What do you think?
Rate this book
Doctor Who: The Key to Time - A Year by Year Record
Doctor Who is not just another television programme. It is a familiar and much-loved British institution that after more than twenty years continues to enjoy enormous success both at home and abroad.
The Key to Time marks the programme's coming of age — twenty-one years old on 23 November 1984. Peter Haining has adopted the novel technique of exploring the history of the series through key dates in its many life-cycles. He demonstrates — with extensive reference to files kept in the Doctor Who Production Office — how much a part of British life the programme has become, and how the impact of this extraordinary phenomenon has travelled further afield. He traces the many changes the series has undergone since the first episode was broadcast in November 1963 — not only in terms of regenerated Doctors but also new methods of programme-making. The beginning of the Jon Pertwee era coincided with the switchover from black-and-white to colour, but Peter Haining also gives details of how many of the special effects were achieved, and how this initially modest television series pioneered techniques used in the multi-million-dollar Star Wars.
The enthusiastic support of viewers all over the world has contributed to Doctor Who's long and happy life, and The Key to Time includes tributes from fans in Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States, in the form of drawings and sketches inspired by the series.
This extensively illustrated special publication, with twenty-four pages of colour photographs, is a superb follow-up to the runaway success of W.H. Allen's Doctor Who: A Celebration.
The Key to Time marks the programme's coming of age — twenty-one years old on 23 November 1984. Peter Haining has adopted the novel technique of exploring the history of the series through key dates in its many life-cycles. He demonstrates — with extensive reference to files kept in the Doctor Who Production Office — how much a part of British life the programme has become, and how the impact of this extraordinary phenomenon has travelled further afield. He traces the many changes the series has undergone since the first episode was broadcast in November 1963 — not only in terms of regenerated Doctors but also new methods of programme-making. The beginning of the Jon Pertwee era coincided with the switchover from black-and-white to colour, but Peter Haining also gives details of how many of the special effects were achieved, and how this initially modest television series pioneered techniques used in the multi-million-dollar Star Wars.
The enthusiastic support of viewers all over the world has contributed to Doctor Who's long and happy life, and The Key to Time includes tributes from fans in Britain, Australia, Canada and the United States, in the form of drawings and sketches inspired by the series.
This extensively illustrated special publication, with twenty-four pages of colour photographs, is a superb follow-up to the runaway success of W.H. Allen's Doctor Who: A Celebration.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1984
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Peter Haining
331 books99 followersPeter Alexander Haining was an English journalist, author and anthologist who lived and worked in Suffolk. Born in Enfield, Middlesex, he began his career as a reporter in Essex and then moved to London where he worked on a trade magazine before joining the publishing house of New English Library.
Haining achieved the position of Editorial Director before becoming a full time writer in the early Seventies. He edited a large number of anthologies, predominantly of horror and fantasy short stories, wrote non-fiction books on a variety of topics from the Channel Tunnel to Sweeney Todd and also used the pen names "Ric Alexander" and "Richard Peyton" on a number of crime story anthologies. In the Seventies he wrote three novels, including The Hero (1973), which was optioned for filming.
In two controversial books, Haining argued that Sweeney Todd was a real historical figure who committed his crimes around 1800, was tried in December 1801, and was hanged in January 1802. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to back Haining's claims. A check of the website Old Bailey at for "Associated Records 1674-1834" for an alleged trial in December 1801 and hanging of Sweeney Todd for January 1802 show no reference; in fact the only murder trial for this period is that of a Governor/Lt Col. Joseph Wall who was hanged 28 January 1802 for killing a Benjamin Armstrong 10 July 1782 in "Goree" Africa and the discharge of a Humphrey White in January 1802. Strong reservations have also been expressed regarding the reliability of another of Haining's influential non-fiction works, The Legend and Bizarre Crimes of Spring Heeled Jack.
He wrote several reference books on Doctor Who, including the 20th anniversary special Doctor Who: A Celebration Two Decades Through Time and Space (1983), and also wrote the definitive study of Sherlock Holmes on the screen, The Television Sherlock Holmes (1991) and several other television tie-ins featuring famous literary characters, including Maigret, Poirot and James Bond. Peter Haining's most recent project was a series of World War Two stories based on extensive research and personal interviews: The Jail That Went To Sea (2003), The Mystery of Rommel's Gold (2004), Where The Eagle Landed (2004), The Chianti Raiders (2005) and The Banzai Hunters (2007).
He won the British Fantasy Awards Karl Edward Wagner Award in 2001.
Haining achieved the position of Editorial Director before becoming a full time writer in the early Seventies. He edited a large number of anthologies, predominantly of horror and fantasy short stories, wrote non-fiction books on a variety of topics from the Channel Tunnel to Sweeney Todd and also used the pen names "Ric Alexander" and "Richard Peyton" on a number of crime story anthologies. In the Seventies he wrote three novels, including The Hero (1973), which was optioned for filming.
In two controversial books, Haining argued that Sweeney Todd was a real historical figure who committed his crimes around 1800, was tried in December 1801, and was hanged in January 1802. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to back Haining's claims. A check of the website Old Bailey at for "Associated Records 1674-1834" for an alleged trial in December 1801 and hanging of Sweeney Todd for January 1802 show no reference; in fact the only murder trial for this period is that of a Governor/Lt Col. Joseph Wall who was hanged 28 January 1802 for killing a Benjamin Armstrong 10 July 1782 in "Goree" Africa and the discharge of a Humphrey White in January 1802. Strong reservations have also been expressed regarding the reliability of another of Haining's influential non-fiction works, The Legend and Bizarre Crimes of Spring Heeled Jack.
He wrote several reference books on Doctor Who, including the 20th anniversary special Doctor Who: A Celebration Two Decades Through Time and Space (1983), and also wrote the definitive study of Sherlock Holmes on the screen, The Television Sherlock Holmes (1991) and several other television tie-ins featuring famous literary characters, including Maigret, Poirot and James Bond. Peter Haining's most recent project was a series of World War Two stories based on extensive research and personal interviews: The Jail That Went To Sea (2003), The Mystery of Rommel's Gold (2004), Where The Eagle Landed (2004), The Chianti Raiders (2005) and The Banzai Hunters (2007).
He won the British Fantasy Awards Karl Edward Wagner Award in 2001.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 2, 2020
Doctor Who The Key To Time, by Peter Haining, is a year-by-year record celebrating the show's 21st anniversary. The history of the series is explored through key dates. This book is written in the style of a diary, beginning in 1963 and ending in 1984. Haining, through the use of files from the Doctor Who production office, covers a wide range of topics. This book gives details on the many regeneration's of the Doctor, the comings and goings of the numerous companions, and the enemies of the Doctor. Also, Haining discusses the technical aspects of the show. Special effects and programming decisions to name a few.
This is a very good book for any Doctor Who fan. There are numerous color pictures and many drawings and sketches submitted by the fans of the show. It was enjoyable being able to see what happened behind the scenes of Doctor Who. There is a chance to read about the thoughts and decisions of the actors and writers of this marvelous show. I also enjoyed reading about the landmarks and historic moments that shaped this wonderful show and I believe that any fan of Doctor Who would also enjoy this book. If you are a Who fan and you can find this book it is definitely worth buying.
This is a very good book for any Doctor Who fan. There are numerous color pictures and many drawings and sketches submitted by the fans of the show. It was enjoyable being able to see what happened behind the scenes of Doctor Who. There is a chance to read about the thoughts and decisions of the actors and writers of this marvelous show. I also enjoyed reading about the landmarks and historic moments that shaped this wonderful show and I believe that any fan of Doctor Who would also enjoy this book. If you are a Who fan and you can find this book it is definitely worth buying.
August 24, 2008
This was my bible in 7th and 8th grade! I knew it back and forth.
I've honored its history by having surviving Doctor Who actors sign it whenever I get a chance to meet them, kind of like a yearbook.
I've honored its history by having surviving Doctor Who actors sign it whenever I get a chance to meet them, kind of like a yearbook.
November 21, 2020
The first attempt to tell the creative & production history of "Doctor Who" as a diary & oral history. Considering the amount of information that has come to light since 1984, and the numerous superb non-fiction books that have followed, this volume holds up very well...and at the time, in the pre-historic, pre-internet era, it was a revelation. About the only thing that still bothers me about this book is that the interior design feels amateurish & slapdash, compared to the Peter Haining volumes that precede and succeed it. Another golden slice of nostalgia from my younger days.
December 17, 2022
This is an excellent book. Got it for Christmas when I was younger and this is one of the first times I learned of the 4th Doctor Who actor Tom Baker marrying companion Romana 2 actor Lalla Ward. Their marriage didn”t last long. Tom just told Lalla that he was bored.
Lalla Ward, whenever asked who her favourite Doctor Who monster is, always responds - Tom Baker.
There was a political style cartoon drawn of the Fourth Doctor marrying Romana II with aliens in the pews in attendance in this book. There was also a large closeup colour photo that took up a page of Tom and Lalla with Lalla wearing a white dress from Shada, the unfinished story due to BBC workers on strike. This picture made you wonder if it was an actual picture of them getting married. A scene in The Five Doctors story has a scene where Lalla is wearing this dress to reveal otherwords. This scene was taken from Shada and may be the first time I saw a scene from it. It was used because Tom Baker didn’t want to revise his role of the 4th Doctor so soon,
Shada was eventually released on VHS with Tom Baker visually linking scenes with narration where scenes were not filmed. On Doctor Who: The Animation Collection 2 DVD set Tom Baker is animated. I believe there is another release that has Paul McGann doing the 8th Doctor’s voice instead of Tom Baker doing the fourth Doctor’s for this story with Lalla Ward doing Romana’s voice. I guess they just didn’t want to put Tom and Lalla together again. Better down that road, without that load.
There is also a picture in this book of The Five Doctors together with Tom Baker’s Madame Tussauds mannequin standing in for him. This is also one of the first times I saw a image of them all together.
Peter Hanning
Lalla Ward, whenever asked who her favourite Doctor Who monster is, always responds - Tom Baker.
There was a political style cartoon drawn of the Fourth Doctor marrying Romana II with aliens in the pews in attendance in this book. There was also a large closeup colour photo that took up a page of Tom and Lalla with Lalla wearing a white dress from Shada, the unfinished story due to BBC workers on strike. This picture made you wonder if it was an actual picture of them getting married. A scene in The Five Doctors story has a scene where Lalla is wearing this dress to reveal otherwords. This scene was taken from Shada and may be the first time I saw a scene from it. It was used because Tom Baker didn’t want to revise his role of the 4th Doctor so soon,
Shada was eventually released on VHS with Tom Baker visually linking scenes with narration where scenes were not filmed. On Doctor Who: The Animation Collection 2 DVD set Tom Baker is animated. I believe there is another release that has Paul McGann doing the 8th Doctor’s voice instead of Tom Baker doing the fourth Doctor’s for this story with Lalla Ward doing Romana’s voice. I guess they just didn’t want to put Tom and Lalla together again. Better down that road, without that load.
There is also a picture in this book of The Five Doctors together with Tom Baker’s Madame Tussauds mannequin standing in for him. This is also one of the first times I saw a image of them all together.
Peter Hanning
May 3, 2020
Great fun. Although, I was surprised to see so little of the book dedicated to the actual "Key to Time" series from the Tom Baker years. I mean, that the Doctor herself is, or has, the key to time is a clever play on words.
Even if you are a big Dr. Who fan, I'm certain you will find things you didn't previously know, by reading this book. Lots of very interesting behind the scenes notes here, taking the reader from the genesis of the show, through five regenerations, two Dr. Who movies with Peter Cushing playing the eponymous role, a 10th and 20th anniversary special and all major changes in cast.
Some parts read pretty tone deaf in 2020, such as the objectification of the female companions. It is great to see actual quotes from newspaper stories about the goings on with the show, it brings you back to when the classic Who was being first made.
I myself started watching on PBS in the US in the early 80's, when the Tom Baker stories were shown. As with most Whovians, "my doctor" is Tom. Unlike many Whovians, I can find something to like about every actor to have played the part.
If you like classic Doctor Who, you will like this.
Even if you are a big Dr. Who fan, I'm certain you will find things you didn't previously know, by reading this book. Lots of very interesting behind the scenes notes here, taking the reader from the genesis of the show, through five regenerations, two Dr. Who movies with Peter Cushing playing the eponymous role, a 10th and 20th anniversary special and all major changes in cast.
Some parts read pretty tone deaf in 2020, such as the objectification of the female companions. It is great to see actual quotes from newspaper stories about the goings on with the show, it brings you back to when the classic Who was being first made.
I myself started watching on PBS in the US in the early 80's, when the Tom Baker stories were shown. As with most Whovians, "my doctor" is Tom. Unlike many Whovians, I can find something to like about every actor to have played the part.
If you like classic Doctor Who, you will like this.
January 12, 2022
Imagine taking all the facts, interviews, reviews and news related to (sometimes only peripherally) the first 21 years of Doctor Who, covering three of its main markets, trimming them down to a few per year, then organising them into a (sort of) diary format, presenting the history of the show in a series of snippets.
That's what you get with this book. The facts are a mix of the well and lesser known and there's little in the way of repetition. It's not a full history but, back in the eighties, it was pretty much all you got outside of the dedicated publications of the DWAS.
The main problem, for me, is the presentation - not only is the layout sometimes "off" with, for example, the date heading appearing on one page but the text entry on the next - but there's a lack, outside of a few colour pages, of photos, with the main picture content being a selection of fan art, which varies from excellent to really pretty poor.
For context, this was a re-read, chosen at random from my non-fiction shelf by my wife. I originally bought and read it on publication.
That's what you get with this book. The facts are a mix of the well and lesser known and there's little in the way of repetition. It's not a full history but, back in the eighties, it was pretty much all you got outside of the dedicated publications of the DWAS.
The main problem, for me, is the presentation - not only is the layout sometimes "off" with, for example, the date heading appearing on one page but the text entry on the next - but there's a lack, outside of a few colour pages, of photos, with the main picture content being a selection of fan art, which varies from excellent to really pretty poor.
For context, this was a re-read, chosen at random from my non-fiction shelf by my wife. I originally bought and read it on publication.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
A chronical of fun facts for the whovian. This timeline gives perspective to what made the series successful. Creative changes both in front of and behind the camera over the years allowed the character to change and grow, without losing the cohesive feel of the doctor's story.
September 11, 2012
Basically, the diary of Doctor Who, detailing day to day highlights and happenings in the show. Chock full of information and obscure details, such as January 27th 1968, the first and only time that the Doctor appears after the end credits (of the last episode of The Enemy of the World to talk about next weeks story (featuring the Yeti). I wonder if this rare footage still exists?
December 10, 2010
Facinating look behind Doctor Who
September 22, 2011
I Love This Book!
November 23, 2014
1989 grade C
Non-fiction
Diary of Dr Who events in Great Britain
Non-fiction
Diary of Dr Who events in Great Britain
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews