Future Perfect: How Star Trek Conquered Planet Earth

In eBook form at last is Jeff Greenwald's Future Perfect: an insightful and often hilarious look at the mythmaking machinery behind the planet’s most enduring TV show.

This is a Trek book like no other. Bestselling travel writer Jeff Greenwald set out to discover how Star Trek — launched in 1966 as a “Wagon Train to the Stars” — became a global myth that still captures the imagination of millions. His travels take him from an Indian bazaar to a Japanese spa; from a Klingon wedding in Germany to a Venetian Trekker feast. Along the way he corners Leonard Nimoy, intrudes upon Kurt Vonnegut, and visits NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where the next generation of aerospace wizards are making their Trek-inspired dreams come true. He even has an audience with the Dalai Lama—who shares his surprising views on space travel, robotics and Mr. Spock.

Future Perfect also journeys into the minds of Star Trek’s creators. Granted sweeping access to the soundstages of Voyager and the film Star Trek: First Contact, Greenwald conducts lively interviews with stars like Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, and Michael Dorn — and with the writers and producers who keep Gene Roddenberry’s vision alive.

Featuring a new Introduction by the author, new articles and updates, and a Preface by best-selling author Mary Roach.