The Handbook: The Unofficial And Unauthorised Guide To The Production Of Doctor Who by David J. Howe, Stephen James Walker and Mark Stammers
01/08/2005 . Source: Geoff Willmetts 
pub: Telos. 815 page enlarged paperback. Price: £14.99 (UK), $29.95 (US), $35.95 (CAN). ISBN: 1-903889-59-6. 815 page delux hardback. Price: £30.00 (UK), $59.95 (US), $64.95 (CAN). ISBN: 1-903889-96-0. Buy from Amazon US - Buy from Amazon UK
nb: US titles may only be available from Amazon US, and UK titles from Amazon UK. check out website: www.telos.co.uk
When I first saw the size of this book, even I felt a little daunted, especially as there were no pictures, a particular problem with unauthorised books. Don't you just want something to break up the text? Having said that, this book is of historical interest that goes beyond those who have an interest in 'Doctor Who'. It gives a lot of insight into the workings of the BBC and studio management through the decades from the big lumbering cameras from yesteryear to the Steadi-cams of today and I'm barely describing what can be found here.
This handbook was originally released in 7 volumes but revised and combined for this book. Each section is devoted to each of the Doctors. What I found most odd was how successive sections had fewer pages. Logistically, you'd have thought it might have been tougher to bring things together with the earlier years when modern day would have been better documented. On the other hand, a lot also depends on how easy it was to get info from the production side and reading between the lines, I got the feeling that the producer, the late John Nathan-Turner, wasn't exactly happy to oblige.
For each section, you get insights about each actor who played the Doctor both from themselves and those who knew them, significant companions, directors and scriptwriters and a breakdown example of what was done one particular story example - a voiceover without the story if you like. These alone will probably have you dashing off to get them out or buy the DVD release when it happens. There is also plenty of areas covering fan interest development across the world and how the various series were shown there. Feel sorry for Australiasia, as they had more than their fair share of censor cuts. The Ozzies and Kiwis don't half molly-colly their youngsters.
This isn't the kind of book you will want to sit down and read in one sitting. Indeed, I felt it wiser to take a break between each section to digest what I've read. I suspect the same will also be true of you Who fans who will also undoubtedly read a few times and then use as a ready-reference for facts to spell-bound or not your nearest and dearest for obscure facts. With the up-surgence of interest in all things 'Doctor Who', the release of this book is a good reminder to all of the history of Britain's longest running SF series.
GF Willmetts |
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