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queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
4.75 ⭐ CW: sexualization of women
The Making of Star Trek by Stephen Whitfield and Gene Roddenberry was the first book of its kind to cover something as in depth as the production process for tv in the 60s. Not only that, but it is a history of the series that basically shaped my personality. I was lucky to find this battered copy in my library's used book sale a few years ago, and it was worth it.
This book covered so much of the inside scoop of Star Trek, from getting to know the front office staff and actors, to on set shenanigans and pranks. Although this is a thorough history, it is rife with levity, and Whitfield doesn't take himself too seriously. I never knew how much went into the production process and how difficult it was for Star Trek to even get up off the ground.
This book is a gold mine of trivia for a Trekkie like me. I store it way for future use (spoiler: it's never useful). It also includes on set photos, behind the scenes photos of the actors and crew, along with early sketches of the Enterprise interior and exterior. It's really clear that Star Trek shapes how modern science fiction is done in media on the screen. Before Star Trek, it was all bulging eyed monsters with no purpose or reason for conflict. Star Trek set the precedent for using believable and real science within the show.
The only downside from this book was the way the author described women. Anytime a woman was mention, he always had to comment on her looks, be it charming, slim, pretty, etc. I understand it was done in the 60's, but it was still annoying. Other than that, it was a fascinating read on one of my favorite things.
The Making of Star Trek by Stephen Whitfield and Gene Roddenberry was the first book of its kind to cover something as in depth as the production process for tv in the 60s. Not only that, but it is a history of the series that basically shaped my personality. I was lucky to find this battered copy in my library's used book sale a few years ago, and it was worth it.
This book covered so much of the inside scoop of Star Trek, from getting to know the front office staff and actors, to on set shenanigans and pranks. Although this is a thorough history, it is rife with levity, and Whitfield doesn't take himself too seriously. I never knew how much went into the production process and how difficult it was for Star Trek to even get up off the ground.
This book is a gold mine of trivia for a Trekkie like me. I store it way for future use (spoiler: it's never useful). It also includes on set photos, behind the scenes photos of the actors and crew, along with early sketches of the Enterprise interior and exterior. It's really clear that Star Trek shapes how modern science fiction is done in media on the screen. Before Star Trek, it was all bulging eyed monsters with no purpose or reason for conflict. Star Trek set the precedent for using believable and real science within the show.
The only downside from this book was the way the author described women. Anytime a woman was mention, he always had to comment on her looks, be it charming, slim, pretty, etc. I understand it was done in the 60's, but it was still annoying. Other than that, it was a fascinating read on one of my favorite things.
gusrudnick's review
Very dated. This book shows it’s true colors of how sexist the creators of Star Trek were.
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