The Handbook
The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to the Production of Doctor Who
by David J Howe, Stephen James Walker & Mark Stammers
Quite possibly, here is everything you ever wanted to know about Dr Who and were afraid
to ask! Not including the current incarnation, but all the way from William Hartnell
to Paul McGann, which is enough to be going on with. As is normal with Telos, this guide
is well researched and actually truly exhaustive, with each Doctor and his "reign" delineated
in detail. You can find out all about the actors and their supporting cast, what other
people wrote about them, what fans wrote to them, locations, monsters, design and, my own
favorite, a foreword to each new Doctor describing the Britain he was being released into.
Nothing exists in a vacuum, and Dr Who's ability to move with the times (or not) has been
possibly its greatest strength (and weakness). No photos, color or otherwise, but this
is a book for fans and people with shelves versus coffee tables.
The first three years are described in enthralling, meticulous detail and anybody at
all interested in TV history ought to read this. As well as the story of one show, this
is a tantalizing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of the BBC, and is as much a social
as a production history. For me, just as fascinating as the brief snapshot of life in
Britain at the time are the sections labeled "Selling The Doctor" looking at merchandizing,
viewing figures and what else was on before and after, as well as on the other side.
I'm the type who likes to watch the shows but isn't interested in merchandise or actively
being a "fan" but this is a history that will strike a chord in anybody who grew up in
Britain during the 1960s or 1970s that I couldn't put it down.
To buy this book you can order it from Telos Publishing Ltd, 61 Elgar Avenue, Tolworth,
Surrey KT5 9JP England. Visit the website for more
details. |
The Book |
Telos Publishing Ltd |
May 2005 |
Paperback |
1903889596 |
Non-Fiction/TV History |
More
at Amazon.com US||
UK |
Excerpt |
NOTE: |
The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: |
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