Mawdryn Undead (novelisation)

 was a novelisation based on the 1983 television serial Mawdryn Undead.

1984 edition
The Doctor's time-travelling machine is trapped in the flight-path of an alien spacecraft in orbit around the Earth. To avoid the fatal impact of a head-on collision the TARDIS resorts to the only escape possible and materialises onboard the on-coming liner.

This solves the immediate problem, but a new difficulty arises- the TARDIS cannot get off the ship until a radio signal transmitting from Earth has been disconnected.

The Doctor sets off in a Transmat Capsule, having programmed the TARDIS to enable Tegan and Nyssa to follow him once he has dealt with the interference.

Naturally enough, things don't go quite as planned...

Chapter titles

 * 1) An Accidental Meeting
 * 2) A New Enemy
 * 3) An Old Friend
 * 4) The Alien in the TARDIS
 * 5) Return to the Ship
 * 6) Rising of the Undead
 * 7) Double Danger of the Brigadier
 * 8) All Present and Correct

Deviations from televised story

 * The Brigadier's decline is explored.
 * Turlough feels contempt for his school.

Writing and publishing notes

 * This story was released as an audiobook read by Peter Grimwade.
 * Early artworked covers were rejected for reasons relating to the use of the likeness of certain actors on covers without permission, approval and remuneration.
 * Featured quotation: "You cannot know or dream just who I am! But every sea and every ocean and every sailor who sails across the world will know this ship, the terror of the godly: the 'Flying Dutchman' is my name!"
 * Dedication: "For Keith Shand"

British publication history
First publication:
 * Hardback
 * W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. UK


 * Paperback
 * Target