If you're interested in technology and the magic of showbiz, like me, then you might find it interesting to read the story behind some of your favorite SF TV shows and movies. I've bought a few books along those lines, such as these:
THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
Ellison, Harlan
c.1995, White Wolf
ISBN: 1-56504-964-0
The inside story of one of Star Trek's best-known episodes, "The City on the Edge of Forever." It includes Ellison's original script, how he came to write it, how it was produced, and a long section on what happened afterwards. It's not pleasant reading. The original script is a jewel; unfortunately, it had to be considerably watered down for a number of reasons. The aired version won several awards and is widely considered the best episode Star Trek ever did. Unfortunately, after the fact , Gene Roddenberry and several others consistently distorted the story behind the episode, eventually forcing Ellison to write this book to set the record straight.
THE MAKING OF JURASSIC PARK
Shay, Don and Duncan, Jody
c.1993, Ballantine
ISBN: 0-345-38122-X
The story behind the production of the movie Jurassic Park, from initial script through production and post-production. Very interesting and very well-done.
T2: THE MAKING OF TERMINATOR 2 JUDGEMENT DAY
Shay, Don and Duncan, Jody
c.1991, Bantam
ISBN: 0-553-35346-2
A look at the story behind the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day, from initial story ideas through production to final product.
THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES: The Story Behind a Star Trek Show
Gerrold, David
c.1973, Ballantine
ISBN: 0-345-23402-2
"The Trouble with Tribbles" is another of the original Star Trek's most famous episodes. This is the story behind that episode, from initial concept through development to production, post-production, and the fan reaction.
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE: The Official Guide To THE X-FILES
Lowry, Brian
c.1995, Harper
ISBN: 0-06-105330-9
A fan's guide to the first four seasons of the offbeat SF TV show THE X-FILES, with an episode guide, profiles of cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes information.
THE WORLD OF STAR TREK
Gerrold, David
c.1973, Ballantine
ISBN: 0-345-24938-0
A candid look at the production of the original Star Trek by one of the series's best-known writers. A revised and updated version was published in 1984.
Jane Killick wrote episode guides to each of the five seasons of the superb SF TV series Babylon 5. Each includes a plot summary and discussion for each episode produced during that season. They don't cover everything, but what they do cover, they cover pretty well.
BABYLON 5: SIGNS AND PORTENTS deals with Season 1, in which only distant storm-clouds appear on the horizon while Babylon 5 is getting going.
BABYLON 5: THE COMING OF SHADOWS describes Season 2. While the Narn and Centauri go to war, the dark enemy known only as "the Shadows" begins to move behind the scenes, and Babylon 5 drifts toward troubles of its own.
BABYLON 5: POINT OF NO RETURN handles Season 3. Several crises erupt into interstellar war, and Babylon 5 finds itself at the heart of the storm.
BABYLON 5: NO SURRENDER, NO RETREAT talks about Season 4, in which the existing major story arcs are resolved (not always happily), and a few seeds are planted for the future.
BABYLON 5: THE WHEEL OF FIRE talks about Season 5. In the aftermath of the great wars, new problems arise and some old ones resurface, producing a whole new set of troubles for the crew of Babylon 5. This season deals with some loose ends from the previous ones, includes a couple of small arcs of its own, and generally wraps up the story of Babylon 5 pretty well.
I also have a couple of "behind the scenes" type of books about Babylon 5:
CREATING BABYLON 5 by David Bassom is a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the series, including interviews with cast and crew, descriptions of a typical day on the set, details on production and post-production, and so on. Very nicely done.
BABYLON 5 SECURITY MANUAL, by Jim Mortimore, is a sort of mockup of what a real B5 security guidebook might be like. It includes details on station procedures, alien races, ships, politics, weaponry, training, and so on. Accurate, informative, and fun.
