Rating: 
Summary: Good producers' account, but mean to Gene
Review: Justman and Solow have given here an interesting account of the making of Classic Trek. Compared, say, to Bill Shatner's on-the-set perspective in his STAR TREK MEMORIES, this one is more of what went on in the offices. I have read a fair amount on the making of the show, and it seems to me there are new details and perspectives here. Particularly fresh and interesting is their account of the environment at Desilu Studios as the genesis of Star Trek. There is also a good section on the making of the terrific music for the series. And much more. I was a little irked, though, that the book is so rough on creator Gene Roddenberry. I don't know that the unfavorable incidents recounted here are untrue, but I thought a lot of it was unnecessary and did not leave much room for making more positive comments on him. But, all in all, INSIDE STAR TREK is surely one of the primary books on the making of the show. It's a good choice for those who know a lot about it, or know nothing at all.
Rating: 
Summary: compelling
Review: The difference between this and all the other books about Star Trek is that it was written by the man in charge of everything. FINALLY - we get the truth. And, while most avid fans rarely appreciate truth, preferring instead to worship the unworthy from afar, I for one am pleased to read an honest account. Normal people should like this book very much.
Rating: 
Summary: Star Trek From An Industry Perspective
Review: The original "The Making of Star Trek" by Stephen Whitfield provided fans with the first "insider's look" at the legendary series. "Inside Star Trek" was written by two television industry executives who were with series creator Gene Roddenberry from the beginning and throws a little mud on the rosy picture left by "The Making of Star Trek". "Inside Star Trek" has almost too much emphasis on the television industry politics - making the book a little overly technical from the average fans standpoint. Nevertheless, the above two books taken together are probably the best written history on this landmark television series.
Rating:
Summary: Star Trek: The SAME Story
Review: This account is nearly the same as Shatners expect it is read in such montone voice that you may NOT want to listen to while driving. There are a few new tidbits here and there but nothing of any great substance that wasn't known before. I have the utmost respect for these two guys, heck, they worked near the nerve center of all our loves, Star Trek. However, that doesn't mean you will have the tolerence to listen to them drone on and on. Whether you love or hate Shatner, you have to admit his book Star Trek Memories is read with feeling and has the same general information and is more balanced to boot. The thing that bugged me more than the tone of the dialogue were the comments about Gene Roddenberry. I don't care if 100% of the negative things they said had really occurred. There is something profoundly disturbing about commenting on someone who has absolutely no way of defending themeselves. It saddens me to no end to think that Gene Roddenberry and Gene Coon are no longer around to give their accounts, in that I feel you would find Star Trek: The "Realest" Story. Of coarse this book is to be purchased by true Trek junkies, but don't expect to have much of a rush from this fix.
Rating:
Summary: This is the best non fiction book I have ever read.
Review: This book is a masterpiece of non fiction documentary reporting. It explains what really happned way back when far more clearly and deeply then anything I have ever read, period! We need books like these on almost every subject. This book dispells so many myths its mind boggeling. I encourage everyone to read this book even if they hate star trek, just for an example of good writing.
Rating:
Summary: 'Tis, indeed, the "Real Story'
Review: This book is an anomoly: an objective, non-egotistical look at a television program which has influenced popular culture and spawned several television and motion picture sequels. Justman and Solow give all the juicy details here: the reader gets to decide just who had the big ego, who was the pain in the Jefferies' tube, and who at NBC knew nothing about television and almost singlehandedly caused the series' demise. (Of course, those people are still working in the industry.) The quirky sex stories of the cast and crew are exposed, and one is left with a full belly and a teary eye. With the adversity Roddenberry, Solow, and Justman faced from NBC, it was a miracle this show lasted 3 seasons. The fact that it's popularity hasn't waned after 33 years is a testament to the idealistic 23rd-century universe of brotherhood, peace, and non-interference in other cultures.
Rating:
Summary: Finally! The REAL story!
Review: This book was a very enjoyable read. I have read some of the other publications on the same subject written by ego bolstering actors and find that the truth is much more entertaining, especially the little things. Things like Bill Shatner stealing the hair piece made for him on the show and denying any such thing, and the problems that develop about every mid season with his lack of weight control, and Nimoys' constant confrontations with producers concerning Spocks' character, but overall the book tells you how a T.V. show is made (at least at that time) and opens your eyes to what all of this really was and is. We find that Gene Rodenberry wasn't the great infallible "Bird of the Galxy" he's been made out to be over the years. It can get to be a little in depth as far as details of studio and network dealings go but overall it is perfect, because it opens your mind to exactly what Star Trek is and what it was meant to be. This book makes it clear that people apart from the show have developed the Trek universe into what it is today. We get to see that even the "sacred realm" of Star Trek in reality really is just a T.V. show.
Rating:
Summary: A Lively Look into Production on the Fringe
Review: This is a great peek into the world of low-budget television. Independent filmmakers will see a lot of similarities with their own experiences. These folks produced a show with very little money, with very little support from the network, and with all sorts of obstacles, not just how to do the special effects. Any Trekkie would find this book fascinating, but I would recommend it to anyone interested in the stories of mounting an ambitious creative production in the face of money shortages, indifference from the establishment, hostility from some organizations, and the wild crazy happenings when so many creative people are burning the candle on both ends. An inspiration to anyone in the industry.
Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC READING,THE BOOK BY THE ONES WHO KNOW.
Review: This is a MUST HAVE for any and all STAR TREK book collections since it is written by the guys who were there when things happened,and not just some fans out to make a quick buck(like some other titles show). The photos and letters help in making this a major file keeper since the best way to get the story on what really went on is to go to the men that were there.A NEED FOR ANY STAR TREK COLLECTION.
Rating:
Summary: The Star Trek you never knew
Review: This is an excellent book. It puts aside all the pontificating verbiage of the actor autobiographies and focuses on Star Trek as the centre of the book. It is incredibly detailed and is not for the impatient. The detail is amazing including prints of actual letters and memos from that time. The tidbits are wonderful. There is some fascinating information such as William Shatner stealing his toupees and Nichelle Nichols purposefully flubbing lines during her closeups. If you are a fan this is a must read. But you really do need to be a fan, because the incredible amount of detail will probably overwhelm a casual reader.
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