Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man

William Shatner · David Fisher

Feb 2016 · Macmillan Audio · Narrated by William Shatner

About this audiobook

"Shatner narrates his story with touching reverence for a dear friend...Shatner's authentic performance moves the story along with humor and sincerity, making the anecdotes all the more interesting and touching." — AudioFile Magazine

A New York Times Bestseller

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner first crossed paths as actors on the set of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Little did they know that their next roles as Spock and Captain Kirk, in a new science-fiction television series, would shape their lives in ways no one could have anticipated. In seventy-nine television episodes of Star Trek and six feature films, they grew to know each other more than most friends could ever imagine.

Over the course of half a century, Shatner and Nimoy saw each other through personal and professional highs and lows. In this powerfully emotional audiobook, Shatner tells the story of a man who was his friend for five decades, recounting anecdotes and untold stories of their lives on and off set, as well as gathering stories from others who knew Nimoy well, to present a full picture of a rich life.

As much a biography of Nimoy as a story of their friendship, Leonard is a uniquely heartfelt audiobook written and read by one legendary actor in celebration of another.

Ratings and reviews

ANY friendship which survives for a half century in this day and age is a remarkable, and rare, gift. Having passed the half century mark myself, I can personally attest to the veracity of that statement. Friendships of the strength and closeness which existed between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are rarer still, especially in the Janis-like atmosphere of the entertainment industry. As William Shatner reads us his remarkable book, he brings their close association to life through anecdotal stories and personal memories. Bill Shatner's feelings are apparent not only through his words, but his expressive voice as well. After listening to, or reading this thoroughly entertaining, touching work, one undeniable fact shines throughout: like Holmes and Watson, Shatner and Nimoy had mutual respect and a deep platonic love for one another. I loved this book, and I am truly sorry for the loss of Leonard. For Bill, and for ourselves.

Shatner has put his heart into this tribute to the beloved friend with whom he became a science-fiction legend. Even diehard Trek fans may be surprised by the warm and immersive performance, in which Shat's enthusiasm and obvious love make you feel as if you took the journey through the years not just with Kirk and Spock, but with their passionate and complex portrayers as well.

About the author

William Shatner has worked as a musician, producer, director, and celebrity pitchman, and notably played Captain Kirk on Star Trek from 1966 to 1969 and in seven Star Trek films. He won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role as attorney Denny Crane on the TV drama Boston Legal. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Elizabeth.

David Fisher is the author and coauthor of more than twenty New York Times bestsellers including, with Bill O'Reilly, Legends and Lies: The Real West. His work has also appeared in most major magazines and many newspapers. He lives in New York with his wife and two sons.