Rating: 
Summary: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Review: I got this book for Christmas and have now loaned it out to four friends (and fellow Shatnerphiles). I hestitate to admit that there are things in here even I did not know about the Great God Shatner. Scary things. See the entry on "nude scenes" if you don't believe me. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Mean Spirited and Feeble
Review: I quickly read through this book and found some of the stories inaccurate. I originally picked up the book out of curiosity, but now I feel sorry for Mr. Shatner for having to endure idiots such as this author. I also feel a bit sorry for the author considering he actually thinks this passes as humor.
Rating:
Summary: Not worth the effort
Review: I was very disappointed. This COULD have been a fun book if the author had bothered to try, but he apparently couldn't be bothered, and just ended up putting out a waste of time. Too bad.
Rating:
Summary: Get it while you can!
Review: I, fo one, am sorely disappointed to learn that the Encyclopedia Shatnerica is now out of print. While unemployed last summer, I spent a day spent devouring this tome cover to cover and was yanked right out of my funk. So what if substandard work by an editor created a light scattering of inaccuracies? That's hardly the point: Schnakenberg's pricelessly witty, irreverent writing style still makes this an unforgettable read for devotees of the absurdities of pop culture.
Rating: 
Summary: Very thorough and balanced
Review: Nicely done. Irreverent but fair to its subject. Excellent selection of photographs.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious send-up of the legendary Star Trek captain
Review: Over the years (decades), William Shatner has grown from simply an arrogant actor on a 60's sci-fi show to something of a legendary pop-culture icon. We have all heard the stories of his feuds with co-stars, failed TV shows, unique musical 'talents', and THAT HAIR! Now, in one place, the Star Trek and William Shatner fan can find a reference to everything that is Shatner. His detractors will find everything they want as well. Mr. Schnakenberg does not pull punches with his A-to-Z chronicle of Shatner's life. He delves into the ugliness of his disputes with fellow actors (most notably, James Doohan... aka 'Scotty') and his notable difficulty in his personal life (on his third marriage at the time of this book's release and now currently on his fourth following the tragic death of his third wife). But, he is also fair in his depictions. He goes to great lenghts to show caring and respect that both Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have for each other despite years of tension on the Star Trek set. Not to mention exploring the positive value of his "Rescue 911" TV series. Of course, there are also many humorous moments that are documented. Shatner's foray into the music industry with 'interesting' "The Transformed Man" album (now a cult hit) is covered as is one of the funniest moments in Saturday Night Live history when Shatner, playing himself, tells the assorted weirdoes at a Star Trek convention to "get a life!". Simply a fun read from beginning to end, the "Encyclopedia Shatnerica" is an cool addition to any person's library.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious send-up of the legendary Star Trek captain
Review: Over the years (decades), William Shatner has grown from simply an arrogant actor on a 60's sci-fi show to something of a legendary pop-culture icon. We have all heard the stories of his feuds with co-stars, failed TV shows, unique musical 'talents', and THAT HAIR! Now, in one place, the Star Trek and William Shatner fan can find a reference to everything that is Shatner. His detractors will find everything they want as well. Mr. Schnakenberg does not pull punches with his A-to-Z chronicle of Shatner's life. He delves into the ugliness of his disputes with fellow actors (most notably, James Doohan... aka 'Scotty') and his notable difficulty in his personal life (on his third marriage at the time of this book's release and now currently on his fourth following the tragic death of his third wife). But, he is also fair in his depictions. He goes to great lenghts to show caring and respect that both Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have for each other despite years of tension on the Star Trek set. Not to mention exploring the positive value of his "Rescue 911" TV series. Of course, there are also many humorous moments that are documented. Shatner's foray into the music industry with 'interesting' "The Transformed Man" album (now a cult hit) is covered as is one of the funniest moments in Saturday Night Live history when Shatner, playing himself, tells the assorted weirdoes at a Star Trek convention to "get a life!". Simply a fun read from beginning to end, the "Encyclopedia Shatnerica" is an cool addition to any person's library.
Rating:
Summary: The main problem with this book is....
Review: That it takes 90 percent of its information (pretty much word for word) from a horribly inaccurate unauthorized boiography called "Captain Quirk." It almost seems as if Author Robert Schnakenberg merely bought a copy of "Captain Quirk" and copied down all the information for the "Shatnerica." And as I said, it's WORD FOR WORD! "Captain Quirk" used trashy tabloids like "Star" and "Enquirer" for its information, and also printed second hand rumors as fact. So, the "Shatnerica" is loaded with false information, and more screw ups than I can count (not just about Star Trek, but easily found facts on Shatner's life as well). So what is good about this book? Pretty much nothing, although it does have some cool rare photos. Other than that, skip this one and the dreadful "Captain Quirk."
Rating: 
Summary: Flawed but interesting
Review: The author deserves credit for the unique format of this book. At the same time, there are far too many innacurate details here. Crediting the Star Trek movie plots to the wrong films is the most glaring mix up. It really doesn't matter to me, I'm not fixated on the Star Trek franchise. I just hate to see shoddy writing and editing at any level. Overlooking these shortcomings, the book is rather entertaining to read.
Rating:
Summary: Devestating Critique of Consumer Culture
Review: The author does a brilliant job of using Shatner's troubled life as a mirrow reflecting on the disastrous consequences of post-modern society. Although there were a few factual errors(Shatner acted in MacBeth, he didn't write it) and the feminist critique is obscure at best, The Encyclopedia Shatnerica is a stark, unflinching deconstruction of American capitalism. A must read.
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