Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters (novelisation)

Novelisation

 * This novelisation is based on the original television serial DW: Doctor Who and the Silurians which was shown from 31st January 1970 and written by Malcolm Hulke
 * The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel and featured the artwork of Chris Achilleos. (See below for information on other UK and international editions which published with a different cover).
 * Ironically, this novelisation of the only televised serial to carry a Target-style title was given a different title.
 * The fact that Silurians can cry stated here flatly contradicts Blood Heat

1974 edition
All is not well at the Wenley Moor underground atomic research station: there are unaccountable loses of power-output; nervous breakdowns amongst the staff; and then – a death! UNIT is called in and the Brigadier is soon joined by DOCTOR WHO and Liz Shaw in a tense and exciting adventure with subterranean reptile men – SILURIANS – and a 40ft. high Tyrannosaurus rex, the biggest, most savage mammal which ever trod the earth!

"DOCTOR WHO, the children's own programme which adults adore ..." Gerard Garrett, The Daily Sketch

Deviations from televised story

 * A prologue tells of the Silurians going into hiding to avoid catastrophe.
 * Each of his reptile men are given individual names and personalities.

Writing and publishing notes

 * As one of the early titles in the Target range the writer was encouraged to flesh out his script for the novelisation.
 * Chapter 8 titled "Into an Alien World" is written from Morka's point of view.
 * The back-cover blurb on the original edition features a scientific error, as the Tyrannosaurus rex is referred to as a mammal, when in fact dinosaurs were reptiles.

Illustrations

 * This title contain 11 illustrated pages by Chris Achilleos

Publishing History (UK)
To be added

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


 * Paperback
 * Target
 * 25p (UK)
 * 80c Australia

Re-issues:
 * 70p (UK) - £1.50

1992 Virgin Publishing with a new cover by Alister Pearson priced £2.99

Netherlands

 * Published as Doctor Who en de Holenmonsters.

Finland

 * Published as Tohtori Kuka Ja Luolahirviöt.

Portugal

 * Published as Douter Who E Os Monstros Das Cavernas.

Japan

 * Published as (transliteration): Senritsu! Chitei Monsutaa

Audio Release
This Target Book was released complete and unabridged by BBC Audio Books and read by Caroline John who played Liz Shaw.

The audio set of 4 CD's with an ISBN 1-405-67799-6 was released in September 2007 priced £13.99 (UK)

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

External Sources

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