Logopolis (novelisation)

This novelisation was based on the original television serial TV: Logopolis, written by Christopher H. Bidmead and first broadcast from 28 February 1981. The original cover featured the artwork of Andrew Skilleter.

1982 edition
In theory the TARDIS should be able to change its appearance to blend in unobtrusively wherever it happens to materialise. In practice, however, because of a fault in the chameleon circuit, it always looks like a police box – a minor inconvenience the Fourth Doctor now hopes to correct.

Fixing the mechanism involves a visit to Earth and a trip to the planet Logopolis – normally a quiet little place that keeps itself to itself.

But on this occasion the meddling presence of the Doctor’s archenemy, the Master, ensure the disruption of normality. And even the Master is horrified by the threat of total chaos he unintentionally precipitates – until he finds a way to turn the imminent destruction of the universe to his own advantage …

Deviations from televised story

 * When going through the infinite regression of Police Boxes, Adric picks the locks with a coat hanger.
 * Instead of pretending to have had a bike accident, Adric climbs on top of the TARDIS and throws the bicycle at the police car.
 * The TARDIS Cloisters, seen as a dark, gothic setting onscreen, is described as open and airy with a simulated sky.
 * The Doctor receives a message from Traken about Tremas while Adric is occupied reading the poetry of.
 * When the Doctor attempts to sink the TARDIS in the Thames, it lands on an abandoned wooden pontoon, instead of a ship.
 * The Master's TARDIS disguises itself as a cherry laurel tree instead of the architectural column in the Cloisters. It assumes the column shape after arriving in Logopolis.
 * After regenerating, the Fifth Doctor says a few words, in fact paraphrasing the Monty Python catchphrase, "and now for something completely different."

Writing and publishing notes

 * To be added

British publication history
To be added

First Publication:
 * Hardback
 * W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. UK


 * Paperback
 * Target

Re-issues: