Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia Shatnerica

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

Diggin' through my endless piles of Trek-related literature one day, I discovered (or, more properly, re-discovered) this little alphabetical chronicle of the man behind Jimmers! An A-to-Z guide (from 'Airplane II' to 'Zmed, Adrian') that reads a little like an unauthorized biography, the Encyclopedia Shatnerica covers the man's many stage, screen & TV projects (most of 'em just gawdawful in the eyes of the author), as well as his thankfully short-lived musical career and those books that he allegedly wrote.

Also discussed are Shatner's legendary quirks, foibles, and just plain weird behavior that have become legend. More than a few great anecdotes from his fellow thespians are included as well, all broken down into a collection of brief, yet surprisingly informative passages. From the Trekkie Nation on down to those 'PriceLine' mavens, there's a little something for everybody in this paperback!

'Late

This book is pretty good. However, I am really disappointed that it does not mention the television commercials that William Shatner did for the Commodore Vic 20 computer in the early 1980s. Those advertisements were the main reason why my brother and I forced our parents to buy the Vic 20! I would have liked to read up on some information regarding those commercials. Also, the book should contain more photos.

An important, groundbreaking book. After reading some of the reviews posted here, I almost didn't plunk down my hard-earned green for "Shatnerica," but I'm sure glad I did--the nay-sayers are all wet on this one.

There are apparently no taboos for this author. A pull-no-punches, take-no-prisoners look at the Man, "Shatnerica" hits the bullseye. Shnakenberg loses a star for some assertions of fact that this reader found of questionable lineage, but overall, a fascinating read.

CAVEAT: If you're looking for a read that handles Shatner with kid gloves; if your idolatry of all things Federation forbids the speaking of truth; if the man they call Kirk is your sacred cow; or if hard reality sometimes makes you cry, look elsewhere.

However, if you seek the light of truth, and can accept that ALL men have darker aspects to their nature, check this one out.

One question, Shnakenberg: when will we see "Nemoyica"!

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.

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."

From what the author said in one of the reviews; his publisher altered his original concept and manuscript. My solution would be to repackage and update it. Shatty's Priceline troubles will hurt him again because there are still complaints in the news about that company. I have to say after reading Shatnerica I have a very different view of Captain Kirk. He may have had some talent but his arrogance is all that's left. He might have been a great actor if he acted like a human being and not the "leading man" he never was. Except on Star Trek that is. How many of the cast would want to work with him again?

I'd still have to say the author still accomplished his goal. He showed the audience that Shatner has none of the heroic qualities of a Captain Kirk.

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.

You would be hard-pressed to find a citizen of a developed country who does not know the name, "William Shatner." Equally difficult to find is a person who has come to terms with who Mr. Shatner is. Schnakenberg paints us a picture of the whole man. An adroit wordsmith, Mr. Schnakenberg crafts for us an important 20th century Pop-Culture reference book which lends itsself easily to reading from cover to cover. Never do we lose touch with the man's humanity. Schnakenberg's treatment allows us to look directly into the sun of a proud man's persona and not have our retina's scorched before we see the toupee. A very fair and even-handed and objective chronicle of Mr. Shatner's life. KUDOS, Schnakenberg!

A fine slice of woodwork. Kudos to the author for tackling a subject he both cherishes and despises with wit and courage.