Star Trek: The Illustrated Oral History: The Original Cast

About Star Trek: The Illustrated Oral History: The Original Cast

The story of Star Trek as told by the people who know it best: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley and the cast and crew!

This lavishly illustrated oral history of the Star Trek phenomenon covers the exploits of the original crew across three seasons of live action television, two seasons of animated adventures, and the six movies.

Featuring interview material with all seven regular cast members —  William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, and Nichelle Nichols – this volume also includes contributions from guest stars, writers, and directors.

Highlights include:

• Gene Roddenberry talking about Star Trek’s difficult start and why Star Trek had to “entertain or go off the air.”

• Story editor D. C. Fontana on shaping some of the best-loved episodes and her part in establishing the enduring character of Mr. Spock.

• Why William Shatner wanted Star Trek to “have more humor and be more fun.”

• Leonard Nimoy discussing how Spock emerged from being a co-star to a breakout iconic character.

• DeForest Kelley on how the fractious relationship between Doctor McCoy and Mr. Spock was developed.

• Nichelle Nichols on the overwhelming reaction to Uhura around the world.

• Guest star William Campbell on his role in “The Squire of Gothos” and the dangers of the Star Trek set!

• The unusual circumstances that led to a first time writer scripting the award-winning episode, “The Tholian Web”.

• George Takei on how Leonard Nimoy stood up for his crewmates during the making of Star Trek: The Animated Series and why Sulu is a pioneering character.   

• Majel Barrett Roddenberry on the secret ingredient that has made Star Trek endure.

• William Shatner on the struggle to make Star Trek: The Motion Picture.