Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion (novelisation)

Novelisation

 * This novelisation is based on the original television serial generally referred to as DW:  Spearhead from Space  which was shown from 3rd January 1970 and written by Robert Holmes
 * The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel and featured the artwork of Chris Archilleos. (See below for information on other UK and international editions which published with a different cover).

Publisher's Cover Blurb
In this, the first adventure of his third `incarnation’, DOCTOR WHO, Liz Shaw, and the Brigadier grapple with the nightmarish invasion of the AUTONS – living, giant-sized, plastic-modelled `humans’ with no hair and sightless eyes; waxwork replicas and tailor’s dummies whose murderous behaviour is directed by the NESTENE CONSCIOUSNESS – a malignant, squid-like monster of cosmic proportions and indescribably hideous appearance. “This DOCTOR WHO adventure (televised as Spearhead from Space’) wins my vote as the best in the lifetime of this series so far.’ Mathew Coady, The Daily Mirror “DOCTOR WHO, the children’s own programme which adults adore…” Gerard Garrett, The Daily Sketch

Deviations from the Televised Story
To be added

Author, Writing and Publishing Notes

 * Terrance Dicks first novelisation for the Doctor Who series was among the first commissioned new titles and arrived one week late.

Illustrations

 * This title contain 11 illustrated pages by Chris Archilleos

Publishing History (UK)
To be added

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


 * Paperback
 * Target

Re-issues:
 * 30p (UK)
 * 1982 Target Books with a new cover by Andrew Skilleter
 * 1991 Virgin Publishing with a new cover by Alistair Pearson priced £2.50 (UK)

International Editions
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