Rating: 
Summary: Vulcan history made in the past and present.
Review: This is the novel that put the history of Spock's home planet Vulcan on paper for the first time. Stated more correctly, it's one author's view of what Vulcan's past might have been like.
It might even be two whole novels in one.In the "Enterprise" novel, which takes place somewhere between Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek II, the Enterprise is diverted to Vulcan after receiving news that the planet is considering withdrawl from the Federation. Spock and his father, Ambassador Sarek, find themselves torn between their duties to Vulcan and their loyalties to Starfleet and the Federation. The events of the "Vulcan" novel occur over the course of history, from the appearance of the first Vulcans, to the life of Surak, to Sarek's marriage to Amanda, and finally to Spock's birth. This part of the novel is harder to read, since one would have to be a true Vulcan history buff to really completely understand. It is fortunate that on the audio edition, Leonard Nimoy, in character as Spock, gives us abbreviated versions of some of the historical data. Nevertheless, this is considered to be a fascinating book...no pun intended.
Rating:
Summary: Vulcan history made in the past and present.
Review: This is the novel that put the history of Spock's home planet Vulcan on paper for the first time. Stated more correctly, it's one author's view of what Vulcan's past might have been like.
It might even be two whole novels in one. In the "Enterprise" novel, which takes place somewhere between Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek II, the Enterprise is diverted to Vulcan after receiving news that the planet is considering withdrawl from the Federation. Spock and his father, Ambassador Sarek, find themselves torn between their duties to Vulcan and their loyalties to Starfleet and the Federation. The events of the "Vulcan" novel occur over the course of history, from the appearance of the first Vulcans, to the life of Surak, to Sarek's marriage to Amanda, and finally to Spock's birth. This part of the novel is harder to read, since one would have to be a true Vulcan history buff to really completely understand. It is fortunate that on the audio edition, Leonard Nimoy, in character as Spock, gives us abbreviated versions of some of the historical data. Nevertheless, this is considered to be a fascinating book...no pun intended.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best ST novels
Review: This was one of the books that made me a Star Trek fan. All Star Trek novels are basically fanfic. Happily, this is an example of good fanfic: it remains true to what we knew about the show, while deepening our understanding of characters' and cultures' history. In this case, the exploration of Vulcan history illuminates the reasoning behind the Vulcan secession movement---and makes it clear that their fears (about the effect of continued contact with the rest of the Federation) are *valid*. They have, over time, achieved a precarious balance, which exposure to the outside world threatens to upset. Really quite fascinating---and exciting reading.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This was the first Trek book I ever read, and I became hooked. It's great, great, great. After this book I realized what the Trek world was all about, and I loved it. Read this book, you won't be sorry
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent source of invaluable info on all things Vulcan
Review: Vulcan is considering secession from the Federation and this dramatic predicament provides the backdrop for an examination of the history of Vulcan down through the years from its most primitive origins up to the present day. Stories from many different stages of Vulcan history provide a tremendous insight into one of the most interesting alien races portrayed in the Star Trek universe. The only downside is the tacked-on ending. I mean come on! Spock's Ex? Alas, even on Vulcan, there is no fury like a woman scorned! Fascinating!
Rating:
Summary: Vulcans are Human
Review: What makes this Star Trek book my favorite among my 30 other ST books is that it portrays both the Terrans (Earthlings) and the Vulcans as HUMAN BEINGS. Diane Duane was a genius to construct the book in such a way that the readers can only fully understand and APPRECIATE what is happening by making the connection between the past and the present. The Vulcans of present time (i.e. 23rd century) think that the Terrans are poisoning their logical way of life. And so they hold a great debate -- composed of anti-Terra Vulcans, pro-Terra Vulcans, and friends of Vulcan -- to decide whether Vulcan should cede from the Federation. And the only way the reader can understand why Vulcan wants to do this is by looking at their past, even going to the very beginning, when dust, gas and matter combined to form the planet. And the only way the reader can see both sides of the argument is by studying the psychology of Vulcans, and realize that they are more human than we think -- because like us, they are imperfect, capable of greed, anger, hate, fear, pride, compassion, and love.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and logical...
Review: While I have long been a fan of the Star Trek series (from the original series through the successive spin-offs: Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and the films), I rarely have time to read fiction, so it was only after great prodding on the part of a friend that I got this novel. I had once complained that the Star Trek universe seems to have far more affinity for the aggressive, combative Klingons (warrior schools, language camps, etc.) than the erudite and level-headed Vulcans. Perhaps that is why my friend thought this novel would have particular appeal. She was right.
This novel is a grafting-in of the original series, with Spock, Kirk and McCoy as primary characters, along with the rest of the usual crew of the Enterprise. It seems there is a Federation-threatening crisis on Vulcan, and the planet is in the process of a referendum, to decide whether or not to remain as part of the Federation with the humans of earth and other constituent planets. Entering in the situation is a formidible character from the original series episode Amok Time, the Vulcan mating time -- T'Pau, remarked by Kirk as being the only person to ever turn down a seat on the Federation council. Does this speak of a mistrust that could lead the Vulcans out of the Federation? The referendum is not merely a breaking of alliances, but rather an isolationism -- all Vulcans will be required to return home, or permanently exiled. All diplomatic, trade, and military ties will be severed.
The psychological and political make-up of the Vulcan world is explored from the very outset of Vulcan civilisation through different historical periods that would have made up the equivalent of classical, medieval and reformation times. One seed of Vulcan xenophobia is their first contact situation, which turned out to be with pirates who were intent on invasion and looting. As it turned out, Vulcan was a heavily armed planet at the time, warring with itself (Vulcan's history parallels Earth's in that respect), and that armament was unexpectedly turned against the invaders. Vulcans, far from evolving without emotions, displayed the most dramatic and intense emotions for a long time in their history. The character of Surek is prominent here, the one who led Vulcan out of its emotionalism for its own survival.
Another character who makes an appearance is T'Pring, Spock's 'intended', the woman to whom he was betrothed, and who subject Spock and Kirk to the combat in the mating ritual. It turns out that T'Pring has never lost interest in Spock, nor in the humiliation she suffered in front of T'Pau. Vulcans are not without emotions, it seems, but rather, a people who have mastered them to a greater degree. But not always, apparently.
Diane Duane puts chapters about the Vulcan history interspersed with the 'present day' action aboard the Enterprise as it journeys to Vulcan, and then the final debate and referendum vote. The text is engaging and well-developed in terms of fitting in with the overall narrative strands of the Star Trek universe.
Rating:
Summary: Vulcan history
Review: Would Vuclans leave the federation ? That's the (excellent) background used by the authors to show us the main steps of vulcans history.
A huge book that you MUST read !
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