Star Trek 365: The Original Series

Star Trek 365 #1

by Paula M. Block, Terry J. Erdmann, D.C. Fontana (Introduction)

Star Trek 365: The Original Series is the definitive, authorized guide to Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry's ground-breaking television program that first aired from 1966 through 1969 and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. A visual celebration of the original voyages of the Starship Enterprise, the book covers the entire series in unprecedented detail, combining in-depth commentary, behind-the-scenes histories, and interviews with writers, cast, and crew with synopses for each of the series' 79 episodes.
 
In addition to a wealth of never-before-seen images and newly commissioned photography, Star Trek 365 presents a treasure trove of remastered stills from the CBS archives, bringing to vivid life the famous five-year mission of Captain Kirk, Mister Spock, Doctor McCoy, and countless other characters for longtime and new fans alike.

Praise for Star Trek: The Original Series 365: 

"Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the original Star Trek series and figured you'd seen every single production still and behind-the-scenes photograph, along comes this new book from veteran Treksperts Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann and the good folks at ABRAMS Publishing. It's bursting with in-depth commentary, episode synopses, newly conducted interviews and more, with a treasure trove of remastered stills from the CBS archives making it a truly out-of-this-world addition to any bookshelf or coffee table." 
-Star Trek.com

Genres: Star Trek, Nonfiction, Reference, Science

735 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Michael]

A fantastic companion to rewatching Star Trek: The Original Series, from the high quality stills from the show and behind-the-scenes production photos, to brief episode guides and "insider" info which add depth to viewing experience. All 80 episodes have their individual entries, interspersed with actor and production crew profiles, fandom history and merchandising.

I guess anybody who's watched and enjoyed a few episodes would find something of interest, and it's a beautiful coffee table book, though it's interest in minutae probably makes it more of a fan volume.

[Mark]

Okay, I admit it, I'm a Trekker. Though I've never been to a convention or bought a pair of Spock ears, I was truly in love with the show in the early '70s when it was in syndication constantly. I built the models, I collected the trading cards and I read the book adaptations of the show as well as those of the animated series.
This book is about the size of a large brick (and weighs about the same), covers every aspect of the iconic 1960's series. With a synopsis of each of the episodes, facts about costume design, casting, set design, and behind-the-scenes stories, and the beginnings of the fan phenomenon that was to follow.
When I first took it off the library shelf, I noticed on flipping through it that every other page is a full-page photo. I thought I'd just glance through it and return it in a few days, but I became engrossed in the deceptively large amount of text and ended up reading the whole thing.
It may seem somewhat dated and corny now, but in its day Star Trek was a wonderful sci-fi series that reflected many issues of the late '60s and has left an indelible mark on pop culture.

[Daniel Kukwa]

It's a strange mash-up of table top daily calendar & coffee table book...and yes, it's as unwieldy, awkward & heavy as it sounds. It makes for incredibly uncomfortable reading, and that's a crying shame. The book itself is packed with rare behind-the-scenes photos. It's a cornucopia of visuals covering the actual episodes of the series, as well as production diagrams, props, fan events, and special moments such as the unveiling of the space shuttle Enterprise. It also comes with some interesting text commentary & historical nuggets of information that even I (a fairly hardcore "Star Trek" fan) discovered for the first time. If only this cinder block of a book didn't require a reinforced music stand to read with any comfort. I shouldn't risk tennis elbow trying to enjoy a celebration of one of my great passions.

[Joan]

This book is a visual celebration of the original “Star Trek” series, with pictures and descriptions of every episode. This definitive guide to the ground-breaking television series includes in-depth commentary, interviews with writers, actors, and crew members, highlighted by full-color remastered stills from network archives and never-before-seen pictures. “Star Trek” fans will treasure this can’t-miss trip down memory lane that brings Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the Enterprise to life.

Highly recommended.

[Sophie Crane]

If you are looking for a book about the original Sixties series of Star Trek, then go no further - because Star Trek: The Original Series 365 is the book to have. You will have, with my apologies, no tribble at all in thoroughly enjoying this volume. The hardback edition of the book itself is physically rather weighty*, and contains 371 pages, half of which are comprised of an intelligently chosen and presented, amusing and entertaining assortment of diagrams, illustrations, stock footage and photographs - some of which have seldom been published elsewhere. Where else for example, would you find an image of George Kirk's son in a replica Starfleet Captains uniform, sitting in the Big Chair with his uncle, James Kirk looking on?

The other half of the book is comprised of an entertaining and insightful episode by episode guide to the original series, intermixed with production and pre-production technical facts, behind the scenes snippets and clearly presented commentaries about the series original actors, locations, sets, design considerations and plot points and a concise index. More than just yet another episode guide - the book is a powerhouse of information and I well recommend it.

[Craig]

Enjoyed it well enough. Didn't shed too much light on things I didn't already know but was a good book for putting all together and giving good insight into areas that are often overlooked: Merchandise, comics, books and the like. Great pictures which was one of the things advertised by the book. Overall I liked it and if you like behind the scenes stuff about Star Trek then you will REALLY like this book.

[Paul Charles Radio Show]

The best Star Trek coffee table book in the world ever!

Beautifully llustrated and lots of fascinating behind the scene looks at all aspects of the original series

Also guide and sunmary of every episode of TOS.

Any fan of the show would enjoy this.

[Shalla Gray]

Essential companion to rewatching TOS.

[James Hewkin]

Superb book. Read it alongside watching the series. Was fab.

[Michael Vawser]

Biblio.com US$72.23

[Mark]

Star Trek: The Original Series: 365
By Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann

Publisher: Abrams
Published In: New York, New York, USA
Date: 2010
Pgs: 365

Summary:
A series of behind-the-scenes stories, production stories, art stories related to each episode of the original series, it’s characters, the actors behind them, the creators, writers, directors, places, both real and imagined, of Star Trek.

Genre:
Science Fiction; Movies and Television; Fan

Main Character:
N/A

Favorite Character:
My favorite character has always been Dr. Leonard McCoy. And when you step outside the triumvirate and start looking at co-stars and guest stars and what not, I fall to praising Ricardo Montalbon’s Khan Noonian Singh.

Least Favorite Character:
N/A...maybe the executives who drove it from the air too early with cost constraints that forced it down paths in its final season that were not conducive to its being renewed.

Favorite Scene:
Too many to enumerate.

Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A

Last Page Sound:
So awesome.

Author Assessment:
Would depend on subject matter.

Disposition of Book:
Giving it to Jerry to read.

Why isn't there a screenplay?:
N/A.

[Larry McCloskey]

Dare I say indispensable? "Star Trek 365" is one of the more ambitious compendiums to come out for Trekkies. There have been more in-depth works in terms of episode guides, but in addition to recapping all 79 episodes of the original series, this book is choc full of behind the scenes tidbits for each episode. It also walks the reader through the story of the show's genesis, its life after television and its lasting legacy.

I've read more concise and authoritative Trek guides, but I don't know that I've come across one with more heart.

[Daleb.]

A very fun and interesting read, if for nothing more than all the behind the scenes info you glean from it. Great color photo's on every page...365 pages of text w/a color photo of memorabilia, back stage shots or photo's from the show. I luved taking my time reading this one. Each year was marked by the page numbers in the 3 colors of the shirts from the show: Mustard Yellow/Gold, Blue, & Red with Black marking the early preshow parts of the story and the epilogue/post show stuff.
xoDaleB.xo

[M Christopher]

Despite its bulk, this book is slight in content -- short articles on some aspect of each Star Trek episode are on each left page while the right is covered by one or more pictures. But how glorious those pictures are! Some have been published many times before but benefit from the large format and crisp 4-color printing. Others are new (at least to me and I've got most of the TOS (The Original Series) reference books. Ideal for those moments when you just need a quick read (ahem), this book is a delightful companion to Trekkers old and new.

[Richard Gombert]

I have watched most of the Star Trek series and all of the movies. I've read books about the various Star Trek series and numerous articles.

This book still was able introduce new tidbits about the cast, creators and production of the Original Star Trek that I did not know.

I had intended to read a page a day this year (I started on 1 January), but that soon fell by the wayside.

I would recommend this to all Star Trek fans that want to learn more about TOS.

[Michael Joosten]

For what is essentially a trivia/conversation piece/collectible sort of book, I thought this was extremely well-done. I suspect that if I were more of a Trekkie (or at least more of an Original Series Trekkie), I'd have liked it even more, but as no more than a casual fan, I did think it was worth it.

[Jim]

Not really a definitive guide, it is nonetheless a wonderful collection of anecdotes, insider information, and other material that is highly enjoyable for any trekkie. I loved many of the back scene shots, as well as information and links I didn't know about this loved show, one of my all-time favorites.

[Charles]

I thought I knew most everything about Star Trek but this book still had a few surprises for me. I really enjoyed it. It's a coffee table book, about 4 and a half pounds, and heavy to read for a length of time, but I went through it very quickly. I certainly recommend it for all Star Trek fans.

[Erika Mulvenna]

I'm a fringe Star Trek TOS fan, and as such REALLY enjoyed this book! Great to flip through and read a few juicy tidbits and facts on each of the original series episodes. Probably already stuff you know if you are a hardcore fan.

[T.]

Essentially a coffee table book with small blurbs written about the Original Series, this book isn't an exhaustible reference guide. Yet, it is an enjoyable read, especially for someone just starting to get into the franchise like myself.

[Kim]

Can't help it - I'm an old Trekkie. Totally loved the synopsis of each episode in the original series, plus the extra little tidbits.

[Sereina]

Lots of great behind the scenes info from Star Trek. There are several pages about each episode, so after watching an episode, I love reading all the neat info about the episode.

[Larry]

Fascinating. :) Nice photography. All kinds of trivia and obscure factoids about the series. Glad to have this in my library and humble Trek archive.

[Preston Postle]

Occasionally interesting or unexpected photographs combined with lots of short-form commentary you've probably read elsewhere.

[Abraham Ray]

great book about the original star trek series!

[Adam Mizera]

Read version in French - Good coffee-table style book

[Kristina Brown]

Full of wonderful glossy pictures and interesting snippets from the original series (both in front of and behind the scenes). A reference book that you'll keep picking up again and again.

[Gary]

A fun trip through the original series. My only issue was with book design. One read through and the thing's about ready to fall apart.

[Clyde Ruth]

good "coffee table book"...