The Encyclopedia Shatnerica: An A to Z Guide to the Man and His Universe: Millennium Edition [Paperback]

Described as a "Rubik's Cube of a man", William Shatner is an undeniable genius. When he dies his obituary will read as if written by a poet laureate on acid: archery enthusiast, breeder of Dobermans and quarter horses, paintball aficionado, pilot, existentialist and futurist, millionaire, noted vegetarian, international superstar adored by droves of fans, a man who boldly explored new galaxies while on the job and believes he encountered an alien in real life. He has lived the life of which others dream.

With a rollercoaster career from anonymity to Star Trek, from his lost years to Boston Legal and Priceline stardom, Shatner has been all over the map. His legendary performance in the "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" episode of the Twilight Zone is unforgettable, but his atrocious rendition of Rocket Man - 1978 Science Fiction film awards - is unforgettable in the same way as the Hindenburg disaster.

Broken down in an A-to-Z format, each page follows his career alphabetically, from his Acting method to his wretched costar Adrian Zmed, everything that has affected Shatner's life is impeccably chronicled for any Shaternerologist. An added bonus is the four star categorization method, from essential viewings for Shatnerphiles to those only a masochist should watch.

Within the first few pages readers are seduced by enough awkward charisma that it's easy to overlook the photos of a young Shatner riding a horse with a starry sky background, and another of him bow hunting while bare-chested on a dirt bike. Each looks as ridiculous as it sounds until realizing it's simply par for the course for a man who has auctioned off a kidney stone and acted as everything from a Roman god to a colonial Satanist, not to mention the captain of a spaceship.

The greatest aspect of the book is that it uncovers Shatner's staccato speech patterns, his nonsensical method of delivering lines in a manner no other would imagine or attempt. It turns out his quirky delivery results from an ill-prepared Shakespeare performance, one that he stammered through yet received positive reviews. In his classic style, Shatner jokes that he thinks of himself as an "acting machine", and actually developed the style because of, "shallow breathing, allergies, and owning a dog that won't listen."

Surprising to many Trekkies will be the fact that nearly all his male costars regard him as a scene stealing, pompous blowhard. And while he has bedded tons of gorgeous women, many female costars, like Kristie Alley, seem to really dislike his heavy-handed come-ons. It should come as no surprise that he has suffered through multiple marriages and more than one palimony lawsuit.

The Encyclopedia Shatnerica is bafflingly awesome. Even for those who are not fans of Star Trek or sci-fi, it's hard to deny the talent William Shatner possesses, entrancing millions of Trekkies in his early career and millions of thrifty travelers in his golden years. After reading this, fans will become even more devoted, and detractors will succumb to The Shat's suave charms.

It's called Encyclopedia...it should be called 'The Shatner Bash Fest'! There's many incorrect and inaccurate information to the stories and movies. I didn't know what I was getting into reading this and by page 23 I was ready to put it down for good. All his info, stories, rumors, or 'from a source' was never researched or interviewed anyone for the truth just details from rag magazines or from "Captain Quirk." I'm not sure how he got away with publishing such garage. If you like to read tabloid magazines this book is for you NOT for Shatner fans who can see what total crap this is. The author loves to bash Bill every chance he can and it gets kind of repetitive. I loved the cover and some of the B/W pics but the author was too cheap to publish any color pics in the book. This author has a lot to learn about Bill and his work, next time interview Bill not just what you've heard! I hated this book and I don't recommend it for any Shat followers.

For those who would speak ill of one
Who's loved the world as Bill has done
His works are scattered there and fro
Where boldly Bill but dares to go.
For mortals hours are 24
But in Bill's world are many more
He slaves his tasks all night and day
While those mere flesh and bone would play.
Of Bill's odd speech much fun is made
But `tis not beads what Bill is paid
To him such trifles small might seem
Yet more than you or I could dream.
Bright flame ambition in him burns
And to his cabin Bill returns
For years from now Bill still shall stand,
The finest captain in this land.