Got to sink the Malevolence!

Historian and teacher Cole Horton has posted an interesting article about the uncanny comparisons between the Confederacy of Independent Systems flagship Malevolence and Nazi Germany's Bismarck. Horton shows how in both cases a seemingly invincible enemy flagship was destroyed by long-range bombers.

I'd be curious if Lucas and Filoni based this Clone Wars arc on World War II history or the 1960 film Sink the Bismarck! based on those events. The movie cottons some historical inaccuracies, but probably nothing that would have been translated into the show.

Read the full article at StarWars.com.

Star Wars and History Review

No, this blog isn't quite dead. I've just been busy. However, I recently read the Star Wars and History book and quite enjoyed it. It was an important book for me as it was the first book in a long time to come close to what I'd like to do in the Chancellor's Suite, namely to take the history and politics seriously at an intellectual level. In my review, I point out a few ways in which I think the analysis could have gone even deeper, but overall I liked it. Without further ado, here's the review:

I eagerly awaited this book, being both a Star Wars fan and a scholar of politics. I've always felt there was a lot of potential for scholarship about the historical/political influences on Star Wars. Upon reading the book, I find myself coming away with mixed feelings.

THE GOOD

I suspect the book was aimed towards younger audiences or readers with only a passing familiarity with history. In some ways, this book is a great way to encourage wider interest in history. The authors universally convey their passion for history and placing Star Wars side by side with real history shows how exciting reality can be. If George Lucas wants to encourage education, I think this book will go a long way.