My first introduction to fandom, fan fiction and conventions. ( )

An interesting examination of the Star Trek fan phenomenon in a time period before the series' survival was assured. The writers offer interesting theories regarding the series' lasting impact in syndication, and, while from the perspective of fans rather than students of film, they are quite astute. The anecdote of the filming of Star Trek's final episode captures the dedication of those involved in making the series and compliments Stephen E. Whitfield and Gene Roddenberry's The Making of Star Trek. The only detractor is the overuse of Ayn Rand's philosophy, which pervades one of the longer chapters, but the anecdote of visiting the set during the final week of filming helps to move past this. Tailored by and specifically for fans, Star Trek Lives! makes a nice companion piece to The Making of Star Trek. ( )

Memorable to me as one of the first books to delve into the Star Trek phenomenon. It's very gosh wow, but it's rich in anecdote and in analysis of how and why fans felt so intensely about the series, back when in 1975 Star Trek was more dead than alive, seen only in syndication of the original three season show and a brief season of animated episodes from 1973 to 1974. This was before the films and new series such as Next Generation jumps started it and sent the motor running. It deals with the letter writing campaign that gave the show the one more season to make it viable in syndication and particularly fan fiction, very much a new animal back then. Winston's contribution seemed mostly to consist of her story of visiting the set in the last season of the first show. ( )