Status
Available
Call number
Publication
HarperCollins (1993), Edition: First Edition, 306 pages
Description
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.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member JPB
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
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 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
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ShaaaaaaaatnerOkay... 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.
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LibraryThing member .Monkey.
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
Shatner (who
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member memccauley6
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
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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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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LibraryThing member ashroc
Not as good as I thought it would be, his ego seemed to get in the way
LibraryThing member kaulsu
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
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to his co-stars. How we do so want our idols to have wings on their heels rather than feet of clay.... Show Less
LibraryThing member jlynno84
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
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from a different view point. Definately a must for Trekkies! Show Less
LibraryThing member louis_elrod
I'm a Star Trek fan, but this book was bad.
LibraryThing member vicarofdibley
shatner tell his memories of behind the scenes
LibraryThing member MarkBeronte
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
Show More
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. Show Less
LibraryThing member unclebob53703
Indispensable memoir from the guy on the, uh, ground.
LibraryThing member jfe16
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
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.
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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.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1993
Physical description
306 p.; 9.5 inches
ISBN
0060177349 / 9780060177348