About Time 5: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press)) [Paperback]

Lawrence Miles (Author), Tat Wood (Author)

Book Description

Series: About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press) | Publication Date: June 30, 2005

Constituting the largest reference work on "Doctor Who" ever written, the six-volume "About Time" strives to become the ultimate reference guide to the world's longest-running science fiction program. Written by Lawrence Miles ("Faction Paradox") and long-time sci-fi commentator Tat Wood, "About Time" focuses on the continuity of "Doctor Who" (its characters, alien races and the like), but also examines the show as a work of social commentary. In particular, Miles and Wood dissect the politics and social issues that shaped the show during its unprecedented 26-year run (from 1963 to 1989), detailing how the issues of the day influenced this series. As part of this grand opus, About Time 5 examines "Doctor Who" Seasons 18 to 21 (1980 to 1984)-the end of Tom Baker's time with the show, the whole of the Peter Davison era and the introduction of Colin Baker as the Doctor. Among other things, About Time 5 answers such vitally important "Who" questions as "Why Are There So Many Doubles in the Universe?", "Which Stories Have the Best Body-Counts?"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lawrence Miles is the author of. hold on. yeah, eight novels now, and is best-known for creating the time-bending "Faction Paradox" series. Recovering academic Tat Wood is the person most compilers of previous guidebooks went to for advice and cultural context. Despite having written for just about every major fanzine going, he has a rich, full and complex life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Mad Norwegian Press (June 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975944649
• ISBN-13: 978-0975944646
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #947,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly Enjoyable - No Doctor Who fan should be without it, February 14, 2006

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R. David Francis "SFF and comics fan" (Columbus OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: About Time 5: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press)) (Paperback)

Since I don't see a detailed review of this here, I'll record a few of my thoughts.

I first saw Doctor Who on my local PBS station, probably around 1980. I have been a fan every since. In fact, when I got married it became a passion that my wife and I shared, and my 17-year-old son has enjoyed it for as long as he can remember. Currently, we only have those episodes of the original series that have been released on DVD here in the US.

This book reviews Doctor Who seasons 18-21. That covers the final season of the Fourth Doctor (tall, curly brown hair, long scarf), the entirety of the Fifth Doctor's work (medium build, thinning blond hair, wore a white suit with celery on the lapel), and the first story of the Sixth Doctor (tall, curly blond hair, wore an (almost?) painfully technicolor ensemble).

The <u>About Time</u> series notes when each Doctor Who story was first broadcast; the credited cast members (and who they were); the number of viewers for each episode of the story; how people are most likely to remember which one this is; and the cliffhanger moments ending each episode. More importantly, it covers the continuity of the series: revealed facts about the history and background of not only the Doctor and his companions, but of other significant recurring characters (not just allies, but villains as well); details about each planet, and each alien race, including the Time Lords themselves; and even a breakdown of important facts about the TARDIS. It also lays out what each story is really about, looking at the influence of the time in which the story was written, English culture, and other SF sources. It provides a critique (sometimes two!) of each story, and interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits. Finally, almost every story is accompanied by a detailed sidebar essay into the background of the show, attempts to resolve conflicting information given in the show, and ponderings into both physics and metaphysics.

It's a fascinating look at, into, behind, and through each story, where you may be presented with the real-world reason for an oddity alongside an analysis of how it can still all fit together in the context of the show.

I enjoyed this immensely. I rarely read something twice in quick succession, but I'm about to re-read this after only finishing it about six months ago, in anticipation of getting the next volume.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Baker Davison Baker (and JN-T), April 21, 2009

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Timothy Haugh (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: About Time 5: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press)) (Paperback)

In About Time 5, Who experts Miles and Wood continue with their excellent, detailed work on the series. In this volume, they cover seasons 18 to 21, the last season of the Tom Baker era, through Peter Davison's tenure, to the beginning of Colin Baker's years.

This book marks the beginning of the John Nathan-Turner era of producership, a time that is rife with criticism of the man who brought the series to it's end in the late `80's. Though not sparing JN-T, I was pleased to see that their analysis is quite balanced. JN-T very possibly saved Doctor Who from an even earlier demise and many of the Davison-era stories are quite good. I have to admit, I always was a fan of Peter Davison.

The books have always been very "British-insider" with a number of references that American might find hard to follow. Still, I think even the authors are stretching a bit when they add a section of "Oh, Isn't That...?" to track the appearance of well-known guest stars, which became a hallmark of the series during this time. The fact is, the guest stars Miles & Wood detail were not necessarily famous before their appearance on the show and, with rare exception, are not particularly famous at all. Perhaps this is a criticism of the show that needs to be re-examined.

Still, this is an invaluable resource for what is arguably the greatest SF television show of all time. I wouldn't have missed having it on my shelf.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference Work, February 10, 2006

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Stephen Traylen (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: About Time 5: The Unauthorized Guide to Doctor Who (About Time; The Unauthorized Guide to Dr. Who (Mad Norwegian Press)) (Paperback)

Part of the epic About Time series, this book tries to be the definitive guide to all of Doctor Who. Unlike a lot of other guides, many of the stories are put in it's own cultural and social context, making for an interesting read. Recommended.