Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Illustrated Handbook
Written by Ben Robinson and Simon Hugo
Published by Hero Collector/Eaglemoss
I’ve always loved reading science fiction technical manuals.
I’m sure I’m not alone in that regard. It’s a great way to add to the appreciation of a fandom, and in this case, Star Trek.
I still have my original Franz Joseph Star Fleet Technical Manual from way back and have added to my library of technical manuals throughout the years. The Eaglemoss Hero Collector edition of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Illustrated Handbook is the latest iteration of the Illustrated Handbook series that not only continues that excellent series but also the tradition of books that came before it.
I have to confess that there were a number of technical things I didn’t know about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine but thanks to the good folks at Eaglemoss, the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Illustrated Handbook not only provides a fully detailed description of the former Cardassian ore-processing facility but also its stationed vessel, the USS Defiant and the flotilla of Danube-class runabouts also assigned to it. How these are all designed or organized in relation to the various stories was definitely information that I needed to know.
I really appreciate the organization of this book; it definitely stands out, beginning with the construction of the station itself, we learn not just about the structural parts and external features but goes into the Cardassian origins of the station, the Federation refit when the Bajoran Government invited the Federation to administer the station and the wartime upgrades during the conflicts with the Klingons and then eventually the Dominion. Weaving these features into the basic chronology of the series adds to that enjoyment and no detail has been left out in fully appreciating the structure of the station.
… And that’s just the first two pages.
The book describes the interior locations of the station in complete accuracy and proximity to each other. These descriptions not only allow for a fuller sense of the station but also a greater understanding of the sets used on the show. It’s easier to understand the layout of the station from this perspective.
The descriptions then move into various types of systems, from weapons and defence to medical and the fusion reactors. It mentions areas like the cargo bays, security centre and holding cells as well as a number of other locations that figure prominently in the show. Then, of course, in as much detail, it describes the Defiant – one of my favourite ships in the series – and the Runabouts afterwards. The organization is definitely inspired, from a book layout point of view.
However, that’s the level of detail I’ve come to expect from Eaglemoss. As well as other fans, I have quite a number of the Eaglemoss Trek models. Accompanied by a detailed handbook, the level of information a fan can learn from them is a comparative standard that I can readily apply to the Illustrated Handbook series. It’s a tech nerd’s happiest dream.
I suppose I’m a bit of a tech nerd as well, but when you remember that this completely speculative work contains information not seen in the show and is so comprehensive in nature, the amount of detail is fairly staggering and everything a fan could want.
Compiled and edited by Simon Hugo and Ben Robinson, it’s a true labour of love. Everything about this space station is in here; its history, schematics – it’s all in these 194 pages, indexed and fully illustrated. It’s hard to imagine what could be left out.
The illustrations also have to be completely admired. Technical schematics, isometric and orthographic renderings as well as photographic stills from the show – some of which I haven’t seen – are all present that allow the book to live up to its name. The cooperation of the retail and consumer division of CBS is clearly an advantage as that would seem likely in my mind to be the source of the production shots I haven’t seen before. Chances are that if I haven’t seen them, then a lot of other folks haven’t either, and that alone makes this a worthwhile book to pick up.
But, Like I said, it’s the comprehensive nature of this book that just doesn’t explain the technical specification but also references connections to the great episodes. Settings are a vital element to any great story and this book shows the importance of those settings. Quark’s Bar was the setting for many stories including “Bar Association” in Season 4, Episode 16 where we saw the workers organize a union for better working conditions. Of course, what I really enjoyed about this description is that now I know how to play Dabo! Episodes 1 & 2 in the same season, “The Way of the Warrior”, saw the weapons upgrades to the defence systems happen that are fully described and one of my favourite parts of the book.
The comprehensive nature of this book from the way that it is organized to the intricate explanations and illustrations of places, systems and starships that connect to favourite stories all make this a winning addition to my library of Trek lore. It definitely should be added to yours as well.
