I saw a book advertised on Amazon, called Star Trek Vault (I think). However, since actual bookstores are now mostly a thing of the past, I don't want to order it unless I'm pretty darn sure I will like it. Is anyone familiar with this, and if so, what can you actually tell me about it? Spoilers are okay. Thanks.
First - Don't !
I was quite
underwhelmed by it.
Second - However, if you do decide to purchase it. Check it out first. Don't know where you live, but their are many book store / out lets, where I live. We have both small & large, but if there are only chains (B & N or a remaining Boarders). Then seek it out, I purchased mine at a Sam's Club-at a
substantial discount, I might add. I did not return it-but think I should have.
Third - if you can not absolutely find a brick & mortar store than purchase on line.
Amazon would be good choice. Why? A : you can look at their items for the most part virtually or possibly purchase a E - Copy, if that is your thing. B : If you really do not care for something then the return process it quite hassle free.
Moving to the issue at hand. The HC version retails for $40.00 ( I purchased for less than half ). It was released in 2011, has 128 pages and covers all the incarnations of Trek , minus the Star Trek 11 film. The book contains a Intro by the author, Eight chapters, Afterword, Acknowledgment, Author page and Image credit page.
TOS : This section has a decent
light overview, with a mini coloring book insert. This is followed by
two, yes
two pages about the conventions of the 1970's with some glossy re-productions of the trading cards in black-n-white; as originally released. Then comes Trek Tech, merchandising, influence of Nichelle Nicols had on NASA recruitment.
TAS : Four glossy pages--then the trip is over.
TMP : The first film, an overview, McDonald's Happy Meal's / merchandise and some sticker TMP insert re-productions.
TWK : Pictorial overview, including a small Spock Lives banner, followed by Khan's effect on pop culture.
TSS / TVH : Very brief overview with pull out of Voyage Home Japanese poster (small-but this one I
did like).
Small overview on Klingon pop culture - "Culture Shock".
TFF / TUC : Overview - total of three pages.
TNG : Multi-page layout, that isn't that bad. Followed by Trek tech with Michael Okuda. Includes technical insert sketch of a Borg armature, and a lot of coverage of merchandise.
Generations : Standard overview with a storyboard insert.
FC : Standard overview with the Captain's Chair draft blue print insert stored in a pocket page with the FC teaser poster as a jacket. This I
do like a lot !
INS : Standard overview, with a page of changes / notes of one script page.
NEM : One Page = Three pictures and one small corner of text.
DS9 : More extensive overview, some original sketches / concepts. Includes Season Five Wrap Party invite.
Extras: One page on Star Trek Experience, followed by Two pages on the comics with a small insert re-production from one of the IDW comics; which is three panels.
Voyager : Most extensive overview yet, actually quite comprehensive, by
this book's standards.
Ent : Healthy overview and merchandise coverage with a decal / sticker insert, that is similar to the Star Trek sticker book of a few years ago.
My conclusion : Not worth the cover price. Yes some of the insert are nice, but no revelations from the research and really not anything impressive from the image's included. Certainly not worth the title of "The Vault".
'Nuff Said.
