Book review: Star Trek Vault: 40 Years from the Archives by Scott Tipton

Deep into the CBS archives and their treasure trove of photographs, scripts, concept sketches, blueprints, storyboards and memorabilia to explore how Gene Roddenberry’s utopian vision of the future became a modern myth.

Tipton’s fully illustrated, interactive tribute to the world’s most famous and popular science fiction series covers all six Star Trek television series and ten of the eleven feature films, and examines the far-reaching social and scientific optimism that underpins the franchise.

He explores milestones such as Star Trek’s ground-breaking mixed-race casts and technologies that have since become commonplace before taking an in-depth look at the making of each series and film.

Painstakingly researched and lavishly designed, and boasting a wealth of never-before-seen images and removable memorabilia – including captain’s chair blueprints, rare leaf trading cards and international movie posters – this is the ultimate celebration of a pop culture institution.

Star Trek Vault: 40 Years from The Archives, an out-of-this-world Christmas present for any Trekkie, features, amongst many other entertaining items, a reproduction colouring book, trading cards, patch, pennant, a Japanese poster for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, a vintage T-shirt transfer and blueprints for weaponry and hardware.

When Roddenberry’s series was cancelled from network television in 1969, few could have guessed that, more than four decades later, Star Trek would have become one of the most popular and enduring entertainment properties of all time.

Yet, after finding success in syndication during the 1970s, the world of Star Trek has grown to encompass not only the television series and feature films but also countless novels, comic books and video games.

Star Trek Vault charts this remarkable history, covering the first 40 years of one of the world’s most successful franchises.

With more than 350 images and including 14 interactive reproductions of the most fascinating memorabilia – on-set signage, concept storyboards and uniform badges from the original series – Tipton provides a broad and exciting perspective on the voyages of Captains Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway and Archer.

Fun, informative and full of surprises, this stunning tribute is a great companion piece for confirmed Trekkies and an ideal gift to encourage a new generation of fans!

(Aurum Press, hardback, £35)