Bookworms: Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years (2013) by David Goodman

“James T. Kirk was a great man…but that was another life!” – Nero, Star Trek 

The history of the United Federation of Planets, as seen in the Star Trek universe, is told through the stories of the men and women who lived and worked in the Federation’s galaxy renowned Starfleet. But just how did Starfleet, and the Federation, come to be? What were its greatest moments? Who were the people that shaped it, gave it life?

David Goodman’s Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years is the record of the history of Star Trek told from an “in universe” perspective, that is, as if all that we see in the television shows and films created by Gene Roddenberry actually happened. David Goodman has written for and produced many television shows in addition to being a voice actor and author. He wrote for Star Trek: Enterprise, the Star Trek series that pre-dated Captain Kirk’s 5 year mission aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

As an in universe history text, it reads and feels very much like what would be given to all first year cadets attending Starfleet Academy in their first history class. It is very comprehensive, includes many wonderful illustrations and recreations of important documents, and is easy to follow. The history covers a broad range of time, 150 years, but manages to give each stage of human exploration into space its due attention. Every important person is highlighted and each major event is delineated in detail. While the focus of the book is human history, alien sources and perspectives are not neglected. Ancient texts from Quo’nos, Vulcan, Andoria, and other key planets of the galaxy are presented and translated where appropriate to inform and expand certain events.

In the real world, The First 150 Years is a great book about the history of the Federation. It is heavy, solid, and feels just like any other textbook I have used. The hardcover is wonderfully textured, and the text and adornments on the front are gilded foil of some kind. It reflects light nicely, but isn’t too shiny or gaudy. The text is easy to read, and all extras (alien and other documents) are full page spreads. Each chapter is preceded by beautiful, full page artwork. The history itself is fully detailed and complete. My only complaint, which is minor, is that undue attention is placed on the time period covered in Star Trek: Enterprise and key events from the Original Series and films are squashed into the end of the book. Given that Kirk is much more famous in universe and out than Captain Archer, and that Enterprise is clearly the weakest of the Star Trek television shows, this seems odd. Given that David Goodman wrote for Enterprise, it makes sense and is hardly surprising, but I would want a more balanced and fair history of Star Trek. I expected more from an admitted fan, as Goodman claims to be. However, given the overall quality of the book, this is a small complaint.

It should be noted, despite my epigraph, that this book includes nothing from the rebooted universe of J.J. Abrams’ films.

I must say, this book looks great on my shelf as a display piece and was very fun to read. It is a must own for all serious Trek fans.

You can follow David A. Goodman on Twitter @DavidAGoodman. Find more Trek stuff on StarTrek.com

Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years was first released as a collectible edition, and this hardcover volume is the exact same book minus the elaborate display stand and loose extras. This edition was released on the 8th of October, and I was provided with a free review copy by the publisher; however, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own and cannot be bought or altered via payment or free books.

 

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