Following on from his Monday book signing in Las Vegas, William Shatner was in jovial form last night at Book Soup in West Hollywood, Calif. The actor graciously signed and chatted with fans who had purchased his newest novel from Pocket Books, "Starfleet Academy: Collison Course," which served as their ticket into the event. This is the latest book from the prolific actor/writer/director and the first in a series of two novels on young Kirk's Academy days. As with all Shatner's fictional writing endeavors, this was once again co-authored with his writing partners Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.

You can see our photos of last night's event in the photo gallery on the left.

The new saga details the early years of a 17-year old James T. Kirk, one who is not quite ready for prime time as he is still coming to terms with his brash nature and trying to overcome some personal demons. This is also the time, at least in this story, that Kirk meets Spock for the first time.