"Star Trek" Memories

Beginning in 1966 as something a little out of the ordinary for prime-time TV, and suffering from shaky ratings throughout its entire run, "Star Trek" went on to spend the better part of the next three decades exploding into a worldwide, billion-dollar industry. How did this happen? What made the show so unique that it spawned a devoted global following? A living pop culture legend and one of American film and television's most enduring stars, William Shatner will forever be associated with the role of James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise."Star Trek Memories" is Shatner's own behind-the-scenes look at the legendary series that continues to put forth movies, books, and series spin-offs decades after the last episode aired. Avid Trekkers are sure to be delighted with this first-hand account from Captain Kirk himself. And fans of the later "Star Trek" incarnations will get to see where it all began. Originally written in 1993 and now in trade paperback for the first time, William Shatner's "Star Trek Memories" is the definitive reminiscence of the show that has become a true cultural phenomenon. Reviews "Fans of TV's 1960s science fiction series Star Trek will go into orbit over lead player Shatner's candid, captivating reminiscence, packed with stellar anecdotes and backstage lore. Writing with help from MTV editorial director Kreski, Shatner reveals details of day-to-day work--and some of the fights with nervous studio executives who were not quite ready for the future. Problematic were writer/producer Gene Roddenberry's proposal that the starship's strong, efficient first officer, "Number One," be played by a woman, namely Majel Barrett who later became the softer, secondary character Nurse Chapel; the casting of Leonard Nimoy as the pointy-eared alien Dr. Spock; and the interracial kiss scripted for Shatner and Nichelle Nichols. We learn that every episode was filmed in the "ridiculously inadequate timespan" of six days, with one week for preproduction, creating excessive pressure on many actors and members of the film crew. Aided by recollections of other cast members, Shatner's memoir covers everything from turf wars to special effects in an appealing, humorous tone. Illustrations include stills, photos and drawings of sets". --Publishers Weekly "In his seventh book since 1989 and first nonfiction work, Shatner ( Tek Vengence, LJ 1/93) provides the long-awaited history of the original Star Trek series. He recounts the series in intricate detail, from its inception to its premature demise in 1969. Through dozens of interviews and 130 never-before-seen photos, he describes the cerebral creation, multifaceted production, Emmy Award-winning special effects, and incredibly innovative process of writing, filming, and editing for which the series is legendary. In addition, he remains true to his goal of giving credit where it is due, which serves to enhance both the final product and Shatner's stature as a writer. Much of the book centers around Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek 's original creator, whom Shatner claims was "brilliant, absolutely incontrovertibly brilliant." These memories will fascinate die-hard fans and leave them thirsty for more. Recommended for sf and television collections." Charles A. Weiss, "Library Journal" Author Biography William Shatner is an actor, writer and musical performer who gained fame for his starring role as Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the television show Star Trek from 1966 to 1969 and in seven of the subsequent movies. He shows no signs of slowing down, winning two Emmy Awards (in 2004 and 2005) for his portrayal of attorney Denny Crane in the television series The Practice and Boston Legal and he has been nominated yet again in 2007.