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! ( )

Wow. How much I enjoyed this series in syndication....and how much I loved the movies. The characters were so real, and all I had read had been glowing. Now, Shatner opens the window on the real human dramas unfolding behind the scenes. Shatner apologizes for his "stardom" not playing respectfully to his co-stars. How we do so want our idols to have wings on their heels rather than feet of clay....

Not as good as I thought it would be, his ego seemed to get in the way ( )

James T. Kirk was one of my first heroes, both on the small screen and in the many Star Trek books that followed. He still is. It was an uncomfortable feeling of schism when I learned from different sources what a self-involved swell-headed low-talent hack William Shatner is. He would routinely use his clout to cut the lines of the other lesser stars on the set, and expand his own importance. He never took the time to know his co-actors, and he has a fairly inflated idea of his acting, directing and writing skills. This book is a fairly self-serving memoir of the TV show, which in all fairness does have a number of interesting anecdotes, and he does make a half-hearted attempt to address the feelings of his co-actors at the end of the book. But in the end, Shatner is a classless individual who was fortunate enough to bring life to one of the most admirable figures in science fiction. ( )

Apologies to Helen Reddy......

I am Shatner, hear me roar; Read my memoir, I implore; I was captain of a starship in a show; The others said "He's a boor;" They don' say that anymore; 'cause my ego wasn't high but rather low; I am kind (kind); I am so courteous (so courteous); I am Shaaaaaaaatner


Okay... for a long time we heard that he was a huge ego that nobody could stand.... and what do you know..... with his odd combination of self-confidence and graciousness, he shows that there are two sides to every story. Not that he's necessarily everything he says he is - but the book shows the human behind the iconic actor. His role was so famous, that there really are three people here: Kirk, Shatner-the-public-image-of-the-over-the-top-actor, and Shatner the real man.

Understanding the distinction between the public image of the actor and the real man is at times, as someone else would say..... fascinating.

I'm a Star Trek fan, but this book was bad. ( )

shatner tell his memories of behind the scenes ( )

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 classic 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. A television phenomenon that suffered from shaky ratings from its first broadcast in 1966 through its entire run, Star Trek nevertheless exploded into a worldwide, billion-dollar industry. Avid Trekkers who were onboard at the launch, as well as fans of the later Trek incarnations, will be delighted with this eye-opening, eminently fascinating "captain's log" from James Kirk himself. ( )

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