The Massacre (novelisation)

Novelisation

 * This novelisation is based on the original television serial generally referred to as DW:  The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve  which included individual episode titles and was shown from 5th February 1966 and written by John Lucarotti. This was the last occasion in which a Target novelisation had a title that differed from the TV original.
 * Since no overall on-screen title was used for this story on TV, reference works often use the novelisation's shorter title when referring to the serial.
 * The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel and featured the artwork of Tony Masero. (See below for information on other UK and international editions which published with a different cover).

1987 edition
The TARDIS lands in Paris on 19 August 1572. Driven by scientific curiosity, the Doctor leaves Steven to meet and exchange views with the apothecary, Charles Preslin. BEFORE HE DISAPPEARS, HE WARNS Steven to stay out of `mischief, religion and politics.’ But in sixteenth-century Paris it is impossible to remain a mere observer, and Steven soon finds himself involved with a group of Huguenots. The Protestant minority of France is being threatened by the Catholic hierarchy, and danger stalks the Paris streets. As Steven tries to find his way back to the TARDIS he discovers that one of the main persecutors of the Huguenots appears to be - the Doctor.

Illustrations
None

Deviations from televised story
The companion, Dodo Chaplet, is introduced in only a breif sentance on the last page.


 * "Yet, in another time on the planet Earth you welcomed aboard the TARDIS a young woman of French origins named Dodo Chaplet..."

No further explanation is given about her sudden appearance in the novelization.

Writing and publishing notes

 * Author's Note: The historical events described in The Massacre are factual, as were the 287 kilometres of tunnels and catacombs under Paris, some of which may still be visited. The woodcut engraving of the attempt on de Coligny's life, which shows a cowled cleric in a doorway, does exist. The author has seen it. John Lucarotti.
 * The included reference to the Time Lords was not in the television series' continuity and the then-producer John Nathan-Turner was at first unhappy with the reference until it was explained to him and he gave his approval.

British publication history

 * Hardback (June 1987)


 * W.H.Allen & Co. Ltd. UK ISBN:0491034237, copies priced £7.50 (UK))
 * Paperback (November 1987)


 * Target / W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. One single paperback edition, estimated print run: 25,300,  priced £1.95 (UK).
 * Paperback (October 1992)


 * Target / Virgin Publishing New cover artwork by Alister Pearson, priced £2.99 (UK).

Editions published outside Britain
To be added

External Sources

 * The Target Book by David J Howe (Telos Publishing 2007)
 * a comprehensive guide to the Target novelisations by Tim Neal