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Doctor Who: The Women Who Lived
Meet the women who run the Whoniverse.
From Sarah Jane Smith to Bill Potts, from Susan Foreman to the Thirteenth Doctor, women are the beating heart of Doctor Who. Whether they’re facing down Daleks or thwarting a Nestene invasion, these women don’t hang around waiting to be rescued – they roll their sleeves up and get stuck in. Scientists and soldiers, queens and canteen workers, they don’t let anything hold them back.
Featuring historical women such as Agatha Christie and Queen Victoria alongside fan favourites like Rose Tyler and Missy, The Women Who Lived tells the stories of women throughout space and time. Beautifully illustrated by a team of all-female artists, this collection of inspirational tales celebrates the power of women to change the universe.
Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 15, 2021
It is was it says it is. A history of the major female companions of the Doctor throughout the history of the show. The physical quality of the book is excellent, the paper and the binding feel lovely in the hands. The book has been beautifully illustrated throughout, and in my opinion, the pictures are worth the price on their own.
Most hardcore fans will already have knowledge of the facts within the book, but I feel the book is aimed more at the younger audience who wish to learn more in an easy to read format which is also pleasant on the eyes.
Most hardcore fans will already have knowledge of the facts within the book, but I feel the book is aimed more at the younger audience who wish to learn more in an easy to read format which is also pleasant on the eyes.
September 27, 2018
This book is mostly a collection of short biographies of female characters on "Doctor Who" - companions and others. It is very well written and manages to condense a lot of information into a fairly short length. There are also illustrations of most of the characters; the illustrations are a bit hit-and-miss, IMHO. As a bonus, there are brief biographies of the Doctor himself (I mean herself!), and of Verity Lambert, the show's first producer. This book does reinforce the fact that "Doctor Who" has a tradition of strong female characters, starting with the very first female companion - Barbara Wright, a schoolteacher. And there have been a number of feisty companions since then - Sarah Jane Smith, Leela, Ace, etc. This book also highlights some characters that most of us might have forgotten, such as the unnamed "Hostess" in the episode "Midnight", who sacrifices her own life to save everyone else at the end of that episode. And there are sections on more recent characters such as UNIT's Osgood (and her Zygon double). I would recommend this book both to new fans of the series and to relics like myself who can remember watching it in black and white!!!!!
January 2, 2019
In honour of the Thirteenth Doctor, this book seeks to celebrate the women of Doctor Who, choosing a selection of the many female characters of this show, from both Classic and New!Who, organized in alphabetical order. Each entry includes a brief description of the character, written in story format (a summary of the plot in the episodes they appear in, especially focusing on their abilities, proactivity, intelligence, bravery and the like), as well as 1-2 illustrations by an all-female team of artists.
I love works about feminist representation of women, so this was a very enjoyable read, and also a very beautifully illustrated book. As cons I would say that some of the artwork were a bit hit-and-miss regarding the characters' resemblance, but in general I really liked most of them (and the level of sexualization was minimal as well, which is very refreshing). As for the text, I did not agree with a couple of interpretations, but in general I think Dee and Guerrier did a great job visibilizing and celebrating all these amazing Whovian women.
I love works about feminist representation of women, so this was a very enjoyable read, and also a very beautifully illustrated book. As cons I would say that some of the artwork were a bit hit-and-miss regarding the characters' resemblance, but in general I really liked most of them (and the level of sexualization was minimal as well, which is very refreshing). As for the text, I did not agree with a couple of interpretations, but in general I think Dee and Guerrier did a great job visibilizing and celebrating all these amazing Whovian women.
June 2, 2020
Easy read. Great fan art and information I pretty much already knew.
December 28, 2018
It's been a while since we had a satisfying "Doctor Who" coffee table book, and this new volume fits the bill...although it's better to describe it as a "story book". A series of almost fairy-tale-like profiles of the amazing women who have traveled with the Doctor (and now including the Doctor herself), they are accompanied by some lovely artwork portraits. A beautiful tribute to the female regular cast over the years, as well as some impressive guest stars.
June 30, 2019
I love these kind of books, snippets of inspirational people, fictional or real, to inspire the next generation. This one was focused on the fictional (and historical) women that were part of Doctor Who's life, in celebration of the first female doctor.
It was fun to be reminded about some of these characters and learn more about the ones I hadn't known much about as I haven't seen the older episodes they were from.
The illustrations were great, as were the summaries of the individuals, but I will warn you that if you haven't seen their episodes you will be spoiled for their adventures... so I would say it gives a bit too much detail and is also tedious in it's general setting out of "once upon a time there was a girl..... who met a strange man, called the doctor", or something to that affect. We know who the doctor is and so it got a little annoying and repetitive reading similar lines like that, after a while.
Other than that, it was a nice, easy read, adding more to my whovian knowledge.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
It was fun to be reminded about some of these characters and learn more about the ones I hadn't known much about as I haven't seen the older episodes they were from.
The illustrations were great, as were the summaries of the individuals, but I will warn you that if you haven't seen their episodes you will be spoiled for their adventures... so I would say it gives a bit too much detail and is also tedious in it's general setting out of "once upon a time there was a girl..... who met a strange man, called the doctor", or something to that affect. We know who the doctor is and so it got a little annoying and repetitive reading similar lines like that, after a while.
Other than that, it was a nice, easy read, adding more to my whovian knowledge.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
June 7, 2022
I think for anybody who's a "hardcore" fan, there probably isn't much new information to be gleaned from this but it's such a beautiful book with stunning illustrations that it's a worthwhile addition to any fan's bookshelf. As somebody who is a "NuWho" fan, it was really fascinating to learn about the crucial role that female characters have played in shaping the series across its entire run and the entry of Verity Ann Lambert as the first ever producer of Doctor Who was a lovely touch.
My only suggestion would have been the inclusion of time period and the Doctor/s that the character crossed paths with in each biography. A really wonderfully put together book though.
My only suggestion would have been the inclusion of time period and the Doctor/s that the character crossed paths with in each biography. A really wonderfully put together book though.
January 1, 2020
I absolutely loved the way that this book tells the stories of significant women characters in Doctor Who and it was an absolute joy to read. Also the illustrations are absolutely fantastic.
If you're a Doctor Who fan, I'd highly recommend picking this up.
If you're a Doctor Who fan, I'd highly recommend picking this up.
January 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this! The art was beautiful and it was great being reminded of all the fantastic female characters and learning about the ones from the classic era I unfortunately haven't met yet. There are so many great female characters in Doctor Who!
December 31, 2019
This book is just gorgeous!
December 23, 2018
It was okay but not what I was hoping for. Instead of being any sort of in-depth or behind-the-scenes look into the characters and/or actresses behind these women of Doctor Who; it is a simple; though well-written story-esque style; of mini-review of each character's time with the Doctor. Entries are laid out alphabetically and each gets 1-2 pages with a (rather artistically licensed) drawing or two. Only the Doctor gets 4 full pages of text plus drawings and since this seems to have gone into publishing before the title of her first episode was even known it contains not even one quote from her incarnation of the Doctor and her entry focuses a LOT on the Daleks: a creature she has not once encountered in her season on the show thus far. So the book lost a bit of draw for me for not having any actual pictures OR fun tid-bits from either the actresses or even about the episodes/shows/points in history characters were from which would make it more than just a high-school level "here's the brief plot of a book" compilation.
So, for me, this was disappointing. Aside from a few interesting reminders of characters who I'd not thought about for a while there was nothing in here I didn't already know and many drawings which were often VERY "artistic". This will only be "useful" or fun for someone who doesn't know the show well at all and wants a VERY quick and jaunty glimpse into a bunch of the female characters from the show (though with the caveat that unless one of the images associated with the entry contains a bit of the Doctor, you'll likely not know WHICH incarnation the character interacted with without having to look up the date of the episode they are listed on).
So, for me, this was disappointing. Aside from a few interesting reminders of characters who I'd not thought about for a while there was nothing in here I didn't already know and many drawings which were often VERY "artistic". This will only be "useful" or fun for someone who doesn't know the show well at all and wants a VERY quick and jaunty glimpse into a bunch of the female characters from the show (though with the caveat that unless one of the images associated with the entry contains a bit of the Doctor, you'll likely not know WHICH incarnation the character interacted with without having to look up the date of the episode they are listed on).
April 1, 2020
Doctor Who The Women Who Lived is a large coffee-table book with gorgeous full-color art for each character described in the book. But not only does it include all of the Doctor's awesome female companions - it also includes friends, acquaintances, and one-time "companions" from the various specials or single stories of Doctor Who. But unlike the title says - these are not simply the women who lived, because companions famous for dying such as Sara Kingdom and Katarina are included. The book also includes villains and enemies of the Doctor.
Doctor Who The Women Who Lived lists each woman it discusses alphabetically and starts the description of each person with "there was a girl who" and then something positive that defines that character. Even the enemies of the Doctor, such as Mercy (from "The Next Doctor") and Missy are given a positive spin, though their negative aspects are discussed eventually. Not only are careers discussed, but what made each person special and memorable to the Doctor and each person's special abilities and personality are discussed too.
Doctor Who The Women Who Lived is an excellent reference book about the Doctor's female companions - who they are, where they came from, their careers, and most importantly who they were as people that made them special and in the cases of most of these women - how they came to travel with the Doctor. However, it's a little unusual to read a discussion of Barbara without also discussing Ian or Zoë without discussing Jamie. The other unusual thing about the book is that in some cases the book reveals a character's entire fate it a way that may spoil a story if one hasn't seen it. The entry for Samantha Briggs ("The Faceless Ones") is especially bad this way. And it's a hefty coffee-table book with beautiful art. This book is a must-have for any Doctor Who fan and makes for an excellent gift for young women. Highly recommended.
Doctor Who The Women Who Lived lists each woman it discusses alphabetically and starts the description of each person with "there was a girl who" and then something positive that defines that character. Even the enemies of the Doctor, such as Mercy (from "The Next Doctor") and Missy are given a positive spin, though their negative aspects are discussed eventually. Not only are careers discussed, but what made each person special and memorable to the Doctor and each person's special abilities and personality are discussed too.
Doctor Who The Women Who Lived is an excellent reference book about the Doctor's female companions - who they are, where they came from, their careers, and most importantly who they were as people that made them special and in the cases of most of these women - how they came to travel with the Doctor. However, it's a little unusual to read a discussion of Barbara without also discussing Ian or Zoë without discussing Jamie. The other unusual thing about the book is that in some cases the book reveals a character's entire fate it a way that may spoil a story if one hasn't seen it. The entry for Samantha Briggs ("The Faceless Ones") is especially bad this way. And it's a hefty coffee-table book with beautiful art. This book is a must-have for any Doctor Who fan and makes for an excellent gift for young women. Highly recommended.
December 5, 2018
I believe the audience for this book skews a bit younger. I would say it's the perfect reading level for early middle school. Don't expect any sort of analysis or complex thoughts about the characters here. In fact, the biographies of the women chosen to be included gloss over a lot of the problems Doctor Who writers have had writing women and the way those characters were treated. Yes, some of it is because the show is a product of its time, but that's not acknowledged in this book.
One thing this book did highlight, for me, is how absolutely convoluted Stephen Moffat's plots were (and RTD's to some extent). Reading the summary of what a singular character went through in an episode he wrote made me shake my head fairly often.
A ton of women are included in this book. I'm not sure why every single small role needed to be included (except for Gwen Cooper who is in the section of the 'almost made it in' characters. WTF!?), but if this book were limited to female characters that had a substantial role in the series it would be a lot slimmer.
One thing this book did highlight, for me, is how absolutely convoluted Stephen Moffat's plots were (and RTD's to some extent). Reading the summary of what a singular character went through in an episode he wrote made me shake my head fairly often.
A ton of women are included in this book. I'm not sure why every single small role needed to be included (except for Gwen Cooper who is in the section of the 'almost made it in' characters. WTF!?), but if this book were limited to female characters that had a substantial role in the series it would be a lot slimmer.
January 27, 2019
I love the idea of this book more than the book itself.
Clearly inspired by Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, the concept is brilliant. I adored that book. Doctor Who is fantastic (though I did fall out of love with it when Moffat took over). The two together should be wonderful.
Where I loved the artwork mostly, I found the storytelling a bit... meh. With some of the stories it comes across as if we’re celebrating The Doctor who these women happened to have had adventures with rather than celebrating the women themselves. To me it feels like the focus is on women adoring this man, and their relationships with other men, more than their stories and what they did. Which is a shame. It also has a couple of mistakes too which is just lazy writing.
Maybe I’m just being picky. 2.5 stars.
Clearly inspired by Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, the concept is brilliant. I adored that book. Doctor Who is fantastic (though I did fall out of love with it when Moffat took over). The two together should be wonderful.
Where I loved the artwork mostly, I found the storytelling a bit... meh. With some of the stories it comes across as if we’re celebrating The Doctor who these women happened to have had adventures with rather than celebrating the women themselves. To me it feels like the focus is on women adoring this man, and their relationships with other men, more than their stories and what they did. Which is a shame. It also has a couple of mistakes too which is just lazy writing.
Maybe I’m just being picky. 2.5 stars.
September 19, 2019
Lovely collection of simply-written stories (so many SPOILERS sweetie) of interesting female characters from the history of Doctor Who, matched with some glorious artwork by a huge range of talented female artists: every character has a full 1 or 2 page illustration dedicated to her.
I really like how the Classic and New stories are mixed up equally (the book is in alphabetical order by first name), and all the different styles. I also like that a lot of the modern fan narrative reclaiming certain female characters (who had been villified/mocked by previous generations of fans) leads the charge here, with overwhelming positive messages.
(Wow, though, so many of them die at the end, SO MANY)
I really like how the Classic and New stories are mixed up equally (the book is in alphabetical order by first name), and all the different styles. I also like that a lot of the modern fan narrative reclaiming certain female characters (who had been villified/mocked by previous generations of fans) leads the charge here, with overwhelming positive messages.
(Wow, though, so many of them die at the end, SO MANY)
November 25, 2018
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3107111.html
This is a lovely book produced in time for the new Doctor, celebrating 100 (plus a few more) of the strong women characters of both Old and New Who (Pauline Collins is in it twice, for characters she played 39 years apart). It is gorgeously illustrated by 21 different artists (none of them men, as far as I could tell by the names), with the standout being Valentina Mozzo, also the most frequently used. It would be a great gateway drug to get fans of the Thirteenth Doctor to take an interest in the previous 55 years of the series. Just nice to have on the shelves too.
This is a lovely book produced in time for the new Doctor, celebrating 100 (plus a few more) of the strong women characters of both Old and New Who (Pauline Collins is in it twice, for characters she played 39 years apart). It is gorgeously illustrated by 21 different artists (none of them men, as far as I could tell by the names), with the standout being Valentina Mozzo, also the most frequently used. It would be a great gateway drug to get fans of the Thirteenth Doctor to take an interest in the previous 55 years of the series. Just nice to have on the shelves too.
March 15, 2021
I'll be honest, I got this because I adore one of the artists that contributed. It's a good coffee table book to pick up and flock through and reacquaint yourself with some of the female characters that have popped up during the decades.
Some of the art styles aren't my jam, and the character/historical figure synopses are very simplistic in their tone - more suited toward the teenage fan or the family of fans than a fan who wants a bit more in-depth reference.
The biggest failing though is that it only discusses what Missy did in that incarnation rather than taking the same approach as the Doctor's entry and telling her entire story.
Some of the art styles aren't my jam, and the character/historical figure synopses are very simplistic in their tone - more suited toward the teenage fan or the family of fans than a fan who wants a bit more in-depth reference.
The biggest failing though is that it only discusses what Missy did in that incarnation rather than taking the same approach as the Doctor's entry and telling her entire story.
October 26, 2018
I loved this book so much & I’m really happy I took my time with it; the illustrators have done an incredible job & Christel & Simon have summed up some of my favourite characters wonderfully.
Reading about some of the adventures of the woman in the original Doctor Who series has made me want to binge every episode right from the very beginning so I can learn more about these wonderful women & their fantastic journeys. This is an absolute must-have for any Whovian.
Extended Review to follow.
Reading about some of the adventures of the woman in the original Doctor Who series has made me want to binge every episode right from the very beginning so I can learn more about these wonderful women & their fantastic journeys. This is an absolute must-have for any Whovian.
Extended Review to follow.
October 12, 2019
I'm a good 30 years too old for this but I actually found it quite fun and engaging. I've only really watched "new Who", so it was interesting to find out about some iconic female characters of "old who". Importantly, they've thrown in some villians as well as the companions/one-story heroines. If this meant as an empowering book for young girls, then the message should be that women are just as capable of making poor decisions/being selfish as men are!
Strictly for Doctor Who fans only though. A lot of things you're not going understand if you've never seen the programme!
Strictly for Doctor Who fans only though. A lot of things you're not going understand if you've never seen the programme!
July 11, 2020
An illustrated volume of the Doctor's most predominate female companions. Don't let the title fool you, not all of them lived.
If you're a fan of Doctor Who and of books like Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics, you'll probably like this one.
If you're a fan of Doctor Who and of books like Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics, you'll probably like this one.
October 8, 2018
This book is BRILLIANT! It tells you about all the great female characters the Doctor has met and I can tell you, there are a lot. When I came to read about my favourites River and Rose I couldn't stop myself to read their parts again and again. This book is filled with many beautiful illustrations which you love to look at. Sometimes the authors of this book even added some beautiful quotes to the characters story. Now if you excuse me... I Think I have to start watching classic who!
December 14, 2020
A series of different illustrations, by different female artists, featuring the different women throughout Doctor Who. As a newer fan of the long-running series, it was great getting to see and learn more about the older female characters while also getting to appreciate the newer ones I am familiar with. Especially fitting now that the current Doctor themselves is female-presenting! It will be interesting to see as more episodes come out with the addition of newer female characters.
November 21, 2023
A fun book to skim through with just enough information on some characters to get you interested and point you in the right directions to find out more.
What let’s this book down the most for me is the artwork. Some pieces are very good, some are absolutely terrible and barely look like the actress who played the character it’s meant to look like (at least when it’s supposed to look realistic, if there’s a more cartoony style it’s fine that they don’t look 100%).
What let’s this book down the most for me is the artwork. Some pieces are very good, some are absolutely terrible and barely look like the actress who played the character it’s meant to look like (at least when it’s supposed to look realistic, if there’s a more cartoony style it’s fine that they don’t look 100%).
October 27, 2018
Little biographies in the vein of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls which works with the same idea of providing a brief insight into the impact of each of the female characters that have travelled with the Doctor, helped him on his adventures or been an antagonist. There is a real great mix of characters some better known than others that really informs and entertains.
January 22, 2020
O livro é uma enciclopédia com algumas das personagens femininas mais marcantes de Doctor Who - tanto a série clássica quanto a nova.
Ele ainda conta com uma série de ilustrações magníficas, retratando cada personagem abordada.
O único problema desse livro é conseguir se controlar para não reassistir tudo de novo. Ainda que eu não goste da Rose e da Clara, é interessante relembrar os personagens.
Ele ainda conta com uma série de ilustrações magníficas, retratando cada personagem abordada.
O único problema desse livro é conseguir se controlar para não reassistir tudo de novo. Ainda que eu não goste da Rose e da Clara, é interessante relembrar os personagens.
September 17, 2021
While I enjoyed all the information about the females characters in the Who-verse in this book, the fact that 21 great illustrators with different styles, detracted from my enjoyment somewhat. Great book but I guess I'm a grumpy old man who likes continuity and I did not see that in the illustrations
October 5, 2025
Super cute and thoughtful for who fans. I liked learning about the different female characters through the years and liked the inclusion of Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor at the end, making it feel like this new regeneration was inspired by all the women who the doctor kept close to their heart. Lovely and fun!
November 11, 2018
Bit like Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, Doctor Who edition. Wasn’t expecting that when I bought it, but the book is 100% worth it for the illustrations and is, of course, lovely bedtime reading, even for a grownup.
November 12, 2018
5 out of 5 stars.
This book was great!
I genuinely loved it and each of the characters discussed. It was so intriguing learning about all the feisty and brilliant women who have appeared in Doctor Who over the years. Plus the majority of the artwork was stunning.
Loved it.
This book was great!
I genuinely loved it and each of the characters discussed. It was so intriguing learning about all the feisty and brilliant women who have appeared in Doctor Who over the years. Plus the majority of the artwork was stunning.
Loved it.
March 8, 2019
This book was amazing! I loved reading about the women that have been on Doctor Who, I also loved how they included illustrations of them!!! I don’t think they forgot anyone at all! This was an amazing read, would totally recommend to someone, and I would definitely read it again!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews