Leonard Nimoy I Am Not Spock Pdf To Word
WHO IS THIS MAN?To a watching world he is the logical, powerful, stalwart first officer of the Starship Enterprise – the adored object of millions of Star Trek fans.For 3 years, 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, he functioned as the half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock, an extraterrestrial.
He is Leonard Nimoy. A WHO IS THIS MAN?To a watching world he is the logical, powerful, stalwart first officer of the Starship Enterprise – the adored object of millions of Star Trek fans.For 3 years, 12 hours a day, 5 days a week, he functioned as the half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock, an extraterrestrial. He is Leonard Nimoy. A real flesh-and-blood human being.Now while the phenomenal popularity of Star Trek still grows, Nimoy doffs the pointy ears and placid face and reveals himself totally – his relationship with fellow actors; the backstage frenzies; the near-cancellation of Star Trek; the lean years; the loneliness, the battles and the ultimate struggle to survive his own success!IF HE IS NOT SPOCK, WHO IS?IF HE IS NOT SPOCK, WHO IS HE?WHAT IS THE LOGICAL ANSWER? I am a fan of Star Trek, in particular the original series movies.
I've also had occasion to listen to Mr. Nimoy speak twice, so I was looking forward to reading this infamously titled autobiography. I wasn't disappointed, and the 'voice' in the book matched up with my expectations for the most part. Not a heavy ready, it's a pretty slim book, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I don't know that I'd recommend it to the rabid Trekkie, since it really isn't focused on the series. I'm about to start on I am a fan of Star Trek, in particular the original series movies. I've also had occasion to listen to Mr. Nimoy speak twice, so I was looking forward to reading this infamously titled autobiography. I wasn't disappointed, and the 'voice' in the book matched up with my expectations for the most part. Not a heavy ready, it's a pretty slim book, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I don't know that I'd recommend it to the rabid Trekkie, since it really isn't focused on the series. I'm about to start on 'I Am Spock' next, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Mr. Nimoy's writing developed from one book to the next.
Ironically, the author approaches the presentation in a manner befitting the character that he purports not to be; initially, in a logical and cogent manner that is well thought-out and written. What follows is part-master class on how the character was created by the actor, as well as through collaboration with make-up personnel, production staff, and co-stars.Interspersed is also a part-memoir of encounters and opportunities that presented themselves as a result of his portrayal as the chief Ironically, the author approaches the presentation in a manner befitting the character that he purports not to be; initially, in a logical and cogent manner that is well thought-out and written.
What follows is part-master class on how the character was created by the actor, as well as through collaboration with make-up personnel, production staff, and co-stars.Interspersed is also a part-memoir of encounters and opportunities that presented themselves as a result of his portrayal as the chief science officer of the Enterprise. These are of varying quality. The more poignant and fascinating include letters from Isaac Asimov and a meeting with Benjamin Spock.
The lesser include encounters with obsessed fans and the addressing of homo-erotic fan fiction, as well as a dialogue between Nimoy and Spock.On the whole, there is much to be gleaned from this biography, for the several decades that it covers, as well as the breadth of perspectives and experiences. It is rarely gratuitous, as the author never namedrops or pats himself on the back for the sake of itself, but rather to show a thankfulness for his inclusion or grander purpose for its eventuality.
It was also neat to see how the author saw his most famous role as providing him with the many blessings and opportunities in life rather than feeling limited by it. There was much grace in the telling of his life story, as well as the manner in which he led his life. I AM NOT SPOCK is a decent little memoir, though, even at under 150 pages, much of it feels like rambling. Whereas William Shatner always admitted that he initially considered STAR TREK just another job and approached the character of Captain Kirk as an idealized version of himself, Nimoy went to the opposite extreme and completely lost himself in the character the way that actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale are said to do. Thus, the title I AM NOT SPOCK refers to a crisis of I AM NOT SPOCK is a decent little memoir, though, even at under 150 pages, much of it feels like rambling. Whereas William Shatner always admitted that he initially considered STAR TREK just another job and approached the character of Captain Kirk as an idealized version of himself, Nimoy went to the opposite extreme and completely lost himself in the character the way that actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale are said to do. Thus, the title I AM NOT SPOCK refers to a crisis of identity rather than a disavowal of the Spock character.
And if you are interested in acting as a craft, you will likely appreciate Nimoy's in-depth exploration of the Spock character and his lengthy explanation of the thought processes that brought him to life. If you generally find actors to be a little too self-absorbed, then much of this book will feel like navel-gazing. Especially when, like someone suffering from multiple personality disorder, Nimoy debates his alter ego on subjects like the purpose of existence and the human need for validation. Great actors tend to think their art is more important than just about anything else in the world, and Nimoy certainly falls into that category to some extent.Even if you are not a Star Trek fan, you might appreciate the chapters in this book that focus on other things, such as Nimoy's tenure on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, his appearance in Yul Brenner's CATLOW, his stint as the lead character in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and his genesis as a professional photographer of some note. Completely absent are any discussions on family or the alcoholism that was consuming him at the time. You know, minor things like that.
But we do get complete reproductions of a series of memos between him and the studio bickering over who was responsible for paying for the pens and paper clips used to respond to his fan mail. Yay.The fact that I AM NOT SPOCK is hopelessly dated (circa 1978) and out of print (with old beat-up copies selling on Amazon for upwards of $75) would be a real bummer were it not for the fact that the whole book was rendered pretty much irrelevant anyway due to the subsequent release of Nimoy's second autobiography, I AM SPOCK, and William Shatner's LEONARD, both of which cover most of this same material and do a better job with it. Not being rich, I listened to the audiobook version on a digitized copy of some old cassettes. The fact that Nimoy didn't read it himself definitely lessened the experience. Still, it served as a good time-killer on my daily work commute. What happens when you create a role that's so iconic that no one sees the actor anymore? This is Leonard Nimoy's existential dilemma.
Who is Nimoy if no one sees Nimoy and only expects Spock? There are some odd dialogues between Nimoy and Spock which may have been helpful for Nimoy but are a bit trying to read, but otherwise this is a straightforward memoir of his experience creating an alien that resonated with audiences. Ultimately this is a journey of an actor who wants to leave a role What happens when you create a role that's so iconic that no one sees the actor anymore?
This is Leonard Nimoy's existential dilemma. Who is Nimoy if no one sees Nimoy and only expects Spock?
There are some odd dialogues between Nimoy and Spock which may have been helpful for Nimoy but are a bit trying to read, but otherwise this is a straightforward memoir of his experience creating an alien that resonated with audiences. Ultimately this is a journey of an actor who wants to leave a role to become a well-rounded actor only to learn that the world audience has decided he will always be perceived as the alien. As he learns to accept this, he finds other roles but ultimately discovers and explores a new passion-Nimoy as photographer and poet. An interesting and quick read but uneven in style. I first read this book in Mt.
Hotham, in 2008, after searching for a copy of what was, then, an out of print book. I re-read the book on a camping trip in Narbethong in 2013, just as the new 'Star Trek' movies were touching new audiences. Zachary Quinto plays Spock now, and not Leonard Nimoy. Still, I remember the happiness with which I opened this book, my version being the one with the black cover. Reading this book, in which Nimoy would explain his ideas and opinions about the character he's I first read this book in Mt. Hotham, in 2008, after searching for a copy of what was, then, an out of print book.
I re-read the book on a camping trip in Narbethong in 2013, just as the new 'Star Trek' movies were touching new audiences. Zachary Quinto plays Spock now, and not Leonard Nimoy.
Still, I remember the happiness with which I opened this book, my version being the one with the black cover. Reading this book, in which Nimoy would explain his ideas and opinions about the character he's spent a lifetime playing on the series 'Star Trek,' seemed fascinating to me. Specially since I'd read the other book he wrote, 'I am Spock,' and found the revelations interesting.
Nimoy loves Spock, and hates Spock, and then loves him again. I just needed to own a copy.The book was written in 1975, before 'Star Trek' resurfaced and claimed the success it now enjoys. Before I was born, and would ever dream of liking the series, before I met Spock.
The fact the book is written then adds volumes to one's experience as one reads it. Nimoy goes through a lot of trouble to explain that he is much more than just Spock. This is interesting, as we discover his love of photography, the theatre, music, and philosophy. He's lived a very rich life, an obvious fact even in 1975. He is also a very learned, informed, polite, and educated man.If you are expecting the author to dismiss Spock, or slander him, you need to find another book. Nimoy doesn't do that.
He wrestles with the fact that Spock is bigger than him, and more popular. He tries to explain how it feels to become secondary to such a big character. He admits to his own sense of 'alien-ess' and 'otherness,' which served as the building blocks used to create Spock. He shares some of the amazing things he's lived - such as when people think he can heal their friends, or that he is a real alien. But, above all, he reveals what Spock means to him.
Who Spock truly is. He shares elaborate, philosophical, emotional, and fantastic ideas in relation to the character. It is here where the true magic of this book lies.
We get to see how the actor sees and feels Spock, which allows us to appreciate both of them ever the more.My only dislike of this book is inevitable. It is a book written in the 1970s, so it feels dry at certain times. It simply gives what it sets out to give, and moves along. It was the way they wrote then.
Few pictures. Few whimsical moments. Few glimps of intimacy. Such were most books (and TV series and movies) in the 1970s. So, if you wish to get closer to the author and to the story of his life, pick up his later books, which were written in a time when such writing strategies were in vogue.If you are a fan of 'Star Trek,' of Nimoy, or just curious about Spock, I recommend this book.
If you are neither, I still recommend it. However, be careful: you may end up watching the series and becoming a fan.:) Enjoy!
It is no surprise that Leonard Nimoy became so popular in his role as Spock. From deep introspection about the role, to dialoging with the character, to sending memos to the production team about character inconsistencies in the scripts, Nimoy was totally immersed in his character. This book, published 5 years after the last Star Trek episode aired, could have been titled, “I Am Not Always Spock,” as much of it deals with Nimoy’s hand-on approach to this character, and Star Trek It is no surprise that Leonard Nimoy became so popular in his role as Spock. From deep introspection about the role, to dialoging with the character, to sending memos to the production team about character inconsistencies in the scripts, Nimoy was totally immersed in his character.
This book, published 5 years after the last Star Trek episode aired, could have been titled, “I Am Not Always Spock,” as much of it deals with Nimoy’s hand-on approach to this character, and Star Trek behind-the-scenes.He also writes about his earlier life teaching acting, looking for studio work that lasted for more than two weeks, and growing up Jewish in an Italian Catholic Boston neighborhood. He tells about his other roles, such as the young fighter in Kid Monk Baroni, the displaced intellectual in Deathwatch, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, the mad emperor Caligula, and McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He points out that these characters, like Spock, don’t fit the “normal” mold and are to some degree alienated from society.
His more straightforward roles include King Arthur in Camelot, title role in The King and I, and Sherlock Holmes.Throughout this rather short volume, Nimoy comes off as an intelligent and thoughtful guy, a serious actor who deeply contemplates his roles, who also can be light and fun-loving. This is a book about his artistic life, his writing and photography as well as his acting. It’s about people with whom he interacts and about his own soul-searching to create art that is personally meaningful. It reflects the era in which it was written, when many Americans sought to better understand and express their identities.Following the advice of reviewers, I read this book prior to “I Am Spock,” written 20 years later. Its poetic phrasing, fun anecdotes, and 1970s sensibility make it a nostalgic and enjoyable read.
Trekkers and Trekkies of all stripes will enjoy it, especially those who watched pre-rerun Star Trek on TV before the age of digital special effects. Picked up a few weeks ago at a used book store.Despite the title, Nimoy writes of his alter-ego and the time spent in the Star Trek world with fondness.
The memoir starts out semi-chronologically, but then veers off into varying topics, including reminiscences of his acting career before and after Star Trek and reproductions of some correspondence he had with the writers and producers of the series. Readers expecting an autobiography will be a little disappointed, I think.Written Picked up a few weeks ago at a used book store.Despite the title, Nimoy writes of his alter-ego and the time spent in the Star Trek world with fondness. The memoir starts out semi-chronologically, but then veers off into varying topics, including reminiscences of his acting career before and after Star Trek and reproductions of some correspondence he had with the writers and producers of the series. Readers expecting an autobiography will be a little disappointed, I think.Written in 1975, he marvels at the intense interest in a series more than five years old and only available in limited syndication - he seems to enjoy his appearances at conventions and recounts several amusing and touching stories of fan interaction. I'm curious to see how (or if) his attitude changed after another 5 or 10 years of adulation.The style is both formal and intimate; his internal dialogues with Spock revealing his conflicted feelings about a character to whom he will be bound for the rest of his life.
He speaks with pride about his acting choices; leaving Mission Impossible once he'd gotten bored with the show, instead choosing to find roles that interested him. He also writes of his newly-rekindled love of photography and ponders the possibility of directing (wait a few more years, Leonard:^) ).
I was somewhat surprised to find that he and Shatner are nearly the same age, with Bill being 4 days older than he.I found this short memoir an interesting read, and would like to compare it with, his later volume. Recommended to Star Trek fans who'd like to know a little more about the actors behind the characters.
This book was written in the early 1970's, before the Star Trek phenomenon really began to take off. At the time, Nimoy was trying to shed the typecast image of being Mr. Spock, hence the title of the book. I can remember him appearing on daytime television game shows and the subject came up. Therefore, this book is not a retrospective of his three years filming Star Trek the original series but a description of the years immediately after.His work as a director has demonstrated his talents and This book was written in the early 1970's, before the Star Trek phenomenon really began to take off. At the time, Nimoy was trying to shed the typecast image of being Mr. Spock, hence the title of the book.
I can remember him appearing on daytime television game shows and the subject came up. Therefore, this book is not a retrospective of his three years filming Star Trek the original series but a description of the years immediately after.His work as a director has demonstrated his talents and he is also a published poet. Nimoy has acted on stage and in some largely forgettable films, yet Spock was always still a part of him. A fact that Nimoy acknowledges several times by describing simulated dialogs between Mr.
Spock and Leonard Nimoy.All of the major characters in the Star Trek original series have written at least one book about their experiences. This one is different in that it is about the life of the actor after the series was cancelled and it is the one actor most likely to be typecast by their role. Nimoy was able to achieve something that few actors are ever able to do, use a role that should be the dictionary example of typecasting and turn it into a separate career.
However, he never completely lost those ties and his appreciation to what made him a household name.This review appears on Amazon. Reread it this morning after hearing of Mr Nimoy's death.Some folks only look at the title and think of this as a dismissal of Nimoy's most famous role. But he admits that Spock brought him opportunities he wouldn't have had available to him. It was interesting to read about how he felt like he had a home after fifteen or so years as a jobbing actor and how he defended his character and the actions of him in the show to the writers and producers. Also interesting are the details of how his Reread it this morning after hearing of Mr Nimoy's death.Some folks only look at the title and think of this as a dismissal of Nimoy's most famous role. But he admits that Spock brought him opportunities he wouldn't have had available to him.
It was interesting to read about how he felt like he had a home after fifteen or so years as a jobbing actor and how he defended his character and the actions of him in the show to the writers and producers. Also interesting are the details of how his career after Trek was sidelined by Spock and how frustrated Nimoy was - not mentioned in the text but the subtext is clear - by the popularity of Spock as it occasionally prevented him from being taken seriously elsewhere.
What also comes across is Nimoy's joy in acting and the pleasure he gets from the different roles he has played. What is less interesting are the sidelights where he engages in 'dialogue' with Spock to explain his feelings and how ludicrous they are in the context of the situations.As an interesting sidelight, this book was published almost midway between the final episode of the Animated Series (in which Nimoy played Spock) and the beginning of production for a revived live-action series of Trek which later became the film series and TNG. Altho it isn't listed on Goodreads, I assure you I listened to the unabridged audiobook version (Which the author does not narrate).I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. It was done in 1975 so wasn't sure what his perspective would have been at that point.
But he does seem to have had a pretty good handle on the whole Star Trek thing, even tho they hadn't even started in on the movie franchise or spin-offs.He goes back and forth quite a lot during the book, talking about Star Trek, then Altho it isn't listed on Goodreads, I assure you I listened to the unabridged audiobook version (Which the author does not narrate).I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. It was done in 1975 so wasn't sure what his perspective would have been at that point.
But he does seem to have had a pretty good handle on the whole Star Trek thing, even tho they hadn't even started in on the movie franchise or spin-offs.He goes back and forth quite a lot during the book, talking about Star Trek, then not talking about it, There are even a number of imaginary conversations he has with Spock. The book certainly could have used some more focus, but it is interesting and he was an interesting guy, who embraced the Star Trek legacy but certainly didn't let it overwhelm him. This book seemed like he rushed through the writing of it. The stories of his experiences were not as fleshed out, and the segues between said stories needed some work.
When he begins talking about his experiences working on Fiddler on the Roof - it is touching and you seem to get more of an understanding of his Jewish heritage. This was the best part of the book. However, I think the book that follows this (I am Spock) is much better written. Some of the stories from this book are repeated in This book seemed like he rushed through the writing of it. The stories of his experiences were not as fleshed out, and the segues between said stories needed some work.
When he begins talking about his experiences working on Fiddler on the Roof - it is touching and you seem to get more of an understanding of his Jewish heritage. This was the best part of the book. However, I think the book that follows this (I am Spock) is much better written.
Some of the stories from this book are repeated in the second book but fleshed out much better. I enjoyed that one a lot more. But it was nice to have gotten to read this and see what all the fuss was about when it first came out.
But if you only read the second book you aren't missing much by skipping this first one. This book is a beautiful mix of thoughts, observations, and feelings. It's a reflection of how Nimoy's role of Mr Spock effected his life externally (fame) and internally (emotionally). There is a lot of insight about how people feel about aliens -extraterrestrial and human- and why so many people fell in love with Mr Spock.The conversations between Nimoy and Spock were my favorite parts of the book 'cause they were often clever and amusing.Rest in peace Mr Nimoy.
Leonard Nimoy Death Cause
You will always be adored This book is a beautiful mix of thoughts, observations, and feelings. It's a reflection of how Nimoy's role of Mr Spock effected his life externally (fame) and internally (emotionally). There is a lot of insight about how people feel about aliens -extraterrestrial and human- and why so many people fell in love with Mr Spock.The conversations between Nimoy and Spock were my favorite parts of the book 'cause they were often clever and amusing.Rest in peace Mr Nimoy. You will always be adored and missed.' It's okay to be out there and honest and open about yourself because you're part of the human race.'
(quote from the last chapter of I Am Not Spock). I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying.This is a strange book.
It's not deftly (ghost)written like a modern 'I'm a celebrity so here's a memoir' production. It's a rambling meditation on Nimoy's acting philosophy, and more importantly about how he both is and is not Spock. As he says, if he isn't Spock, then who is?
It's about him grappling with himself, and he doesn't feel like he needs to offer any conclusions. I don't always agree with him about how Spock functions, oddly enough, but the glimpse I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying.This is a strange book. It's not deftly (ghost)written like a modern 'I'm a celebrity so here's a memoir' production. It's a rambling meditation on Nimoy's acting philosophy, and more importantly about how he both is and is not Spock.
As he says, if he isn't Spock, then who is? It's about him grappling with himself, and he doesn't feel like he needs to offer any conclusions. I don't always agree with him about how Spock functions, oddly enough, but the glimpse into Nimoy's feelings at this one point in time is just really interesting and important for those of us who've been intimately involved with Spock for so long. I really only read this because I wanted to be able to compare and contrast the opinions of 70's Nimoy with that of 90's Nimoy. This isn't a bad book (at times it does get a little pedantic), but Nimoy isn't far enough along in his journey to have enough perspective yet.
My guess is that I'll enjoy I Am Spock a lot more.The book is most interesting viewed as a relic from a time when Star Trek was as yet still only a brief, almost forgotten memory kept alive solely by reruns and obscure, I really only read this because I wanted to be able to compare and contrast the opinions of 70's Nimoy with that of 90's Nimoy. This isn't a bad book (at times it does get a little pedantic), but Nimoy isn't far enough along in his journey to have enough perspective yet. My guess is that I'll enjoy I Am Spock a lot more.The book is most interesting viewed as a relic from a time when Star Trek was as yet still only a brief, almost forgotten memory kept alive solely by reruns and obscure, underground fan cults long before geek was considered chic. Nimoy's first memoir, by his own admission has a misleading title. The book isn't really about him separating himself from his Vulcan alter-ego.
(It's evident when reading the book that unlike what people thought when the book was published in the 70s, the title isn't so much Nimoy telling people he's not Spock; it's more Nimoy telling himself he's something more.)At any rate, Nimoy took all the best parts from this book and put them in his second memoir, 'I Am Spock'. There's really no need to Nimoy's first memoir, by his own admission has a misleading title. The book isn't really about him separating himself from his Vulcan alter-ego. (It's evident when reading the book that unlike what people thought when the book was published in the 70s, the title isn't so much Nimoy telling people he's not Spock; it's more Nimoy telling himself he's something more.)At any rate, Nimoy took all the best parts from this book and put them in his second memoir, 'I Am Spock'.
Susan Bay
There's really no need to read both books, and the latter is much better. “Spencer Tracy, when asked for advice on acting, said, “Know your lines and don’t bump into the furniture.” James Cagney said, “Walk in, plant your feet, look the other fellow in the eye andtell the truth.” With all due respect to both of these giant talents, I would have to say there’s something more.The true creation of a being, a character other than one’s self, for me is comparable to a mystical or spiritual experience. To stand in another person’s shoes. To see as he sees, to hear as he hears.
How Did Leonard Nimoy Die
To know what he knows, and to do all this with a sense of control, a mastering of the dramatic moment, there must be more than a “natural talent” at work.”—.