To Seek Out New Life: The Biology of Star Trek (Book Review)
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- CBJ
- SandraLinville
- CBJ
- quasar
- CBJ
- quasar
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» CBJ - RE: Issues
In response to message posted by traderz:Thanks for your post, Steve. Yes, the Prime Directive may be a worthwhile goal and was no doubt created with the best of intentions.
Unfortunately it has been terribly abused by the writers as a plot tool and therefore has been so inconsistently applied that it has lost credibility. Janeway's application of it is particularly annoying.
There was a great original series novel way back called "Prime Directive" in which Kirk destroys a planet's biosphere by going to warp while still in the atmosphere -- a big Starfleet no-no that has also been inconsistently applied (they go to warp in Earth's atmosphere in the stolen Bird-of-Prey in Star Trek IV).
The crew gets split up and flung across the galaxy in odd jobs. It's one of the few great Trek books in my opinion, and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy TOS. The authors are, no surprise, Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.
-- posted by CBJ
» SandraLinville - I've put this book on my reading list
This book sounds fascinating. It may have answers to some of the questions I have had while watching the various Star Trek series. I plan to read it as soon as possible. Thanks for reviewing the book.-- posted by SandraLinville
» CBJ - Re: I've put this book on my reading list
In response to message posted by SandraLinville:Glad the review got you interested in it, Sandra. It's really a fascinating book and Dr. Andreadis's humorous touch makes learning about biology great fun!
After you read it, drop back by and tell us what you think.
-- posted by CBJ
» quasar - Sad to say...
I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as you did. I bought it after reading the wonderful Physics of Star Trek by Lawrence Krass and I couldn't help but compare it unfavorably to that book.Janice
PS I'm sure that the fact that I'm a physicist and not a biologist had absolutely nothing to do with my preference ;-)
-- posted by quasar
» CBJ - Re: Sad to say...
In response to message posted by quasar:Sorry to hear that, Janice, but everyone has their own taste. It's interesting that Dr. Andreadis had almost completed a degree in astrophysics when she decided to become a biologist.
I also enjoyed Krauss's books very much. I think that his books are more generally appealing than this one because technology tends to be more romantic and exciting.
I myself am much more of a physics person than a biology one -- the mention of things like blood often makes me weak -- but still I found myself caught up in Dr. Andreadis's book. One of the things I liked most about it is the sense of humor and playfulness with which it is written. I think it is equally accessible (in comparison to the Physics of Star Trek) and Dr. Andreadis's language is successful in reaching fans.
I haven't reviewed Krauss's first book on this site yet, but I do have a review of his second, Beyond Star Trek.
Thanks for dropping by Janice and sharing with us. I look forward to your next visit!
-- posted by CBJ
» quasar - Re: Re: Sad to say...
In response to message posted by CBJ:Oh, I must go read your review....I bought a copy of Beyond Star Trek but I haven't read it yet (it's rare these days for me to read a paper book and I just keep forgetting I want to read it).
Thanks again for your wonderful reviews. Even when I disagree with you they are a true pleasure to read.
Janice
-- posted by quasar
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