ARC Review: Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years by David A. Goodman

Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years 
Author: David A. Goodman
Publication: 47North (December 4, 2012)

Description: Assembled as a Special Exhibit on Memory Alpha, Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the United Federation of Planets.

This unprecedented illustrated volume chronicles the pivotal era leading up to Humankind's First Contact with Vulcan in 2063, the Romulan War in 2156, the creation of the Federation in 2161, and the first 150 years of the intergalactic democracy up until the year 2311. Meticulously researched, this account covers a multitude of alien species, decisive battles, and the technology that made the Age of Exploration possible. It includes field sketches, illustrations, and reproductions of historic pieces of art from across the Galaxy, along with over fifty excerpts from key Federation documents and correspondence, Starfleet records, and intergalactic intelligence.

Housed in a pedestal display complete with lights and an audio introduction by Admiral Hikaru Sulu, this deluxe edition also features five removable documents from the Federation Archives, including Zefram Cochrane's early sketch of the warp-drive engine, a handwritten letter from young Jim Kirk, and the first-known diagram of a Trill symbiont.

Product Features:
     • Pedestal display featuring electronic lights and sound (13.5” x 13.5” x 4”)
     • Audio introduction by Admiral Hikaru Sulu
     • 176-page hardcover book with four-color illustration throughout
     • Envelope containing 5 removable artifacts
     • Over fifty excerpts from key Federation documents and correspondence, Starfleet records, and intergalactic intelligence

My Thoughts: I grew up a Star Trek fan. James T. Kirk was my first captain and I eagerly anticipated each new episode of the television series. Spock was one of my first crushes! Like many fans, I was upset when the series went off the air. But then I discovered the world of fandom and became a Trekkie. I was pleased when the movies were produced and new Star Trek series were aired. Reading this "history" of the federation brought back many of the old memories that I thought I had long forgotten.

This book is told as a history complete with facsimiles of documents and footnotes. I even enjoyed reading through the bibliography the ended the book. The book is filled with names I remember from my viewing - Zefram Cochrane, Khan Noonien Singh, Robert April, etc. Many of the episodes I remembered from long-ago television watching were also referred to in the book.

The book is illustrated with documents in a variety of the Federation languages and their translations. It is also illustrated with a number of paintings of space battles, diplomatic meetings, and historical characters.

Fans of Star Trek who are looking for a unique coffee table display will really enjoy this book and its accompanying materials. 

Favorite Quote:

“I’m starting to realize that ‘we come in peace’ only means something if they’re clear on the fact that we can also kick their ass.”
                                                                  —Matthew Decker, Starfleet Commodore,
                                                                      excerpt from his log, Stardate 4197.3

I received a PDF of the text portions of this item from Wunderkind PR in exchange for a review. You can buy your item here.