Doctor Who: The Handbook Series by David J. Howe, Stephen James Walker, Mark Stammers

William Hartnell was already a well-known and experienced film and television actor when, in 1963, he took on a new role: a mysterious and crotchety time traveller in a new BBC drama series for children. Nothing else about the programme was as tried and tested; the fictional premise was offbeat, the producer was a young woman at the start of her television career, and the future direction of the series was unknown... moreWilliam Hartnell was already a well-known and experienced film and television actor when, in 1963, he took on a new role: a mysterious and crotchety time traveller in a new BBC drama series for children. Nothing else about the programme was as tried and tested; the fictional premise was offbeat, the producer was a young woman at the start of her television career, and the future direction of the series was unknown.Doctor Who went on to thrill millions of children and adults around the world for three decades. But the foundations of success were laid in the first three years, when the TARDIS and the Daleks became as known and loved as the Beatles.This is the third in the handbook series by David J Howe, Mark Stammers and Stephen James Walker, the team who also produced The SIxties and The Seventies. Drawing on the latest research they have included in this book the definitive account of the genesis of Doctor Who, as well as a profile of William Hartnell, critical reviews of all the TV stories, a detailed analysis of a typical First Doctor story and a complete review of the programme's production development. less

Doctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history.Jon Pertwee burst on the scene as the new man-of-action Doctor in January 1970. Immediately, the series, now in full colour, took a whole new direction... moreDoctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history.Jon Pertwee burst on the scene as the new man-of-action Doctor in January 1970. Immediately, the series, now in full colour, took a whole new direction. The Earth-bound Time Lord, backed by the hugely popular UNIT team, soon became a household favourite as the show's traditional strengths were blended with elements of James Bond and the star's own dynamism and charisma.This book is an in in-depth study of Jon Pertwee's tenure as the Doctor, including a profile of the actor, a critical summary of each story in which he starred, an extensive feature on the making of Day of the Daleks which saw the return of the Daleks to the series after almost five years away, and much more. The authors have established their reputation with best-selling books such as The Sixties and The Seventies, and their acclaimed work on the four previous books in the handbook range. less

"Doctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history."The volume covers the years from 1974 to 1981. During this time Doctor Who achieved its highest viewing figures in Britain, and became a sensation in the United States... more"Doctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history."The volume covers the years from 1974 to 1981. During this time Doctor Who achieved its highest viewing figures in Britain, and became a sensation in the United States. Tom Baker played the leading role — he was the longest-serving of the seven actors who have played the Doctor to date — and for many people his portrayal of the Doctor is the definitive one."David J Howe, Mark Stammers and Stephen James walker are the authors of Doctor Who - The Sixties and The Seventies, the complete guide to the programme's early years."In this Handbook they set the fourth Doctor in historical context, and go on to describe: Tom Baker, the actor; the development of the role of the fourth Doctorthe stories behind the TV stories; the re-creation and expansion of DOCTOR WHO mythology; a typical fourth Doctor story from script to screenthe marketing of the fourth Doctor"The Handbook is a must for every Doctor Who fan — and for everyone whose favourite Doctor is the curly-haired chap with the teeth and the long scarf." less

Colin Baker's tenure as the Doctor was brief, but coincided with one of DOCTOR WHO's most turbulent times. The programme's audience ratings were falling, its future was in doubt - particularly during an 18 month absence from the screen - and, in the end, Colin Baker's departure was abrupt and marked by recriminations. The 6th Doctor's personality seemed to reflect this uncertainty; he was moody and unpredictable... moreColin Baker's tenure as the Doctor was brief, but coincided with one of DOCTOR WHO's most turbulent times. The programme's audience ratings were falling, its future was in doubt - particularly during an 18 month absence from the screen - and, in the end, Colin Baker's departure was abrupt and marked by recriminations. The 6th Doctor's personality seemed to reflect this uncertainty; he was moody and unpredictable.THE HANDBOOK: THE SIXTH DOCTOR contains a profile of Colin Baker, an analysis of the the development of the 6th Doctor, background information about the threats to the programme, and a crtitical review of all the TV stories, including what is known of the 1985 series that was never made.This is the 2nd in the Handbook series by David J. Howe, Mark Stammers and Stephen James Walker, the team that produced THE SIXTIES, the definitive book about DOCTOR WHO's early years. less

This book reveals previously unknown details about the seventh Doctor''s reign, which was an era of unpre cedented change for the programme. It includes a profile of the actor and a critical summary of each story in which he s tarred. '