Up Till Now

The Autobiography

By: William Shatner, David Fisher

Narrated by: William Shatner

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

After almost 60 years as an actor, William Shatner has become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. It seems that Shatner is everywhere. Winning an Emmy for his role on Boston Legal. Doing commercials for Priceline.com. In movie theaters. Singing with Ben Folds. He sits next to Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel, and he's practically a regular on Howard Stern's show. And he was recently elected to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. In Up Till Now, Shatner offers listeners the remarkable, full story of his life and explains how he got to be, well, everywhere.

It was the original Star Trek series, and later its films, that made Shatner instantly recognizable and called by name (or at least by Captain Kirk's name) across the globe. But Shatner neither began nor has ended his career with that role. From the very start, he took his skills as an actor and put them to use wherever he could. He straddled the classic world of the theater and the new world of television, whether stepping in for Christopher Plummer in Shakespeare's Henry V or staring at "something on the wing" in a classic Twilight Zone episode. And since then, he's gone on to star in numerous successful shows, such as T. J. Hooker, Rescue 911, and most recently Boston Legal.

William Shatner has always been willing to take risks for his art. Who else would share the screen with thousands of tarantulas, release an album called Has Been, or film a racially incendiary film in the Deep South during the height of the civil-rights era? And who else would willingly paramotor into a field of waiting fans armed with paintball guns, all waiting for a chance to stun Captain...er, Shatner?

In this touching and very funny autobiography, William Shatner reveals the man behind these unforgettable moments, and explains how he's become the worldwide star and experienced actor he is today.

©2008 William Shatner (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"It is now Bill Shatner's universe - we just live in it." ( New York Daily News)

Shatner at his best!

What a fun read! As a Star Trek fan and a huge fan of Boston Legal, I already liked William Shatner's dry sense of humor. He reads his book as he should, like he is telling a story, his story. It is fun to listen to and quite interesting. Perfect for a cross country plane trip!

Insightful, Funny, Profound, Absolute Treat

William Shatner proves that he is an insightful, intelligent, witty and warm human being. Loved Star Trek the series and most of the movies. Had no idea that he was an accomplished theater actor and gifted writer and story teller.

This book is interesting and funny from start to end. To have Mr. Shatner read his own writings is an absolute treat. A treasure of a book. Loved It.

I am really glad I got this audiobook.

Mr Shatner's narration was great.

This is a good quality autobiography that shares a very real person and his very real life.

I really like the style and sincerity of his presentation. It has the feel of lounging around with a real good close friend and talking for hours, mind you he does all the talking.
The listening feels both comfortable and intimate.

Definately worth getting to know him a little here in this audiobook. You'll really like the person you meet. Even his little shameless promotions will leave a smile.

Bill Shatner does William Shatner

The first chapter pretty well sets the tone for the book and gives some insights to philosophy and inner workings to Shatners life. Steve Martin could have taken a page from Bill on how to write an autobiography, alas he did not. Very happy with the purchase. But then I am a William Shatner fan, so I might be prejudiced.

Not for Star Trek fans only

Great to "read" as an audio book, since Shatner does the reading himself. The first half was particularly interesting, as this accomplished actor describes the lesser known early years of his career. Sprinkled with very funny parts and also great personal tragedy, the book is worth reading, even if you are not a huge Star Trek fan.

A fun time

I really enjoyed this book. Funny stories and and insights to my favorite shows. I have listened more than once.

A great book to listen to

I don't know why I bought this book. I do not usually read biography book's but I will read more after this one, although this one have set the standard for me. I can recommend this book with all my hart.

Peter Eriksson - Gothenburg Sweden

All Shatner

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like Shatner and would like to hear him talk about his life, this is your book. Otherwise, stay clear.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Pretty much what you expected.

What does William Shatner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice and personality comes up all the time.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

All Shatner, all teh time!

Any additional comments?

Its a Shatner one man show, its good dont get me wrong but sometimes... he just... lowers... his... voice... and then... you can... barely... understand... what... he... speaks.

Now available on Priceline.com

Thanks Bill for such an entertaining book. (After reading this book, I know you must be reading this review.) Thanks also for the many years of entertaining us from Twilight Zone to Priceline to Boston Legal.

This book is a great story from the opening to the last word. It not only shortened my commute considerably but it brought me to work smiling. It is not a book about Star Trek but a book about life. A truly interesting life of someone who has seen the evolution of entertainment and has tried all channels to be creative. It is a great read and like the others who have posted so far a 5 out of 5.

Fun and interesting

Great insight into the man, the myth, the Shatman. I have a newfound respect for Bill Shatner and I am glad I listened to this book. It's generally funny, sometimes sad, and all the time interesting. Give it a listen.