Star Trek - The Human Frontier

The progressive politics that underpinned the original program is still very much a part of Star Trek's overall philosophy. The first two series showed a faith in modern rationalism as the basis of enlightened leadership while the two more recent series show the breakdown of this world view. The boys-camp of The Original Series and the high-minded rationalism of The Next Generation have given way to doubt and insecurity as the foundations of the Star Trek universe are questioned in Deep Space Nine and Voyager. The introduction of religion, mental illness and fragmented identities show a subject matter that is postmodern in ideas and style.
This book addresses these issues in philosophical, literary, historical and cultural contexts, bringing together an unusual combination of authorial expertise. Written to appeal to those who don't know Star Trek from Star Wars, as well as those with the ferociously detailed knowledge of the true Trekker, it explains the ideas and ideals behind this significant cultural phenomenon.