The Time Meddler (novelisation)

The Time Meddler
Based on:	The Time Meddler
Doctor:	First Doctor
Companion(s):	Vicki, Steven
Main enemy:	The Monk
Main setting:	England, 1066
Key crew
Publisher:	Target Books, W.H. Allen
Writer:	Nigel Robinson
Read by:	Peter Purves
Cover by:	Jeff Cummins
Release details
Release number:	126
Release date:	17 March 1988
Format:	Hardcover and paperback editions; 13 Chapters, 144 Pages
ISBN:	ISBN 0-426-20312-7
Official trailer
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Publication Order
← Previous	Terror of the Vervoids
Next →	The Mysterious Planet
TV series order
← Previous	The Chase
Next →	Galaxy Four

The Time Meddler was a novelisation based on the 1965 television serial The Time Meddler.

Publisher's summary

1988 edition

When the TARDIS materialises on an apparently deserted Northumbrian beach, Steven disputes the Doctor's claim that they have travelled back to the eleventh century. The discovery of a modern wristwatch in a nearby forest merely reinforces his opinion.

But it is 1066, the most important date in English history, and the Doctor's arrival has not gone unnoticed. Observing the appearance of the TARDIS is a mysterious monk who recognises the time-machine for what it is. He also knows that the Doctor poses a serious threat to his master plan - a plan which, if successful, could alter the future of the entire world...

Chapter titles

• Prologue

1. The Watcher
2. The Saxons
3. The Monastery
4. Prisoners of the Saxons
5. The Vikings
6. An Empty Cell
7. Unwelcome Visitors
8. The Secret of the Monastery
9. The Monk's Master Plan
10. A Threat to the Future
11. A Parting Gift

• Epilogue

Deviations from televised story

• In a prologue, Steven makes his way through the jungle, trying to avoid the Fungoids, and comes across the TARDIS.
• In an epilogue featuring original content, the Monk makes several additional efforts to change the outcome of the Battle of Hastings, after his original plan fails, and before he discovers that the Doctor has marooned him in 1066.
• Steven and Vicki discuss the Monk's plan as they did in the television serial, but the Doctor interrupts them and describes what the Monk's plan will do to them. Since Steven and Vicki are both English, the Doctor states clearly if the Monk succeeds them they will never have existed because without the Vikings' involvement, it's possible one of their ancestors was Norman and if that ancestor is killed they could not exist.

Writing and publishing notes

• The inside back cover includes colour details of "Fantastic Doctor Who Poster Offers!".
• The Virgin edition was a rushed reprint to coincide with the 1992 repeat screening of this serial on BBC Two, and bore a red hexagonal flash reading NOW BACK ON TELEVISION. The cover artwork was reused, but for reasons unknown a reverse image was used.
• The cover for the original Target edition featured the artwork of Jeff Cummins.

Additional cover images

to be added

British publication history

Hardback (October 1987)

• W.H.Allen & Co. Ltd. UK ISBN:0491033370, copies priced £7.95 (UK))

Paperback (March 1988)

• Target / W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. One single paperback edition, estimated print run: 22,500, priced £1.99 (UK).

Paperback (May 1992)

• Target / Virgin Publishing Cover artwork was reversed, priced £2.99 (UK).

Audiobook

This Target Book was released on 6 October 2016 complete and unabridged by BBC Physical Audio and read by Peter Purves.

The cover blurb and thumbnail illustrations were retained in the accompanying booklet with sleevenotes by David J. Howe. Music and sound effects by Simon Power.

• 

  Audiobook cover

External links

to be added