Doctor Who: The Legend

by Justin Richards

Doctor Who: The Legend is a large format, lavishly illustrated book, published to celebrate forty years of the UK's most popular science-fiction series. This epic publication takes the reader on a journey through four decades of TV history, covering every one of the TV stories. Each entry includes a summary of events, new facts about the characters and fascinating behind-the-scenes information. Stunningly illustrated with a vast collection of photographs, including previously unseen pictures from archives and private collections, the book is a must-have - not only for Doctor Who fans, but also for anyone who has a fondness for the show. As well as providing a unique overview of the series, it includes features on the make-up, special effects and merchandise that have all contributed to the Doctor Who legend. From our first glimpse of the TARDIS in a junkyard on a cold November evening in 1963 to Paul McGann's portrayal of the Eighth Doctor, Doctor Who: The Legend is a comprehensive, stylish and evocative guide to forty years of tea-time travel. 500 full-color and black & white photos.

Genres: Doctor Who, Science Fiction, Reference

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Justin Richards is a British writer. He has written many spin off novels based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, and he is Creative Director for the BBC Books range. He has also written for television, contributing to Five's soap opera Family Affairs. He is also the author of a series of crime novels for children about the Invisible Detective, and novels for older children. His Doctor Who novel The Burning was placed sixth in the Top 10 of SFX magazine's "Best SF/Fantasy novelisation or TV tie-in novel" category of 2000.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was produced by BBC Books to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Doctor Who. It's not as detailed as some other books about the show, but it makes up for it by featuring many photographs illustrating the shows history as well as being extremely well designed. This is the sort of book that is an essential purchase for more recent converts to the series who may have missed out on now out-of-print non-fiction hardcover volumes written by authors like Peter Haining, David J Howe and Stephen James Walker, etc over the last few decades. And unlike those books, this book is right up to date, featuring coverage of the 2003 webcast story starring Richard E.Grant called 'The Scream Of The Shalka' and mentioning the upcoming new television series.
If you already have a multitude of books about the series filling up your bookcase, then you could probably give this book a miss as it doesn't offer up any new information...but if you are a casual fan or someone who's new to Doctor Who fandom then you'll love this book. Even if you are a longtime fan, you may still appreciate this lavishly illustrated and handsome volume.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated to coincide with the Ecclestone series, this lavish guide covers every televised story from 1963 - 2005.

This book is perfect for those that have recently discovered the series and want to see the older episodes. There’s detail synopsis of all the classic era serial, ideal for those that want to start buying them on DVD.

[C. Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coffee-table book of the nerdiest kind, Doctor Who: The Legend Continues is a beautiful piece of work. Glossy and colorful, with a dynamic layout, this hefty volume delves into the strangeness and charm of the world's longest-running science fiction series, and does so in style. While every episode of the show (from the beginning, all the way back in 1963, to the end of the 2005 season) is given its moment in the spotlight, this isn't an episode guide, nor is it exactly a tell-all, behind-the-scenes examination of the show's production. Instead, author Justin Richards has chosen to focus on the evolution of the program and its characters, paying particular attention to the slow-but-steady stream of information that has gradually defined the mysterious Doctor and his intrepid companions. It's an interesting approach for a retrospective book, and a welcome departure from the often dry recitations of minutiae that tend to dominate most episode guides.

Loaded with photographs (including many taken from episodes long since lost from the BBC's archives), Doctor Who: The Legend Continues belongs in the collection of every Doctor Who fan, new and old alike.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book just skims the surface of one of the longest tv shows....and one of my favorites!

[Barry Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mammoth task completed. A resume of every episode from Unearthly Child to Parting of the Ways. Not a complete guide, very little behind the scenes stuff but an enjoyable romp for a devotee!