Star Trek: The Illustrated Oral History: The Original Cast Vol.1

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. • Kirstie Alley on how her childhood dream to appear in Star Trek was realized. • Kim Cattrall on how Che Guevara and Greek literature shaped the character of Valeris in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. • Christopher Plummer on how he took on the role of the vicious Klingon General Chang at the personal request of Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner!