A behind-the-scenes look at one of the most enduring science fiction television shows of all time. Here are the personal recollections, stories of practical jokes, and backstage drama that surrounded the show’s three short prime-time years. What made a shaky science fiction drama so unique that it became a multi-billion worldwide industry spawning half-a dozen spin-off series and more than a dozen big screen films?

Many of the illustrations and photographs included will be new to STAR TREK fans who are sure to find much to appreciate in the reminiscences of the original crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The plot summaries of all seventy-nine episodes and of six big-screen films will be an added bonus for fans of the original series.

Highly recommended. ( )

I began this book with serious misgivings because he started making snarky remarks about his fellow cast members on about the fifth page. But, that did not persist throughout the book, mainly jokes about Leonard Nimoy, which I assume were approved because Mr. Nimoy contributed several passages of his show memories – the most memorable was his tale of how “mean” Shatner was for perpetrating a series of bicycle thefts.

The majority of the book details all the behind-the-scenes wrangling to get the television show on the air – and how the stress, sleep deprivation, and penny-pinching network interference drove more than one person over the edge. Seasons 2 and 3 are given very little attention, then the tone *completely* changes in Shatner’s epilogue where he admits that he never really got to know his fellow cast members and is a bit baffled by why they do not like him (Psst… go back and read your snarky introduction).

A great read for die-hard fans of the original series, names specific episodes and crew members and gives details that the casual reader will probably find tedious
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Interesting Star Trek memoir from a guy who was in on the, uh, ground floor. He kind of cleverly gets around the fact that his costars all seem to hate him. And frankly, based on what's come out over the years, I'm highly skeptical of any "official" account of this television show, Just ask Harlan Ellison. ( )

I bought this because it was on sale quite cheap in BN's "bargain bin," and because I am an avid TOS fan. I was a little bit worried that this was going to be very focused on Shatner, who, coincidentally, I am *not* a big fan of. But he surprised me with a very enjoyable read.

Shatner (who confusingly is known as "Bill" to all of Hollywood but "William" to us outsiders, and therefore consistently referred to as "Bill" by everyone in the book. It's hard to keep straight that when they say "Bill" they are referring to Shatner, whom the average person has never heard referred to by that name!) has interviewed many of his former co-stars and behind-the-scenes folks involved with the series, and provides a fun, amusing, and sometimes sad overlook of one of the most epic sci-fi series to ever grace the small screen. He didn't focus on himself (much), but on the series, how it came about, all of Roddenberry's hard work and dedication, the insight into how the characters were formed and how the cast & crew functioned. It really was a lovely insight into areas of the show that we viewers never got to see, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of the series/genre. ( )

This is a very interesting look into the history of Star Trek told through the perspective of William Shatner. Full of details, both about the episodes and the behind the scenes politics that shaped the fate of Star Trek. Having read other cast member's stories, it was interesting to see things from a different view point. Definately a must for Trekkies! ( )