Popular Culture and Science Fiction Gene Roddenberry Signed Letter Referencing Star Trek Actors and Early Fandom Research 1973

Gene Roddenberry

Manuscript & Autographs

Roddenberry, Gene. Typed letter signed discussing research on Star Trek and the emerging fan community surrounding the television series. Dated January 22, 1973, the correspondence reflects Roddenberry’s continuing involvement with the cultural afterlife of Star Trek several years after the original series concluded its network run in 1969. Roddenberry, the creator and principal conceptual architect of the program, addresses inquiries related to the growing scholarly and fan interest in the series and directs the correspondent toward individuals researching the phenomenon of Star Trek fandom. In the letter he explains that he is occupied with television film projects and cannot participate directly, writing that he is “deeply involved with two movies for television, one being edited and one about to commence filming.”

Roddenberry, Gene. Typed letter signed. Warner Bros. Television letterhead. January 22, 1973. One page. Signed “Gene Roddenberry.” The letter advises the recipient to contact Jacqueline Lichtenberg, whom Roddenberry identifies as preparing a book on Star Trek fandom and researching the topics raised in the inquiry. Roddenberry also suggests contacting actors associated with the series, noting that Leonard Nimoy may be reached at Universal Studios and commenting that he does not have a current address for William Shatner. The archive also includes the original transmittal envelope and a three page Star Trek The Next Generation television first season playback schedule signed by co producer Bob Justman.

By the early 1970s Star Trek had begun to develop a dedicated international fan following through syndication, conventions, and fan publications, establishing one of the earliest organized fandom communities associated with a television series. Roddenberry’s correspondence documenting inquiries about the program illustrates the early scholarly and fan interest that would contribute to the franchise’s revival in later decades, including feature films and the launch of Star Trek The Next Generation in 1987. Manuscript material from Roddenberry provides insight into the expanding cultural influence of science fiction television during the late twentieth century and the emergence of fan culture as an organized social phenomenon. Light handling wear consistent with age. Overall condition very good to near fine.

Item #13404

Price: $750.00