| Title | : | Doctor Who: A CelebrationTwo Decades Through Time and Space |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0491033516 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780491033510 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 256 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1983 |
Peter Haining has compiled a fitting tribute to the success of this remarkable programme, to mark its twentieth anniversary. His book reflects the rich diversity of talent and ideas that have invested Doctor Who with its unique appeal to viewers of all ages and made it the vital and popular series it remains to this day- a popularity reinforced by W.H. Allen/Target's novelisations of the stories.
In addition to articles on key landmarks in the Doctor Who universe, this celebratory volume contains contributions from Verity Lambert, the first producer of the programme; Barry Letts, one-time director, producer, and executive producer; Terrrance Dicks, ex-script editor, script writer, and author of many of the Doctor Who novelisations; John Nathan-Turner, the current producer; and all five actors who have played the part of the Doctor give their views on this epic phenomenon.
For those who first saw the programme in 1963 to those who regularly watch it today, this W.H. Allen special will be a constant source of pleasure and a unique volume to treasure.
Doctor Who: A CelebrationTwo Decades Through Time and Space Reviews
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One of the first big Doctor Who non-fiction books I ever owned. Although it seems quite basic now I've got fond memories of getting this for Christmas 1983 and devouring it.
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I practically had this book memorized when I was in high school. I am proud to say that I could recite every episode title in order, from
Doctor Who and an Unearthly Child to
Doctor Who: The Five Doctors. There is a very rare, leather bound edition of this book which I saw being sold at a DW convention in 1984. I wanted to buy one, but they were crazy expensive. -
In the time before the internet, this book was my only connection to the early years of Doctor Who. A great source of trivia, information about the creation of the show and plot summaries for lost episodes of the series.
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Written in 1983, the book covers the original series through Season 20, the 5th Doctor's (Peter Davison) next-to-last season. Interesting, with insights from the first five doctors and others. But it is outdated, as illustrated by this quote by John Nathan-Turner: "But let me say that there was never a chance then - nor do I think there ever will be - that the Doctor could be played by a woman. Absolutely not!" Little did he know.
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It only feels like yesterday I received this book one Christmas but in actuality that was thirty years ago now - makes me feel damn old.
Seeing as 2013 is the much anticipated 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who I thought I would indulge my love of nostalgia and dive back into Doctor Who - A Celebration: Two Decades Through Time and Space for probably the third time in my life (yep, once a decade for me, never get tired of it.)
One of the things that I found so appealing about this book was the sense of wonder it gave me about all those missing episodes. Although some episodes have been found in the intervening years, quite a few of the Hartnell serials and the bulk of Troughton's era remain missing to this day. Yes, you can experience these adventures either through the Target novelisations, the tele-snap episodes made by fans or even listen to the audio soundtracks of the stories but they still wouldn't compare to actually laying your eyes on to them. Oh, why oh why did the BBC have to wipe those master tapes?!?!
Another sad thing to note is that since the publication of the book some of the contributors have also passed away, most notably Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Verity Lambert and Barry Letts.
All in all though this was a good old trip down memory lane :) -
This book I found for sale randomly on the street in Archway and I'm SO glad I did. It's lovely!! It was released in 1983, shortly after Peter Davidson became the doctor (and ironically for now was filled with lots of "ooh isn't he a bit young to play the doctor, I'm sure he'll do well" type comments. But this book is brilliant for old who fans. Nice interviews with some of the people in charge, including all the doctors. It has fact about the characters, Gallifrey, a bio on all the companions, a complete episode guide for every episode (including which ones survived in the vaults and which didn't). It's a great reference and lots of fun to just sit and read cover to cover. I think I'll be enjoying this for years. (And am terribly jealous of those who've had it for the past 27!)
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http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1331947.html[return][return]Most of the material is of course familiar to me from many other sources, but there is a particularly nice piece by Barry Letts. Lots of good illustrations too. Shame that Haining didn't get any contribution from Philip Hinchcliffe or Robert Holmes, but the pieces by Terrance Dicks and John Nathan-Turner are also above average." -
For an entire generation of "Doctor Who" fandom, this was our bible to the series, past and (as of 1983) present. So many of the opinions expressed in this book became uncontested dogma...and it's been as much fun debating and re-evaluating preceived wisdom as it was READING about it in the first place! One of those books that I will always look upon with the rosiest of glows.
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It's about five doctors behind, but still seems to be an interesting read...
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Just picked this up at a garage sale for $2! couldn't pass it up!
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Great book that covers the first five Doctors, with a LOT of information about their various companions and adventures. Great for the old-school Whovian in your family!
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1989 grade A
Non-fiction
Interesting: Good story lines
