Boarding the Enterprise

This newly updated collection of Star Trek essays is sure to please the die hard fans of the original series. Filled with essays by show insiders and writers, sci fi authors, and academics who have found inspiration in the franchise, this book explores the deeper and more philosophical meaning of a modern classic that has now lasted 50 years. From reflections of the Vietnam War to religious connotations to man’s true nature in the universe, this book tackles the larger message of what it means to “go where no man has gone before.”

I’ve always been a Star Trek fan, a Trekkie. The original series that is, I was never seduced by the later add-ons. So having already listened to an audio version of Captain James T. Kirk’s autobiography, Up Till Now, I just knew I was going to enjoy this book. It promised an in-depth exploration of the original series by way of essays written by a group of gifted writers, many of whom had been involved in the production of the programmes themselves.

A few basic facts:

- There were only three series which comprised 79 episodes
- This base has so far spawned 5 spin-off series and 10 (maybe 11 now) films
- There have also been numerous novels written, comic books devised, computer games built and even fan fictions and parodies put together and shared via social media

I liked the episodic nature of this book. It seemed to mirror the series itself, with each section comprising a view based on a particular aspect or impact of the original programmes. There was some replication of facts, but I forgive it that. I believe its major success is in the way it delivers a 360 degree view of what it was like to be involved in bringing the concept alive, how it impacted those (like me) who became enraptured by the adventures of Spock, Kirk and co and in delving under the skin to provide insights into the deeper messages (e.g. of politics, race and religion) that had, to this point, passed me by. I think it’s a great overall package for anyone interested in Star Trek specifically or, in fact, in SF at any level.