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Doctor Who: A Celebration: Two Decades Through Time and Space
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 John 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 programme a second showing the following week. The response was tremendous and after a shaky start the series was all set to run and 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; Terrrance Dicks, ex-script 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 programme 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.
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; Terrrance Dicks, ex-script 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 programme 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.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
4 people are currently reading
203 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 20, 2017
One of the first big Doctor Who non-fiction books I ever owned. Although it seems quite basic now I've got fond memories of getting this for Christmas 1983 and devouring it.
May 16, 2015
I practically had this book memorized when I was in high school. I am proud to say that I could recite every episode title in order, from Doctor Who and an Unearthly Child to Doctor Who: The Five Doctors. There is a very rare, leather bound edition of this book which I saw being sold at a DW convention in 1984. I wanted to buy one, but they were crazy expensive.
April 11, 2015
In the time before the internet, this book was my only connection to the early years of Doctor Who. A great source of trivia, information about the creation of the show and plot summaries for lost episodes of the series.
January 10, 2021
I suppose it's inevitable that a book written nearly forty years ago, for the then twentieth anniversary of Doctor Who is now more of an historical document. Things have moved on - there have been multiple single episode stories, at least a partial return to historical and, quite frankly, Jon Nathan-Turner's assertion that there will never be a female Doctor is ludicrous based on current events.
Still, taken in the context of when it was written, this is an informative tome. Even the story guide section, which I mistakenly assumed would just be a brief guide to the stories themselves, turned out to be a minor minefield of facts, many of which I had forgotten (I first read this book on publication).
The essays by the five actors to have, at the time, played the Doctor, as well as various people involved in the making of the show, are nicely done, being their own words rather than interview-fed replies. (The late Hartnell is represented by quotations.) The history of the show, perhaps brief, is informative but, I have to say, the short diversion into the actual science of time travel left me scratching my head.
There are lists (episodes which exist in the archives, Target novelisations, etc) but not many. There are a couple of printing mistakes and the whole thing is written in quite "stiff upper lip" style that, perhaps, reflects the age of the book, but these are minor distractions.
Still, taken in the context of when it was written, this is an informative tome. Even the story guide section, which I mistakenly assumed would just be a brief guide to the stories themselves, turned out to be a minor minefield of facts, many of which I had forgotten (I first read this book on publication).
The essays by the five actors to have, at the time, played the Doctor, as well as various people involved in the making of the show, are nicely done, being their own words rather than interview-fed replies. (The late Hartnell is represented by quotations.) The history of the show, perhaps brief, is informative but, I have to say, the short diversion into the actual science of time travel left me scratching my head.
There are lists (episodes which exist in the archives, Target novelisations, etc) but not many. There are a couple of printing mistakes and the whole thing is written in quite "stiff upper lip" style that, perhaps, reflects the age of the book, but these are minor distractions.
January 25, 2021
Written in 1983, the book covers the original series through Season 20, the 5th Doctor's (Peter Davison) next-to-last season. Interesting, with insights from the first five doctors and others. But it is outdated, as illustrated by this quote by John Nathan-Turner: "But let me say that there was never a chance then - nor do I think there ever will be - that the Doctor could be played by a woman. Absolutely not!" Little did he know.
July 23, 2023
This book is the type of book that the internet has made largely obsolete, but I have such fond memories of watching Tom Baker when I was little that I had to find a copy once I learned of its existence.
April 13, 2013
It only feels like yesterday I received this book one Christmas but in actuality that was thirty years ago now - makes me feel damn old.
Seeing as 2013 is the much anticipated 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who I thought I would indulge my love of nostalgia and dive back into Doctor Who - A Celebration: Two Decades Through Time and Space for probably the third time in my life (yep, once a decade for me, never get tired of it.)
One of the things that I found so appealing about this book was the sense of wonder it gave me about all those missing episodes. Although some episodes have been found in the intervening years, quite a few of the Hartnell serials and the bulk of Troughton's era remain missing to this day. Yes, you can experience these adventures either through the Target novelisations, the tele-snap episodes made by fans or even listen to the audio soundtracks of the stories but they still wouldn't compare to actually laying your eyes on to them. Oh, why oh why did the BBC have to wipe those master tapes?!?!
Another sad thing to note is that since the publication of the book some of the contributors have also passed away, most notably Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Verity Lambert and Barry Letts.
All in all though this was a good old trip down memory lane :)
Seeing as 2013 is the much anticipated 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who I thought I would indulge my love of nostalgia and dive back into Doctor Who - A Celebration: Two Decades Through Time and Space for probably the third time in my life (yep, once a decade for me, never get tired of it.)
One of the things that I found so appealing about this book was the sense of wonder it gave me about all those missing episodes. Although some episodes have been found in the intervening years, quite a few of the Hartnell serials and the bulk of Troughton's era remain missing to this day. Yes, you can experience these adventures either through the Target novelisations, the tele-snap episodes made by fans or even listen to the audio soundtracks of the stories but they still wouldn't compare to actually laying your eyes on to them. Oh, why oh why did the BBC have to wipe those master tapes?!?!
Another sad thing to note is that since the publication of the book some of the contributors have also passed away, most notably Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Verity Lambert and Barry Letts.
All in all though this was a good old trip down memory lane :)
November 23, 2012
This book I found for sale randomly on the street in Archway and I'm SO glad I did. It's lovely!! It was released in 1983, shortly after Peter Davidson became the doctor (and ironically for now was filled with lots of "ooh isn't he a bit young to play the doctor, I'm sure he'll do well" type comments. But this book is brilliant for old who fans. Nice interviews with some of the people in charge, including all the doctors. It has fact about the characters, Gallifrey, a bio on all the companions, a complete episode guide for every episode (including which ones survived in the vaults and which didn't). It's a great reference and lots of fun to just sit and read cover to cover. I think I'll be enjoying this for years. (And am terribly jealous of those who've had it for the past 27!)
January 4, 2009
A great reference work covering the history of the first five Doctors.
Articles, and interviews, with all five actors, several of the main writers and directors. There are articles on a half dozen of the main monsters, a listing of all the companions ( K-9 even gets his own chapter.) and a really informative episode guide.
Love it, my copy has been thumbed through to the point that it's falling apart.
Articles, and interviews, with all five actors, several of the main writers and directors. There are articles on a half dozen of the main monsters, a listing of all the companions ( K-9 even gets his own chapter.) and a really informative episode guide.
Love it, my copy has been thumbed through to the point that it's falling apart.
Read
December 23, 2009"http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1331947.html[return][return]Most of the material is of course familiar to me from many other sources, but there is a particularly nice piece by Barry Letts. Lots of good illustrations too. Shame that Haining didn't get any contribution from Philip Hinchcliffe or Robert Holmes, but the pieces by Terrance Dicks and John Nathan-Turner are also above average."
April 16, 2011
For an entire generation of "Doctor Who" fandom, this was our bible to the series, past and (as of 1983) present. So many of the opinions expressed in this book became uncontested dogma...and it's been as much fun debating and re-evaluating preceived wisdom as it was READING about it in the first place! One of those books that I will always look upon with the rosiest of glows.
January 16, 2009
A wonderful history of the first two decades of Dr. Who and the characters and their personal stories too. For loving the Dr. Who series since the 80's, this was a great view of the characters of the series.
June 6, 2008
It's about five doctors behind, but still seems to be an interesting read...
Want to read
August 30, 2009Just picked this up at a garage sale for $2! couldn't pass it up!
August 21, 2011
good read worth owning
December 27, 2012
Great book that covers the first five Doctors, with a LOT of information about their various companions and adventures. Great for the old-school Whovian in your family!
November 23, 2014
1989 grade A
Non-fiction
Interesting: Good story lines
Non-fiction
Interesting: Good story lines
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews