Up Till Now

The Autobiography

By: William Shatner, David Fisher

Narrated by: William Shatner

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

After almost sixty years as an actor, William Shatner has become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. And it seems as if Shatner is everywhere. In Up Till Now, Shatner sits down with listeners and offers 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, 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 episode of The Twilight Zone. And since then, he's gone on to star in numerous successful shows, such as T.J. Hooker, Rescue 911,and Boston Legal.

William Shatner has always been willing to take risks for his art. What other actor would star in history's first—and probably only—all-Esperanto-language film? 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's Up Till Now reveals the man behind these unforgettable moments, and how he's become the worldwide star and experienced actor he is today.

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

©2008 William Shatner and David Fisher (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Shatner's sincerity, honesty, and heightened sense of humor all come across at warp speed in this entertaining memoir.” —Publishers Weekly

“Shatner makes you feel like he's sitting out on the balcony with you, sharing a cigar and waxing nostalgic.” —The Oregonian

“That rare celebrity autobiography that's as entertaining as it is self-revealing, a genuinely fun read.” —The Dallas Morning News

What a Delight!

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

I loved hearing William share his own stories. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. He is a treasure - I love his spirit! So personable - so human. You will feel like you really know him when you're finished.

What other book might you compare Up Till Now to and why?

I have yet to hear another autobiography I liked more.

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

Hearing his voice, his humor and every inflection. No one could tell his story better than him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His wife's tragic drowning in the pool. So sad and moving. I felt his pain. I could envision every detail he described. I appreciated his honesty. What a humble man.

Honest, Humble and Fabulous Fun

Would you consider the audio edition of Up Till Now to be better than the print version?

William Shatner is amazingly open and forthcoming in this book. His self-deprecating humor is engaging. His honest and humble story-telling reminds us that we all have different perspectives and that doesn't make us wrong, it just makes us unique.And his story-telling is engaging. His voice draws you in to his world and makes you an empathetic friend. I felt like I was just hanging out with my new friend at Starbucks.

Which scene was your favorite?

The alien in the desert.

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

My Life on Earth

Loved it, except for one small problem....

Any additional comments?

Shatner's great dramatic voice goes so low while telling his stories, there are times you can't hear him!!

Shatner has lived an extrodinary life !!!

Shatner's voice brings you in...fun stuff...I hope to hear more of his stuff... fun fun

Great Autobiography!

I loved this audio book! I find it fascinating to listen to autobiographies when they are narrated by those who wrote them. William Shatner has a great voice and the way he narrates makes you feel like he's really right here with you. You learn about his whole life, more than just Star Trek, and it's interesting to hear about the things he did, decisions he made, and the why behind it all. I would recommend this book!

Enjoyable

Not a book that will test your brain but good humor. William talks about his life, I would like to hear more about Boston Legal and less about Star Wars

Sometimes deep, often funny - where you’re left with the question... was he kidding about that...?

Being a fan of actor memoirs I was instantly drawn to this book.

It provides an interesting look into William Shatner the man, ego, sensualist and often times self-centered actor.

Often times a meandering walk through his life and career punctuated with occasional deep and seemingly sincere stories.

Narrated incredibly by the man himself, able to inject humor into the words, you sometimes cannot quite tell if he is being sincere or cheeky.

A recommendation for any fans of the man, sub-genre or acting in general - however cannot top Bruce Campbell’s autobiography ‘If Chins Could Kill...’

What a joy!

He’s funny, self deprecating and an inspiration to all who are aging (I guess that’s everyone) and worry about it(that would be 50 and over crowd). I laughed out loud many times!

Very enjoyable!

I am a long-time William Shatner fan, but felt like I really got to know him through this book! So glad I read it!

Excellent story and a ration marred by poor technical recording

I don’t know what was wrong with the recording, I found I could only listen to it on high volume and I heard what sounded like a lot of tape piss in the background. It’s OK as long as I kept the windows of the car rolled up. First time I’ve had concerns about an audible recording