enthusiasts, from rank beginners to grand masters. --Jeff VanderMeer

About the Author

Daniel Wallace is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters as well as a dozen more books that explore the underpinnings of the Star Wars universe, including Star Wars: The Essential Atlas and The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia. He is a regular contributor to Star Wars Insider magazine and assembled the questions used in the Star Wars Trivial Pursuit game. In addition to making many contributions to the galaxy far, far away, he has written for universes including Indiana Jones, Smallville, Supernatural, DC Comics, and Marvel Comics.

Contributing Artists: Paul Allan Ballard, Jeff Carlisle, Tommy Lee Edwards, Ryan Hobson, Greg Knight, Chris Reiff, Derek Thompson, Chris Trevas, Terryl Whitlatch, Kieran Yanner, and the studios of Conceptopolis and Storm Lion.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: becker&mayer! Book Producers (September 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603800964
• ISBN-13: 978-1603800969
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 10.5 x 3.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (308 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Daniel Wallace is a comic book expert, sci-fi sage, and lifelong geek. Author or co-author of more than two dozen books including The Jedi Path, Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman, DC Comics Year by Year, The Marvel Encyclopedia, and the New York Times bestselling Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters, he has alternately found himself trading tense questions with Kevin Spacey about head-shaving and banging out three thousand trivia questions for Star Wars Trivial Pursuit. Other universes he has worked with include Smallville, Indiana Jones, and Supernatural.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 109 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than I expected. September 28, 2010

By J. Petersen

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Just received my Jedi Path Vault package and opened it up. I'll start out by saying that even the exterior packaging is very high quality. It came in a nice black cardboard box within another box, and within that had a wrapper that held the doors shut (which was hard to remove without damaging). Very simple setup - remove a plastic tab that's on the battery compartment and it's ready to go. Pushing down on the button does exactly as described. The vault doors slowly open, and the door rises to some nice sound effects and blue LED backlighting. The cover of the book is a nice leather (probably faux leather) bound jacket, and the pages all have the appearance of being hand cut. Inside the book, there was a coin, a used napkin, and an iron-on patch as per the description. Overall, I'm glad I spent the money on this, it seems like it's a great collector's piece, well worth the steep price.

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Use the Force, you must.... September 11, 2011

By Russell W. Waddel

Format:Hardcover

I just picked up this book a few days ago, and I must say....I'm really impressed. It not only garners information on the Jedi, the temple, the philosophies, but it gives insights into the characters starting with Yoda. The introduction by Luke Skywalker, from the Yavin 4 academy; shows the history of the book, and how it was passed down from Jedi to Jedi. It features many different "notes," handwritten anecdotes (by the different Jedi who possessed the book) that are humorous and insightful. The illustrations are helpful, and they detail weapons, ships and techniques that Jedi often use. It also has different lightsaber hilts, styles and such.

A breakdown of the book:

Part 1-Introduction to the Jedi Order
This part contains information on the Jedi Code (there is no death, there is the Force) and much needed history of the Jedi. The book is written well before the events of Eps1-6, so much of the information on the current activities are absent. Yoda even comments "Updated, this section should be." Whereupon Dooku says, "So update it, old one!" Another hilarous note, Yoda comments on knowing Grand Master Fae Coven (author of the Jedi Code chapter) as a youngling, and Ahsoka comments "Yoda was a youngling?!"

Part 2-Jedi Initiate

This section deals with "younglings" (as seen in Ep2) and how they begin their studies. It also features the trials needed to be undertaken for advancement into padawan status. It also details the three pillars of the Jedi (Force, knowledge and self-discipline). This section has many valuable insights into the minds of Dooku, Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Part 3-Jedi Padawan

Next up, this section deals with many aspects of training, lightsaber combat styles and building a lightsaber. It also mentions the cultures and politics of the Republic, as well as the Trials and Knighting ceremony. This section has a LOT of notes, and some notes by Sidious. It is interesting to note that Anakin mentions "phrik" deposits on Gromas (and should mention it to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine). This is the site of one level of "Dark Forces" (the PC/PSX game) and you blow it up. Also, Sidious mentions that the "Outbound Flight project" was a "Jedi failure," to which Luke responds that they are alive in the unknown regions (Luke and the New Republic found the survivors of the Outbound Flight project some years AFTER the Battle of Endor, and Luke had "The Jedi Path" at this point). Extremely interesting.

Part 4-Jedi Knight

This includes the roles and duties of Jedi Knights, the three basic classes (consular, sentinel and guardian), Alter abilites, advanced lightsaber techniques and taking on padawan learners. Also, it has a brief history of the Sith, and the dangers of the Dark Side. It also has the requirements of being a Master and Grand Master, as well as a short brief on transcending death (apparently Anakin didn't really read this section while in possession of this book. Luke's comments on this are fascinating).

Overall, I would give this book a 5 out of 5. The production value is awesome, and the information is enlightening. I would recommend this book for any fan. Add it to your collection, and you won't be disappointed. Also, if you are a fan of the Saga Edition of the Star Wars RPG, this book will really enhance your game sessions. The information is presented in easy-to-reference manner, all you have to do is look up the title heading. It will give your Jedi characters different views on the Jedi themselves, as well as much-needed lightsaber combat forms. Get it, read it, enjoy it. Kudos to Daniel Wallace and the team for creating a high-quality, multi-purpose book.

98 of 109 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A "lost" treasure from "a galaxy far, far away" October 2, 2010

By L. W. Swint

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had the happy opportunity to attend the 2010 Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Florida, which is a joyful event for any lover of the Star Wars Saga. While blessfully browsing through the huge dealer's room on the first day, I came across a particular display table surrounded by fellow Star Wars fans uttering exclamations of "Oh, that is cool!" and "Wow! That's sweet!" Making my way through the gathering of people, I reached the table to find two lovely young ladies presenting a unique item to an enraptured audience. Before me on their display table was a rectagular metal box embossed on its top with an artistic rendering of two hands gripping a light saber. One young lady smiled and directed me to press the button beneath the artwork. I did, and with the sound of air being released, the top of the box divided into two sections and opened. Within the box, a whinning sound could be heard as a small blue/gray leather-bound book was slowly elevated above the two open metal casings, iluminated with tiny blue lights. On the book's cover were the words, "The Jedi Path," along with the elegant wings and light saber symbol of the Jedi Order, surrounded by an ornate art nouveau-like design. My immeadiate response was, "Oh, that is cool!"

That afternoon, I attended a panel called "The Making of the Jedi Path," where some of the book's creators described the process of making this special Star Wars book. Unfortunately the book's author, Daniel Wallace, was unable to attend due to plane trouble. I had read about the planned release of the book earlier this year and was intrigued by the idea, but my con experience had me really excited about its publication. At the end of the panel, all the panel's attendees were gracious enough to autograph a flyer promoting the book for me. At the end of my first fun day at the Celebration, the first thing I did when I returned to my hotel was ask my friend, who was sharing the con experience with me, could I borrow her lap top computer so I could pre order this "cool, sweet" work of Star Wars merchandise!!

While the "Vault" is the most immediate selling point of this collectible, the book it holds, "The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force," reveals itself to be an enchanting journey into the history of the Star Wars galaxy and its remarkable guardians, the Jedi Knights. It is a book that Star Wars fans will find a fascinating and fun experience. "The Jedi Path" is more than just a how to manual in Jedi training. It also delves into the ancient origins of the spiritual order's long history, the foundations of its philosophy, their bond with the mysterious energy field the Force, their relationship with the galaxy they protect, and also the continuing conflict the Jedi had with the temptations of the Dark Side of the Force and their ancient enemies the Sith.

The most fun aspect of "The Jedi Path" is the design idea of it being a tome handed down through generations of Star Wars characters, some of whom left not only their individual written impressions in the book but also actual physical items as well; captions and keepsakes from such characters as Yoda, Thame Cerulian (who left a "Jedcred" coin), Count Dooku, Qui-Gon Jinn (whose Padawan braid can be found within the book), Obi-Wan Kenobi (who sketched a light saber design on a napkin from Dex's Diner seen in Star Wars Episode II), his complex apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (who left behind a Jedi Starfighter patch), Ahsoka Tano (featured in the Clone Wars animated series), Luke Skywalker (who provides a historical preface for the book), along with other tantalizing inserts. Even Emperor Palaptine, the tyrannical ruler of the Star Wars Galaxy during the Original Trilogy of films, marks passages in the book, gleefully gloating over his murderous defeat of the Jedi Order in "Revenge of the Sith."

"The Jedi Path" is also richly illustrated by a number of gifted artists, displaying various elements of Jedi lore and legends. They include Paul Allan Ballard, Jeff Carlisle, and Tommy Lee Edwards. But I feel very special mention should go to the book's designer, Rosanna Brockley. She has created a beautiful addition to the ever expanding Star Wars library of books, and this particular Star Wars fan was very impressed with her work.

"The Jedi Path" was a joy to discover, a joy to read and is a Star Wars book I will sincerely treasure. It comes very highly recommended.