The Paths to Power was a political text written by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine shortly after his election to the office in 32 BBY. The book was released on 5:3:13 GrS (30 BBY) and topped the best-seller lists. The release of The Paths to Power was later included in a listing of Palpatine's triumphs included in the Inaugural Edition of HoloNet News, celebrating the Chancellor's appointment as Galactic Emperor. The text was considered a modern masterpiece in the time following Palpatine's death in 4 ABY, during which Imperial Admiral Gaen Drommel had it highly ranked on his reading list.