📖 Overview
Marc Cushman is a television writer, director and author best known for his comprehensive book series "These Are the Voyages: TOS" chronicling the production history of the original Star Trek series. His research involved thousands of production documents, memos, and first-hand accounts from the 1960s show.
Prior to his work as an author, Cushman wrote for television series including "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction," and "Diagnosis: Murder." He has also directed several independent films including "Desperately Seeking Paul McCartney" (2008).
In addition to his Star Trek scholarship, Cushman authored "I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series" examining the pioneering 1960s show starring Bill Cosby and Robert Culp. His research methods focus heavily on accessing original production documents and conducting extensive interviews with cast and crew members.
The first volume of "These Are the Voyages" was published in 2013 through Jacobs Brown Press, with subsequent volumes released in 2014 and 2015. Cushman's work is noted for its thorough documentation of daily production activities, network correspondence, and previously unpublished behind-the-scenes details.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Cushman's exhaustive research and documentation in "These Are the Voyages," citing the extensive use of original production documents and memos. Reviews highlight the day-by-day production details and previously unpublished information about Star Trek's creation.
What readers liked:
- Detailed coverage of production challenges and network battles
- Inclusion of original memos, budgets, and ratings data
- Behind-the-scenes stories from cast/crew interviews
What readers disliked:
- Some find the writing style dry and overly detailed
- Questions about accuracy of certain claims and sources
- Price point ($59.95 per volume) considered high
- Repetitive formatting and organization
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)
Notable reader comment: "The amount of primary source material is staggering, but it reads more like a data dump than a narrative" - Amazon reviewer
Some Trek fans dispute certain conclusions and source interpretations, though most acknowledge the books' research value.
📚 Books by Marc Cushman
These Are the Voyages: TOS - Season One
A detailed chronicle of Star Trek's first season production, covering daily operations, network decisions, and behind-the-scenes events using original documents and interviews.
These Are the Voyages: TOS - Season Two Documents the complete production history of Star Trek's second season using studio records, crew interviews, and Nielsen ratings data.
These Are the Voyages: TOS - Season Three Examines Star Trek's final season through production documents, network correspondence, and first-hand accounts from cast and crew members.
I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series Chronicles the production and cultural impact of the I Spy television series through original documentation and interviews with key personnel.
These Are the Voyages: TOS - Season Two Documents the complete production history of Star Trek's second season using studio records, crew interviews, and Nielsen ratings data.
These Are the Voyages: TOS - Season Three Examines Star Trek's final season through production documents, network correspondence, and first-hand accounts from cast and crew members.
I Spy: A History and Episode Guide to the Groundbreaking Television Series Chronicles the production and cultural impact of the I Spy television series through original documentation and interviews with key personnel.
👥 Similar authors
Larry Nemecek
Has authored multiple Star Trek reference works including "Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion" based on extensive production research and crew interviews. Like Cushman, he had direct access to Paramount archives and production documents to create detailed episode guides and behind-the-scenes accounts.
Mark A. Altman Co-wrote "The Fifty-Year Mission," an oral history of Star Trek incorporating hundreds of interviews with cast, crew and executives. His research methodology parallels Cushman's focus on primary sources and first-hand accounts from production participants.
Edward Gross Has written numerous television production histories including books on Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, and Battlestar Galactica. His work relies heavily on archived materials and original interviews similar to Cushman's research approach.
Robert J. Sawyer Writes both television scripts and detailed analyses of science fiction television production, including work on Flash Forward and Star Trek Continues. His dual background as a TV writer and historian mirrors Cushman's career path.
David Gerrold Wrote for the original Star Trek series and has authored multiple books about the show's production history based on his first-hand experience. His inside perspective on television writing and production matches Cushman's professional background in both fields.
Mark A. Altman Co-wrote "The Fifty-Year Mission," an oral history of Star Trek incorporating hundreds of interviews with cast, crew and executives. His research methodology parallels Cushman's focus on primary sources and first-hand accounts from production participants.
Edward Gross Has written numerous television production histories including books on Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, and Battlestar Galactica. His work relies heavily on archived materials and original interviews similar to Cushman's research approach.
Robert J. Sawyer Writes both television scripts and detailed analyses of science fiction television production, including work on Flash Forward and Star Trek Continues. His dual background as a TV writer and historian mirrors Cushman's career path.
David Gerrold Wrote for the original Star Trek series and has authored multiple books about the show's production history based on his first-hand experience. His inside perspective on television writing and production matches Cushman's professional background in both fields.