Tony's Review of "The Star Trek Encyclopedia"

For Star Trek fans, The Star Trek Encyclopedia by Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda has long been considered the definitive reference guide to the universe of the final frontier. Originally published in 1994 and expanded in later editions, this encyclopedia serves as a comprehensive archive of characters, species, technology, planets, and events spanning across the Star Trek franchise—at least up to a certain point. Written by Michael Okuda, a longtime Star Trek technical consultant, this volume reflects both an insider’s knowledge and a deep appreciation for the lore.

At its core, the encyclopedia is an exhaustive, meticulously detailed guide. Each entry is structured with clear, concise descriptions, often accompanied by production notes or background information that add layers of depth beyond what is seen on-screen. It’s particularly strong in its breakdown of Star Trek: The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, as these were the dominant series at the time of publication. The book also delves into the various Star Trek films up through Star Trek: First Contact in its latest print editions.

One of the strengths of The Star Trek Encyclopedia is its organization. The A-Z format makes it easy to look up anything from the Borg to the finer details of starship classes, and the visual aids—ranging from photos to Okuda’s technical schematics—enhance the experience. The book is also invaluable for casual fans and hardcore Trekkers alike, providing clarity on the complex and often contradictory elements of Star Trek continuity.

However, the biggest issue with the encyclopedia today is that it is outdated. The last major update was in 2016, and even that edition was only able to cover up to Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: Into Darkness. This means that vast amounts of Star Trek lore, including Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Star Trek: Prodigy, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, are entirely absent. The Kelvin Timeline films are also underrepresented, as the book was published before Star Trek Beyond. For a franchise that continues to expand and redefine itself, this creates a significant gap in coverage.

Additionally, while the encyclopedia does a fantastic job cataloging the lore, it doesn’t always engage with Star Trek’s deeper themes or analyze inconsistencies in canon. Given Star Trek’s evolving narrative, a modern edition could benefit from addressing how the franchise has adapted over time, particularly with retcons, revised timelines, and alternate universes.

Despite being an incomplete reference in today’s landscape, The Star Trek Encyclopedia remains a must-have for long-time Star Trek fans, particularly those interested in the TOS-to-Voyager era. It’s a beautifully crafted book filled with an immense wealth of knowledge, making it an excellent resource for anyone who wants to dive deep into the history and mechanics of the Star Trek universe.

That said, the need for a fully updated edition is glaring. With Star Trek’s resurgence on television and its ever-expanding mythology, the encyclopedia is no longer the ultimate authority it once was. While it remains a valuable time capsule of Star Trek lore up through the early 2000s, newer fans may find its omissions frustrating. Until we get an updated version, this encyclopedia is best appreciated as a foundation—an artifact from an earlier era of Star Trek, still useful, but no longer definitive.