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Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years
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
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
187 pages, Hardcover
First published December 4, 2012
14 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
David A. Goodman
35 books60 followersDavid A. Goodman is an American writer, producer, and president of the Writers Guild of America West. He has been a writer for several television series, such as The Golden Girls, Futurama, where he was also a co-executive producer and wrote the notable Star Trek parody episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before", and Star Trek: Enterprise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 13, 2012
First of all, Star Trek Federation was entirely overpriced for what it was. No one should ever pay retail for what it was. I thought that it would be more interactive. I thought that Sulu would say more and give a more detailed history at certain parts. I thought the maps and other documentation would be bigger or have more info. Sadly, it was none of that.
But what it was was a very good and informative book on the first 150 years of the Federation. I found all that stuff really interesting and easy to read. It was also inter spliced with confessions, letters, maps, etc. of what was going on at the time too. So if you're a Trekkie or enjoy fiction history, you'll love it!
I also think you'll get more out of this book if you have watched Enterprise or The Original Series. There are a lot of things that are brushed upon, given more detail, etc. from those two. It saddens me that a lot of stuff like the Romulan War would have been done if ENT had more seasons. (As a side note, ENT is an excellent show so go watch it. Just ignore the crappy theme music).
I would love for there to be more volumes. I'd be hesitate to buy them because of the price though. Even though Amazon had it for $50, it really should have been $50 retail. If they do more, maybe they'll get rid of the pointless base.
But what it was was a very good and informative book on the first 150 years of the Federation. I found all that stuff really interesting and easy to read. It was also inter spliced with confessions, letters, maps, etc. of what was going on at the time too. So if you're a Trekkie or enjoy fiction history, you'll love it!
I also think you'll get more out of this book if you have watched Enterprise or The Original Series. There are a lot of things that are brushed upon, given more detail, etc. from those two. It saddens me that a lot of stuff like the Romulan War would have been done if ENT had more seasons. (As a side note, ENT is an excellent show so go watch it. Just ignore the crappy theme music).
I would love for there to be more volumes. I'd be hesitate to buy them because of the price though. Even though Amazon had it for $50, it really should have been $50 retail. If they do more, maybe they'll get rid of the pointless base.
December 14, 2013
I knew this book would be special from when I first heard about its publication in 2012. Written from an in-universe perspective at the beginning of the 24th Century, this book chronicles the history of the United Federation of Planets on its sesquicentennial in 2311. For those of you not totally familiar with the history of the future in Star Trek, that places this book between the end of Captain Kirk's era and Star Trek: The Next Generation, which takes place in the mid-24th Century.
It would be very easy to say this book is not for casual fans of Star Trek, but actually I think that casual fans who are looking for a quick background on the universe that Star Trek takes place within would find this a very excellent introduction. The book begins with the famous meeting between Zephram Cochrane and the Vulcans in Montana in 2063, and takes the reader through the events that led up to the founding of the Federation in the late 22nd century (including the Earth-Romulan War), following through the era of Kirk and Spock, and concluding just after Captain Kirk's 'death' aboard the USS Enterprise-B.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book is how it is written from a historical perspective for the reader of 2311, as if the reader were, say, a student in high school reading about the history of the Federation for a class. It includes excerpts from important 'historical' documents from Earth, Vulcan, the Klingon homeworld Qo'noS (Kronos), and Romulus, the Romulan homeworld.
The author takes great care to make his book both detailed enough for obsessive Trek fans like me but also compelling and readable to anybody looking for a good story. I think he's succeeded on both points. It's also accompanied by some beautiful and classic illustrations which really add to the 'textbook' feel of the book. Hardcore fans may be annoyed by the invention of story to fill in the blanks not shown in the series and movies, but I enjoyed them and admired the depth to which the author colored in the details of Federation events.
Definitely recommended!
It would be very easy to say this book is not for casual fans of Star Trek, but actually I think that casual fans who are looking for a quick background on the universe that Star Trek takes place within would find this a very excellent introduction. The book begins with the famous meeting between Zephram Cochrane and the Vulcans in Montana in 2063, and takes the reader through the events that led up to the founding of the Federation in the late 22nd century (including the Earth-Romulan War), following through the era of Kirk and Spock, and concluding just after Captain Kirk's 'death' aboard the USS Enterprise-B.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book is how it is written from a historical perspective for the reader of 2311, as if the reader were, say, a student in high school reading about the history of the Federation for a class. It includes excerpts from important 'historical' documents from Earth, Vulcan, the Klingon homeworld Qo'noS (Kronos), and Romulus, the Romulan homeworld.
The author takes great care to make his book both detailed enough for obsessive Trek fans like me but also compelling and readable to anybody looking for a good story. I think he's succeeded on both points. It's also accompanied by some beautiful and classic illustrations which really add to the 'textbook' feel of the book. Hardcore fans may be annoyed by the invention of story to fill in the blanks not shown in the series and movies, but I enjoyed them and admired the depth to which the author colored in the details of Federation events.
Definitely recommended!
January 1, 2014
Star Trek Federation is a well-written hardcover book that Star Trek fans will enjoy. It covers Federation history from the Eugenics Wars up to Kirk's death in Generations. The overall tone of the book is that of a government or museum curator guiding the reader along with paintings and often the first page or two of an official document. The author clearly put a great deal of effort into making the book, and it really shows. I view this book more as a reference, rather than a novel, so it is a bit difficult to rate this.
Fans should be aware that this book follows what Paramount and CBS considers canon, which are the television series and movies only. Basically, this gives any author going into the franchise free license to do what they want. This was a bit jarring as I just finished re-reading the Star Trek Enterprise relaunch novels. Since the J.J. Abrams Trek came out, it is largely assumed that the original "Prime" universe will never be reborn with a new T.V. series or movie, so, with the case of DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise various authors have decided to relaunch the series in an ongoing serialized book format licensed by Paramount. Star Trek Enterprise's relaunch covers the Romulan War very extensively and is wildly different.
Star Trek Enterprise relaunch (Read these in order for the full Romulan War narrative)
The Good That Men Do
Kobayashi Maru
The Romulan War: Beneath the Raptor's Wing
The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm
And to find out what happens to NX-02 and her captain, along with how the Borg are created and humanity's role in it, I suggest the Star Trek Destiny trilogy, which is some of the best Trek I've ever read.
Gods of Night
Mere Mortals
Lost Souls
Fans should be aware that this book follows what Paramount and CBS considers canon, which are the television series and movies only. Basically, this gives any author going into the franchise free license to do what they want. This was a bit jarring as I just finished re-reading the Star Trek Enterprise relaunch novels. Since the J.J. Abrams Trek came out, it is largely assumed that the original "Prime" universe will never be reborn with a new T.V. series or movie, so, with the case of DS9, Voyager, and Enterprise various authors have decided to relaunch the series in an ongoing serialized book format licensed by Paramount. Star Trek Enterprise's relaunch covers the Romulan War very extensively and is wildly different.
Star Trek Enterprise relaunch (Read these in order for the full Romulan War narrative)
The Good That Men Do
Kobayashi Maru
The Romulan War: Beneath the Raptor's Wing
The Romulan War: To Brave the Storm
And to find out what happens to NX-02 and her captain, along with how the Borg are created and humanity's role in it, I suggest the Star Trek Destiny trilogy, which is some of the best Trek I've ever read.
Gods of Night
Mere Mortals
Lost Souls
December 21, 2018
Well done in-universe history, makes me remember how much I enjoyed the short lived Enterprise in the early 2000s
July 1, 2019
Fantastic
August 31, 2013
I was very excited to see this book released because one of my favorite aspects of the Star Trek fandom is the plethora of history and back story that the series rest on. The United Federation of Planets and Starfleet have such a long and detailed story and I was really happy there was a book coming out which would encompass all of it. This book is about a hundred and eighty pages, and reads like a school textbook, with lots of information and various pictures. It was a little on the pricey side, espescially since I got the special edition version, with the special display stand which has voice activation. But even despite that I am very happy and pleased that I bought it. It is absolutely a perfect purchase for any Star Trek fan.
This book starts out with the beginning of World War III (The Eugenics War) and the result of the actions of Khan Noonien Singh and the others. Following that we learn all about Zefram Cochrane and his First Contact with the Vulcans, the Romulan War, and the establishment of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet. There is detailed information about various races as well, which include but are not limited to; Vulcans, Klingons, and Andorians. Not only do you learn about the events that surrounded this time period but you really get a feel for the people that were movers of the world. You learn not just about what they accomplished but HOW they accomplished it and why. For example I am completely in awe of Zefram Cochrane and how he changed the world and the universe for that matter, and also Jonathan Archer for all the influence he had on the creation of the prime directive and negotiations between the Vulcans and the Andorians.
This is a fabulous book completely filled with history and facts about the Federation. I would really reccommend it to any Trek fan, young or old, since this book has something for everyone! :)
This review is also on my blog:
http://www.ayanami023.wordpress.com
This book starts out with the beginning of World War III (The Eugenics War) and the result of the actions of Khan Noonien Singh and the others. Following that we learn all about Zefram Cochrane and his First Contact with the Vulcans, the Romulan War, and the establishment of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet. There is detailed information about various races as well, which include but are not limited to; Vulcans, Klingons, and Andorians. Not only do you learn about the events that surrounded this time period but you really get a feel for the people that were movers of the world. You learn not just about what they accomplished but HOW they accomplished it and why. For example I am completely in awe of Zefram Cochrane and how he changed the world and the universe for that matter, and also Jonathan Archer for all the influence he had on the creation of the prime directive and negotiations between the Vulcans and the Andorians.
This is a fabulous book completely filled with history and facts about the Federation. I would really reccommend it to any Trek fan, young or old, since this book has something for everyone! :)
This review is also on my blog:
http://www.ayanami023.wordpress.com
December 25, 2012
This is a fascinating and well-written "history" of the early years of the Federation, and it fills in many of the gaps from Enterprise and TOS. It's a great read, especially for hardcore fans, and includes gorgeous artwork and lots of fun extras. As another reviewer said, you'll get more out of this book if you've seen (or are at least familiar with) TOS and Enterprise. However, it might also encourage a casual fan to give those series a chance, which would certainly be a good thing.
The only thing holding me back from a 5 star rating is that the sticker price is way out of line for what's included. There's a lot of cool ephemera included in the back of the book, and the base with a recorded message from George Takei, Patron Saint of the Internet, is a nice touch. However, $100 is a lot to ask for what's included. If you can get a lower priced copy from Amazon or another source, I highly recommend it!
The only thing holding me back from a 5 star rating is that the sticker price is way out of line for what's included. There's a lot of cool ephemera included in the back of the book, and the base with a recorded message from George Takei, Patron Saint of the Internet, is a nice touch. However, $100 is a lot to ask for what's included. If you can get a lower priced copy from Amazon or another source, I highly recommend it!
May 15, 2019
Goodman manages to combine the canonical information we have about the history of the Federation with plausible in-universe fiction that connects the events we hear about in the movies and series. Although this book is named "The First 15 Years", it really isn't only about the time from the founding of the Federation, but starts at 2063 with Cochrane's first warp flight and the First Contact with the Vulcans. It's so many details and different "documents" that be presents that it's as difficult to keep it all in mind as with real-life history.
One star less, only for the style that I sometimes disliked although I find it hard to say why. It reads not enough like an actual history book, maybe, and too much like fan-fiction? Not sure, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to Kyra, for this wonderful present! ^^
One star less, only for the style that I sometimes disliked although I find it hard to say why. It reads not enough like an actual history book, maybe, and too much like fan-fiction? Not sure, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to Kyra, for this wonderful present! ^^
August 26, 2016
Well, if one is a Trekkie, one love this kind of a book. I 'converted' to Trekkism after I married my husband,(What? Why so late? I was running in clubs when star trek was on TV. Living with my parents, as teenager, I couldn't choose the programs- I missed it, simply) so this book about the first 150 yrs of the Federation was very enlightening. I really loved the illustration, and there are many 'documents' related to the stories told. If you're not a Trekkie, forget it.
November 24, 2012
I'll be updating my review of this book after Nov. 27 as it has been embargoed until that date.
However, this is a unique piece that will have pride of place in any Star Trek fan's collection.
However, this is a unique piece that will have pride of place in any Star Trek fan's collection.
December 7, 2012
I had only intended to read another chapter or two, but ended up finishing the whole book. Really interesting read for anyone who's a Trek fan.
February 9, 2022
“Don’t be a great man, just be a man. Let history make its own judgements.”
Zefram Cochrane, 2073
What does the future bring? Keeping in mind that the Star Trek world was conceived in the 1960s, the world starts to take a dark turn in 1992. The first stages of what would become World War 3 starts from this time when mankind develops genetically engineered super soldiers, heralding the Eugenics Wars. Shortly after various skirmishes ensued between new continental fiefdoms led by these knew super soldier overlords. After this ordeal mankind and the planet was left in a perilous state.
On 5th April 2063 mankind made first contact with extra-terrestrial visitors: the Vulcans. The trigger for this was the Vulcans detecting mankind’s first brief space flight at warp speed which was made in the ship the Phoenix. The inventor and pilot of this ship was the maverick scientist and former warlord’s weapons developer Zefram Cochrane.
The book kicks off from this point to describe humanity’s gradual journey into becoming a confident space power, emerging from the stewardship of the Vulcans. This was done via what is essentially an elaborate join the dots exercise between aspects of Star Trek history that are well known. This is largely done convincingly, introducing some key historical character which the lenses of the series and the films were not looking. Most of these characters seem consequential and worthwhile conjuring up. A few potentially even merit their own stories being elaborated on (perhaps in a future series). These stories are interspersed with various reports, pretend historical documents and other snippets which provide an interesting diversion to the main narrative.
In conclusion, this was a uniquely short and entertaining book. There are a lot of gems for Trekkies. The Starbase Project, the Constitution Class project and before that the efforts to exceed warp 5. I am probably not the best to judge whether the story stands by itself without the brand since I am a Trekkie too. But I judge that it has done this reasonably well, with one or two exceptions (it forgot that Kirk’s son was murdered by a Klingon). What I think it did well however, was to provide a rationale for the development of mankind from a shattered group of people’s to a united civilisation confidently acting as the centrifugal force for a galactic democracy.
Zefram Cochrane, 2073
What does the future bring? Keeping in mind that the Star Trek world was conceived in the 1960s, the world starts to take a dark turn in 1992. The first stages of what would become World War 3 starts from this time when mankind develops genetically engineered super soldiers, heralding the Eugenics Wars. Shortly after various skirmishes ensued between new continental fiefdoms led by these knew super soldier overlords. After this ordeal mankind and the planet was left in a perilous state.
On 5th April 2063 mankind made first contact with extra-terrestrial visitors: the Vulcans. The trigger for this was the Vulcans detecting mankind’s first brief space flight at warp speed which was made in the ship the Phoenix. The inventor and pilot of this ship was the maverick scientist and former warlord’s weapons developer Zefram Cochrane.
The book kicks off from this point to describe humanity’s gradual journey into becoming a confident space power, emerging from the stewardship of the Vulcans. This was done via what is essentially an elaborate join the dots exercise between aspects of Star Trek history that are well known. This is largely done convincingly, introducing some key historical character which the lenses of the series and the films were not looking. Most of these characters seem consequential and worthwhile conjuring up. A few potentially even merit their own stories being elaborated on (perhaps in a future series). These stories are interspersed with various reports, pretend historical documents and other snippets which provide an interesting diversion to the main narrative.
In conclusion, this was a uniquely short and entertaining book. There are a lot of gems for Trekkies. The Starbase Project, the Constitution Class project and before that the efforts to exceed warp 5. I am probably not the best to judge whether the story stands by itself without the brand since I am a Trekkie too. But I judge that it has done this reasonably well, with one or two exceptions (it forgot that Kirk’s son was murdered by a Klingon). What I think it did well however, was to provide a rationale for the development of mankind from a shattered group of people’s to a united civilisation confidently acting as the centrifugal force for a galactic democracy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years is an absolute treasure—an immersive, meticulously crafted chronicle that feels like holding a piece of Starfleet history in your hands. For longtime fans and lore lovers alike, this book is the closest thing to a definitive historical text of the Trek universe, and it delivers on every front.
Structured as an in-universe historical account, it brings the early centuries of the Federation to life with remarkable depth and clarity. From first contact to the founding worlds to the defining conflicts that shaped the galaxy, every chapter feels grounded, rich, and thoughtfully researched. The worldbuilding is expansive without ever becoming overwhelming, making it accessible for casual fans and deeply satisfying for hardcore Trekkies.
The visuals elevate the experience even further. Maps, documents, schematics, and beautifully rendered illustrations make the history feel tactile and real—as if these artifacts were truly recovered from a Federation archive. It captures the scope and optimism of the Trek universe perfectly.
What truly shines is the book’s tone: respectful, hopeful, and rooted in the spirit of exploration, cooperation, and curiosity. It reminds you why Star Trek has endured for generations and why its vision of the future still matters.
Whether you’re a collector, a lore enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the idea of a future built on unity, Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years is a stellar, five-star read. Live long and read prosperously.
Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years is an absolute treasure—an immersive, meticulously crafted chronicle that feels like holding a piece of Starfleet history in your hands. For longtime fans and lore lovers alike, this book is the closest thing to a definitive historical text of the Trek universe, and it delivers on every front.
Structured as an in-universe historical account, it brings the early centuries of the Federation to life with remarkable depth and clarity. From first contact to the founding worlds to the defining conflicts that shaped the galaxy, every chapter feels grounded, rich, and thoughtfully researched. The worldbuilding is expansive without ever becoming overwhelming, making it accessible for casual fans and deeply satisfying for hardcore Trekkies.
The visuals elevate the experience even further. Maps, documents, schematics, and beautifully rendered illustrations make the history feel tactile and real—as if these artifacts were truly recovered from a Federation archive. It captures the scope and optimism of the Trek universe perfectly.
What truly shines is the book’s tone: respectful, hopeful, and rooted in the spirit of exploration, cooperation, and curiosity. It reminds you why Star Trek has endured for generations and why its vision of the future still matters.
Whether you’re a collector, a lore enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the idea of a future built on unity, Star Trek Federation: The First 150 Years is a stellar, five-star read. Live long and read prosperously.
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May 16, 2023Feel like I can't rate this one just because it wasn't really what I was looking for. Here's my personal experience with it:
I was a big Star Trek fan growing up, but only through DS9 (though I've also seen and love Upper Decks). I was kind of hoping that this book would be a creative filling-in of history between what's already established canon from the various series and the movies. Sort of like what the TNG Technical Manual did for the science/engineering of the show, but for the history of the Federation. Seems to me like this book was really a retelling of the existing canon stories in "history book" format.
I'm admittedly not 100% sure of this -- I've never seen Enterprise -- but it at least seemed like that's what it was doing. Anyway, my personal experience with this book is that it was a fun effort, but I was kind of hoping that it would paint a broader perspective of the Federation, especially beyond the perspective of the Enterprises and of Earth.
I was a big Star Trek fan growing up, but only through DS9 (though I've also seen and love Upper Decks). I was kind of hoping that this book would be a creative filling-in of history between what's already established canon from the various series and the movies. Sort of like what the TNG Technical Manual did for the science/engineering of the show, but for the history of the Federation. Seems to me like this book was really a retelling of the existing canon stories in "history book" format.
I'm admittedly not 100% sure of this -- I've never seen Enterprise -- but it at least seemed like that's what it was doing. Anyway, my personal experience with this book is that it was a fun effort, but I was kind of hoping that it would paint a broader perspective of the Federation, especially beyond the perspective of the Enterprises and of Earth.
October 22, 2019
An interesting telling of the history of the Star Trek Universe from first contact between humans and vulcans to the Khitomer accords bringing peace between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
Good background on the important events of Enterprise, the original Star Trek series (TOS), the TOS movies, and First Contact. If you haven't watched all of those, or need a refresher, this is a good source for that information. For example, if you're getting ready to participate in a Star Trek RPG.
The book does not take into account the events unfolding in Star Trek Discovery as it predates that show. It also changes previous canon a bit. For example, it was long established canon that Kirk was born in Iowa, but this book has him being born on the USS Kelvin as he is in the alternate timeline movies.
Good background on the important events of Enterprise, the original Star Trek series (TOS), the TOS movies, and First Contact. If you haven't watched all of those, or need a refresher, this is a good source for that information. For example, if you're getting ready to participate in a Star Trek RPG.
The book does not take into account the events unfolding in Star Trek Discovery as it predates that show. It also changes previous canon a bit. For example, it was long established canon that Kirk was born in Iowa, but this book has him being born on the USS Kelvin as he is in the alternate timeline movies.
August 4, 2017
This is kind of awesome, even when it steamrolls across previous non-canonical tales. Specifically, the incompatible fate of the S.S. Columbia bugged me since I'm a great fan of 'Star Trek: Destiny'. Putting aside those elements here and there (which COULD be due to questionable historians, or possibly I'm looking at stories set in parallel dimensions, after all!) I still enjoy the grand view of myriad story threads with some theoretical "spackle" over some plot holes. I got nerdy delight in the author giving motives and names to Praetors and Presidents alike. Plus, I got a little misty reading Spock's eulogy for Kirk! Well done.
January 6, 2018
As Spock would say, "Fascinating!" While this is a very good piece of entertainment, it reads like a future textbook for an 'Intro to the Federation' course at the Academy. Using fictional sources, the author weaves a historical look back in time, while we're actually looking ahead. Somewhat. Many of the background events that shaped the television and film sagas are explored to bring a grander context. The Romulan War has an entire chapter dedicated to it, and that made me sad all over again that Enterprise didn't continue for a few more years to realize the vision.
Essential reading for any fan.
Essential reading for any fan.
January 13, 2019
Mit Begeisterung gekauft, mit viel Vorfreude gelesen und dann doch etwas enttäuscht. Schön ist, daß nicht nur die ersten 150 Jahre der Föderation, sondern auch deren "Vorgeschichte" erzählt wird. Leider ist nicht immer klar, was nun offizieller Star Trek Kanon ist und was nicht. Sehr schade. (Daß mit Discovery die entsprechende Zeitperiode erweitert wird, ist ja nicht Schuld des Autoren.) Gräßlich fand ich die Illustrationen, die sich auf "Fanart"-Niveau bewegen.
Im ganzen trotzdem drei wohlwollende Sterne von mir.
Im ganzen trotzdem drei wohlwollende Sterne von mir.
November 29, 2020
Imagine a History Text Book in the Star Trek Universe looking back on the 22nd and 23rd Centuries.
Now imagine that the book is sold with paper artifacts imbeded within the text.
A fun look back at Earth and Federation history from 2261 to 2311 the first 150 years covers the Enterprise Era and the Original Series eras.
I really enjoy thumbing through the images on this quick, but fun read. Great cover, a fun escape into a future told as history in my favorite Universe the one with the pointy ears.
Beam ME UP! Im in.
Now imagine that the book is sold with paper artifacts imbeded within the text.
A fun look back at Earth and Federation history from 2261 to 2311 the first 150 years covers the Enterprise Era and the Original Series eras.
I really enjoy thumbing through the images on this quick, but fun read. Great cover, a fun escape into a future told as history in my favorite Universe the one with the pointy ears.
Beam ME UP! Im in.
August 20, 2021
Today is Gene Roddenberry's 100th birthday. To honor the Great Bird of the Galaxy, I'm finished a book that took his concept of Man's Exploration of the Galaxy, and made a history about it. Going back to Khan and the Eugenics War & WWIII, thru First Contact, the days of NX-01 and the Xindi & Romulan Wars, and the formation of the Federation. And it then looks at the adventures of Kirk, Spock, Genesis and Khitomer Peace Conference.
A must for any hard core Trek Fan.
A must for any hard core Trek Fan.
September 1, 2021
Great for trek nerds like myself. I liked the conceit of it being a text book / research paper dealing with the history of the federation. If you live classic trek (and before) you will live this. Of only like Next gen era shows you may not get as much out of it. If you don't like Trek why are you even looking at this book?
July 14, 2025
This was a fairly good book about Star Fleet. Lots of information on Captain Archer. Not much on Captain Kirk and his crew and what it does have states James T Kirk was born on The USS Kelvin, not Iowa. I am not a fan of the Kelvin timeline, I am a TOS fan and I can not get used to the Kelvin timeline.
July 9, 2017
I couldn't put it down. It puts the events of Enterprise, TOS, TAS, and the first 6 movies into the greater perspective. This book shows us the greater tapestry woven through the plots and small details of the shows and movies. It also helps one understand the continuity between the various series.
May 22, 2018
Very good Star Trek Book. Written like a History book with sketches and documents to fill in the accounts documented in the book. Very entertaining to someone familiar with the TV Shows and Movies.
September 21, 2018
Curious to see if this will ever be updated with tidbits from Discovery
April 2, 2016
Star Trek Federation The first 150 years, is a must read for anyone interested in the mythology of the Star Trek universe. The book covers the future history of Earth and the origins of the FederationI from the end of WWII and Zefram Cochrame’s invention of the Earth’s 1st Warp capable spacecraft and that flight’s role in making 1st formal contact with the Vulcans to to the death of Captain Kirk. In term of the television shows and movies it covers the times from just before Enterprise, Star Trek, The Original Series, Star Trek the Animated Series, the movies Star Trek Generations, Star Trek The Motion Picture, The Wrath of Kahn, The Search for Spock, The Voyage Home,The Final frontier,and The Undiscovered country. I loved this book. It was a fun read, and a must buy for any fan of the Star Trek Universe. i completed it in one day, and I wished there was more.
This book reads like a serious history book. There is a definite bias in the book in that it favors the political interactions of the alien races over the technological achievements of the Federation. You will not find detailed plans of starships You will find insight into the actual first contacts between humans and Vulcans before Cochrane’s 1st contact.. There is an interesting piece on those contacts influenced how the Vulcan High Commanded viewed humans and dealt with them. Those early contacts were the rational for Vulcans role in delaying Earths development of a Warp 5 space ship and delaying her meeting other Warp capable civilizations . You will gain insights into the causes of and resolution the Earth Romulan War and how consequences of that war change Human Vulcan relations. The political fall out from the war formal transformed the lose and weak confederation of planets into the present day United Federation of Planets. The author takes the time to show how men and women, ambassadors , warriors and spies played key roles in shaping the Federation. Captain Kirk and Mr Spock are given due credit for their roles in Federation history. Mr Spock’s role in the Khitomer Accords that brought the klingon Empire into the Federation is also highlighted.
I found this book fascinating. It is illustrated but those are secondary to the oral histories and insights found in the pages of this volume. The book has a fake bibliography. I wish the author had done more to connect those references to the episodes, books and movies they came from. That and a lack of an index are the books only major faults . This book is a must buy for a serious fan, and a get it from your library for the casual reader.
September 12, 2016
If you are a Star Trek fan, this book is just fantastic. It pulls together the messy, often contradictory canon into a nice, clear review of the early years of Federation. It reads a bit like an introductory history book, full of illustrations and "primary" sources. A must for those who like to geek out over the series!
April 28, 2016
Service was fine. The book was decent. All things considered, I'd probably rate it a 3 out of 5. The book lost the other star by having a stylized map of Andoria that was originally published in the 'Andorians: Among the Clans' supplement for the Last Unicorn Games Star Trek Roleplaying Game without a citation or credit that I could find. Normally I'd call that plagiarism. Just sayin'.
Also, the stylized paintings as illustrations was a bit annoying. On the other hand, the little 'artifact' bits, like copies of speeches and whatnot, were pretty rad.
Otherwise it's pretty interesting, and the author does a good job of meshing together a whole lot of disjointed continuity into a history that works for the Trek Universe (except the Romulan War part was a little hamfisted). That lack of citation really gets on my nerves, though. Mr. Goodman really needs to learn to cite things that aren't his. At the end of the day, I'm sure glad I didn't pay full price for it.
Also, the stylized paintings as illustrations was a bit annoying. On the other hand, the little 'artifact' bits, like copies of speeches and whatnot, were pretty rad.
Otherwise it's pretty interesting, and the author does a good job of meshing together a whole lot of disjointed continuity into a history that works for the Trek Universe (except the Romulan War part was a little hamfisted). That lack of citation really gets on my nerves, though. Mr. Goodman really needs to learn to cite things that aren't his. At the end of the day, I'm sure glad I didn't pay full price for it.
December 31, 2012
This was a really great book for anyone interested in Star Trek. The book, like others have commented, was overpriced, but if it was based on the quality of information, then it gives an idea of how great this book was. Goodman was effective in providing a narrative that did not read as fiction. The reader knows it's fiction, but it reads as if it were real and had actually happened. You have to pinch yourself to reenter the real world. It allowed me to go back and watch a few episodes of Enterprise, even though I never much enjoyed that series. My favorite part of the book was the chapter on the Earth-Romulan War. The events and narrative seemed so real it was like reading a chapter on World War II. This is a must read book for any fan of Star Trek, just look for a cheaper price than $100. I hope a part two comes along describing the events of the 24th century.
July 28, 2014
A fun overview of Star Trek history, filled with canon material drawn from Star Trek (the original series) and Enterprise as well as tidbits from other series and, presumably, educated conjecture that may or may not have been drawn from some of the Pocket Books novels (read: unofficial, although as written by David A. Goodman in this textbook style, convincing). To be clear, this is not based on the newer J.J. Abrams films, although there's at least one reference to them (it might need reminding that most of that material takes place in an alternate universe whose most of the material branches off quickly from standard lore). This is perhaps best enjoyed by those fans who only know the franchise from the new films, or fans who were curious about what Enterprise was doing for four seasons but who heard too much negative feedback to care at the time.
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