This is a landscape format coffee table book published by Abrams, who have done several entries in the "365" series. Comprised of 365 two page spreads, featuring artwork on the right-hand page and text on the left, Star Trek: The Original Series: 365 is best enjoyed taken in small doses rather than devoured all at once. In fact, I read it over the course of a year, reading one entry per day, which I think is kind of the intention with these books. As is typical of Abrams, the book is beautifully designed.
The book takes a chronological approach to its examination of Star Trek, beginning with a short series of entries examining the pre-production and promotion of the show, as well as several pages devoted to the first, unaired pilot episode starring Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Pike. Following this, each episode of each season is examined, usually with 2-3 pages devoted to each episode. Episodes are featured in production order, rather than the order in which they were originally broadcast. Finally, pages toward the end of the book are devoted to early Trek fandom and early Star Trek merchandise. Of particular interest to readers of this blog is a page devoted to early Star Trek books!
The beautiful, full-color photographs include both stills from the television episodes as well as candid, behind-the-scenes shots of the cast and crew, and photos of rare Trek memorabilia. The format of the book gives plenty of room to examine all aspects of the production of the television show. There are lots of mini biographies of guest actors and close looks at set design and costuming.
I thought the book may have pointed out the cheap nature of the show's special effects a few too many times. I also think it unlikely that die-hard Trekkies will find too much new information here. Still, I found this a greatly enjoyable companion to the series that provided a new way of looking at the original Star Trek. A second volume, devoted to Star Trek: The Next Generation, is forthcoming from the publisher.
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