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Tardis
This is a work of non-fiction.

Unlike other fictional universes, the Doctor Who universe is created solely by fiction. To us, this is not a valid source. Information from this source can only be used in "behind the scenes" sections, or on pages about real world topics.

You may be looking for the 2006 concert.

A Celebration was a Doctor Who reference book published by W. H. Allen.

Publisher's summary[]

With the benefit of hindsight it is difficult to see how BBC TV's Doctor Who series could possibly have failed. In fact, it had a most inauspicious beginning. Due to the extensive television coverage devoted to the assassination of President Kennedy the day before, the first episode of Doctor Who went out later than scheduled. Viewing figures were disappointing, but a decision was taken to give the program a second showing the following week. The response was tremendous and after a shaky start the series was all set to run and run ...

Peter Haining has compiled a fitting tribute to the success of this remarkable programme to mark its twentieth anniversary. His book reflects the rich diversity of talent and ideas that have invested doctor Who with its unique appeal to viewers of all ages and made it the vital and popular series it remains to this day - a popularity reinforced by W. H. Allen / Target's novelisations of the stories.

In addition to articles on key landmarks in the Doctor Who universe, this celebratory volume contains contributions from Verity Lambert, the first producer of the programme; Barry Letts, one-time director, producer and executive producer; Terrance Dicks, ex-script editor, editor, script-writer, and author of many of the Doctor who novelisations; John Nathan-Turner, the current producer; and all five actors who have played the part of the Doctor give their views on this epic phenomenon.

For those who first saw the program in 1963 to those who regularly watch it today, this W. H. Allen special will be a constant source of pleasure and a unique volume to treasure.

Subject matter[]

The first twenty years of Doctor Who - up to The King's Demons

Contents[]

Introduction: The Changing Face of Doctor Who
1. The Arrival of a Time Lord
How We Created Doctor Who by Verity Lambert
2. The Coming of the Daleks
"My God, What Is It?" The Daleks and Me by Terry Nation
3. The Doctor Who File
William Hartnell:
"A Time Traveller with Long White Hair and Eccentric Clothes"
I Felt Like the Pied Piper by William Hartnell
Patrick Troughton
"The Cosmic Hobo"
Doctor Who Indulged my Passion for Clowning by Patrick Troughton
Jon Pertwee
"The Man of Action"
I Saw the Doctor as an Interplanetary Crusader by Jon Pertwee
Tom Baker
"Hello, I Am the Doctor - Have a Jelly Baby!"
I Liked Doctor Who Because It Was All Fun, Fun Fun! by Tom Baker
Peter Davison:
"A Sort of reckless Innocent"
I Thought I Was Too Young to Play the Doctor! by Peter Davison
Who's that? A Sixth Doctor!
4. The Forgotten Doctor
5. The Good Companions
6. The Story of K9
7. The TARDIS - and the Reality of Time Travel
8. The World of Gallifrey: The Planet of the Time Lords
9. The Two Regenerations of the Master
10. Back with Who by Barry Letts
11. Who and I by Terrance Dicks
12. The Continuing Story of Who by John Nathan-Turner

The Whoniverse

The Twenty-Year Travel Log: The Doctor's Adventures and Their Background by Jeremy Bentham
The Doctor Who Library
The People Who Made Doctor Who
The Doctor Who Exhibitions
The Doctor Who Fan Clubs
The Doctor Who Film Archives

Publication history[]

  • Leather-bound slipcased limited edition from W. H. Allen priced £30 (UK)
  • Standard hardback edition from W. H. Allen priced £10.95 (UK)
  • Reprinted in 1983 and 1984 twice.
  • Large format paperback edition from Virgin Publishing priced £14.99 (UK)

Notes[]

  • This was the first factual hardback hardback giving an overview of Doctor Who.
  • With over 100,000 copies sold in hardback it was one of W. H. Allen's best ever sellers.
  • Cover illustration was by Graham Potts.
  • Page columns when flipped show a TARDIS rising from the bottom to the top of the page.
  • Benton's first name is given as John.
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