Doctor Who and the Image of the Fendahl (novelisation)

 was a novelisation based on the 1977 television serial Image of the Fendahl.

Publisher's summary
'The Fendahl is death,' said the Doctor. 'How do you kill death itself?'

The ultra-modern technology of the Time Scanner combines with the ancient evil of Fetch Wood, and brings to life a terror that has lain hidden for twelve million years.

The Doctor and Leela fight to destroy the Fendahl, a recreated menace that threatens to devour all life in the galaxy.

Chapter titles

 * 1) The Skull
 * 2) Dead Man in the Wood
 * 3) Time Scan
 * 4) Horror at the Priory
 * 5) The Fendahleen
 * 6) The Coven
 * 7) Stael's Mutiny
 * 8) The Missing Planet
 * 9) Ceremony of Evil
 * 10) The Priestess
 * 11) Time Bomb
 * 12) The End of the Fendahl

Deviations from televised story

 * Stael's background and motivation is explained in detail.
 * Fendelman's name is spelled "Fendleman".
 * David Mitchell's first name is changed to Harry.
 * Colby is referred to both in the text and by Stael as "Professor Colby", whereas on screen "Professor" seems to be simply a nickname given him by Martha Tyler.
 * Moss is mentioned as fingering a lucky charm during his first meeting with the Doctor and Leela, a detail edited out of the broadcast version.
 * The Doctor gets out of the store room by weakening the lock with his sonic screwdriver and then kicking the door open, rather than someone unlocking it for him.
 * Leela knocks out a guard in order to get into Fetch Priory the first time.
 * The Fendahl Skull does not start glowing until after the Doctor innocently touches it, rather than him touching it after it has started glowing.
 * The Doctor does not refer to Mitchell by name, removing an oft-cited potential error in the televised version.

Writing and publishing notes

 * to be added

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


 * Paperback
 * Target

Re-issues:

Editions published outside Britain

 * Published in the USA by Aeonian Press in 1986 as a hardback edition; it was one of seven novelisations published in the mid-1980's.

Audiobook
This Target Book was released on 6 February 2020 complete and unabridged by BBC Audio and read by Louise Jameson.

The Cover blurb and thumbnail illustrations were retained in the accompanying booklet with sleevenotes by David J. Howe. Music and sound effects by Simon Power.