 | By: The Klingon Language Institute Binding: Paperback Publisher: Star Trek ISBN: 0671035789 ISBN-13: 9780671035785 Released: 06 Mar 2000 RRP: Average Rating:  |
As a somewhat closet Trekkie, I bought this book out of curiousity, unable to resist the appeal of the phrase "You have not experienced Shakespeare, until you have read him in the original Klingon," as in the film Star Trek VI. Yet, I confess that with my first degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge, I was most intrigued by the literary criticism provided. I enjoy those books that alllow new insight into classics. To quote from the Introduction: "In effect, Khamlet, with its fawning courtiers, its insistence on ceremony, its healthy Realpolitik, & its underhand dealing... is nothing less than a nightmare scenario, a chilling portrayal of a malaise & decay so pervasive that it infects the hero himself."
Brief as the notes maybe in comparison to the length of the play, I feel this is what should attract the mainstream audience. All those who are interested in Shakespeare as a living playwright should consider reading this book. It is its audacity that attracts.
I can best compare this book with another reinterpretation of Star Trek, namely 'Leadership Lessons from Star Trek the Next Generation, Make it So' by Wess Roberts & Bill Ross. In this book episodes were analysed for management theories relating to leadership. This was less earnest than 'Khamlet' but no less learned.
Unusual this version of Shakespeare maybe, but I can guarantee it will be a talking point. After alll, have you ever tried to say "taH pagh taH'be'!" instead of "To be or not to be"?
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