The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan's Guide to Doctor Who [Paperback]

Marc Schuster and Tom Powers (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786432764 | ISBN-13: 978-0786432769 | Publication Date: July 27, 2007

The long-running BBC science fiction program Doctor Who has garnered an intense and extremely loyal fan base since its 1963 debut. This work examines the influences of psychology, literature, pop culture, and the social sciences on Doctor Who storylines and characters. Topics explored include how such issues as class, gender, and sexual attraction factor into the relationships between the Doctor and his companions; whether the Doctor suffers from multiple personality disorder or other psychological afflictions; and the role of the Doctor's native culture in shaping his sense of identity.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marc Schuster has written extensively on science-fiction and popular culture. An English instructor, he teaches composition, literature and film at Montgomery County Community College. He lives in Rosemont, Pennsylvania.

Tom Powers is a college lecturer who teaches composition courses. He lives in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (July 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786432764
• ISBN-13: 978-0786432769
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,516,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marc Schuster is the author of The Singular Exploits of Wonder Mom and Party Girl (The Permanent Press 2011) and The Grievers (The Permanent Press 2012). He is also the editor of Small Press Reviews. When Marc isn't writing, he's teaching English at Montgomery County Community College.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Contemporary Entertaining Romp through Doctor Who, December 29, 2009

By 

Chris / Middie "-=[Middie]=-" (PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan's Guide to Doctor Who (Paperback)

This is a fun read. Even so, the authors don't appear to be afraid to carefully examine strengths, weaknesses and relationships the doctor experiences throughout his more recent incarnations. Aside from relating Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant tales to contemporary life, there are some blasts from the past with classic Doctor Who discussions. Explore your inner Dalek. Ponder the Doctor's sex life. Is there a dark side to the Doctor? Sit back and enjoy.

The price feels a little high. After seeing the book at a Doctor Who convention and hearing the authors on the Podshock podcast, I picked up a copy and wasn't disappointed. I was a tad concerned that this book would read like a textbook since it was written by a couple of English professors. Fortunately, it doesn't. Again, it's a fun, mostly lighthearted read that I'm happy to have in my collection.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You !!!, April 16, 2008

By 

Cory Rhodes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan's Guide to Doctor Who (Paperback)

Once in a while, all is well in the past and in the future !!!
Ride the Zen wave...and crash the party shores when the crest fades,
Like the Dr. said...Just do what you do when you do it :)

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars, August 30, 2007

By 

AK "Bro" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy: The Discerning Fan's Guide to Doctor Who (Paperback)

Since November of 1963, an eccentric man who has been old and is sometimes young, not to mention everything in between, who walks in eternity via a Police Public Call Box has captivated fans worldwide with his adventures. He has been called the Evil One, a Lonely Angel, and the Oncoming Storm. But, he would introduce himself simply as the Doctor. What makes Doctor Who so fascinating to so many people? The authors have tackled this question in an absorbing, easy to read volume that like the Time Lord's TARDIS, is bigger on the inside than the outside. Though it is very short, it covers a wide range of subjects from the pilot, The Unearthly Child through Doomsday that ended Season 28. New to Who fans will be able to enjoy this new incarnation twice as much if they read this history, as it clues them in on things they might miss, while long standing fans will find it a treasure of nostalgia. The insights delivered will make you think in a manner that brings a smile to your face.