Jedi vs . Sith : The Essential Guide to the Force ( real - life book ) Jedi vs . Sith : The Essential Guide to the Force is an entry in the " " series of books , covering aspects of the Force . It is written by Ryder Windham and was released on November 27 th , 2007 . It was the first Essential Guide to contain original material ( as opposed to a revised and updated version of a previous book ) since the original Alien Species guide in 2001 . As with both Alien Species guides , " The New Essential Chronology " and the " Galactic Phrase Book & Travel Guide " , this book " exists " also as an in - universe publication , written by Tionne Solusar . Official Site summary . Learn the history of the Jedi and their enemies — from the most ancient battles of light versus darkness chronicled within the recesses of long - lost Holocrons to more contemporary conflagrations recounted by heroes such as Obi - Wan Kenobi and Leia Organa Solo . Discover the myriad ways to contemplate and use the Force , wield a lightsaber through different forms of combat , and for the truly brave , tread the path of the dark side and study the secrets of the Sith . Publisher ' s summary . The Ultimate Guide to the Absolute Power at the Heart of the " Star Wars " Galaxy " The Force , in the immortal words of Obi - Wan Kenobi , " surrounds us , it penetrates us , it binds the galaxy together . " The fortunate few who are able to tap into this extraordinary power have studied and cultivated the full spectrum of its potential - either embracing its virtuous qualities or succumbing to its evil temptations . The Jedi seek to bring peace and englightenment to the galaxy , while the Sith hunger only for conquest and control . " " This comprehensive one - of - a - kind overview chronicles the known history of the Force and its wielders down through the ages , from the founding tenents of Jedi and Sith teachings to the landmark events and legendary figures that have shaped the struggle between the light and dark sides . In firsthand accounts by Obi - Wan Kenobi , Yoda , Luke Skywalker , Leia Organa Solo , Darth Bane , Darth Vader , Count Dooku , Emperor Palpatine , and a host of other Jedi Masters , Sith Lords , scholars and sages , " Star Wars : Jedi vs . Sith : The Essential Guide to the Force " spans the breadth of available knowledge , including " " PLUS - More than one hundred brand - new full color illustrations ! " " No " Star Wars " library is complete without this definitive guide to understanding the Force . Remember : The Force will be with you … always . " Part One : History and Holocrons Contents . The Holocrons Significant Battles Part Two : The Jedi Jedi Evolution Force Sensitive Abilities Jedi Spirits Detecting Jedi Powers The Force as a Source of Energy Force Anomalies Lightsabers Part Three : The dark side Dark Jedi Dark Side Disciples Under Exar Kun ' s Influence Luke Skywalker on the Dark Side Part Four : The Sith The " Darth " Title Gatekeeper of the Telos Holocron The Dark Side Compendium Part Five : Other Force Using Traditions Part Six : The Chosen One Afterword Index About the Author About the Illustrators Quotations . Much of this book included direct quotations from previously published sources . These included : Continuity . Under the section entitled " The Reformation of Revan " , an article written in - universe by Deesra Luur Jada , the following statement is made : " " Increasingly , I feel like nothing more than a necrologist , dispatching weekly obituaries to the archives on Ossus . " " However , the guide does not mention that the Great Jedi Library on Ossus was thought to have been destroyed during the Sith War . The book states incorrectly the dates for the Mandalorian Wars and The Jedi Civil War . The book incorrectly states that Quinlan Vos retrieved Darth Andeddu ' s Holocron in 23 BBY . The correct date is 21 BBY . The book takes place almost immediately after the funeral of Mara Jade Skywalker , after she is killed by Jacen Solo . The last entry made in the book , by a Jedi apprentice , incorrectly states that Darth Nihl and Darth Talon are Darth Krayt ' s hands . Talon becomes a Hand in 137 ABY , though the entry was allegedly written in 130 ABY .