Dalek Survival Guide (novel)
- You may be looking for the feature from the 2021 Annual.
The Dalek Survival Guide was a 2002 novel published by BBC Books which detailed the threat of the Daleks and some of their history. Taking the form of an in-universe publication of the same name, this Dalek Survival Guide was compiled from a variety of sources, including those from the future, thanks in large part to the delivery of a battered Gladstone bag which contained more papers and documents than could have possibly fitted inside.
Publisher's summary
Essential for anyone aware of the looming menace that poses a terrible threat to us all. The Daleks being both highly dangerous and deeply malevolent, preparing oneself against the day of attack is of utmost importance, and the more information one has at one's fingertips, on Dalek behaviour, history, and psychology, as well as their military tactics and known weak points, the better.
This handy, pocket-sized volume is stuffed with survival tips and features sections on: — Anti-Dalek Weaponry — The Dalek Defence Drill (Handy Tips for Survival under Attack) — The Anatomy of a Dalek (Daleks in Cross-Section) — The Dalek War-Machines — The Evolution of the Planet Skaro (history of the Dalek home-planet) — The Dalekreed (guide to the Daleks' belief system) — Dalek Dictionary — Know Your Enemy (Dalek recognition test)
Stories of previous encounters are also included, as examples of how Daleks have been dealt with in the past, illustrating appropriate behaviour and defence strategies. Self-check tests are included following these case studies, ensuring that the reader has absorbed all the relevant tips.
Summary
to be added
References
- Edward Waterfield stated in the 1866 monograph On Daleks that Dalek machines are powered by static electricity and operated by the Dalek inside by psychokinesis.
- The "most detailed, informative and in many ways insidious" information about the Doctor is provided by the BBC's series of dramatised biographies transmitted as family entertainment between 1963 and 1996.
- Francine Mole recorded in her pamphlet Sleeping with Daleks and Waking Refreshed that she travelled for thirteen days and nights on the back of a Dalek along an underground mine shaft on Kemble.
- At least one Dalek was present for the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Story notes
- The guidebook has no writers' credits, supposedly to protect the authors from the Daleks' wrath.
- Illustrations within book are by Alan Burton. The cover illustration is by Emma Judd.
- The book is covered in a textured black cover with an embossed Dalek on the front.
- Amazon.co.uk description:
Being aware that the Daleks are highly dangerous, preparing oneself against the day of attack is of the utmost importance. This pocket-sized survival guide is stuffed with tips and information on Dalek bahaviour, history, and psychology as well as their military tactics and known weak points.
Continuity
- Terry Nation was responsible for discovering and translating the Dalek Chronicles. (PROSE: The Daleks, The Dalek Chronicles Found!)
- The Type 1 Emperor was reportedly sighted in the vicinity of Sol 3 in 1963. Rumours suggest this casing contained the remnants of the Daleks' originator, Davros. (TV: Remembrance of the Daleks)
- The Type 2 Emperor was sighted during the 1960s Annual Reports. (COMIC: Invasion of the Daleks et al.)
- The Type 3 Emperor was sighted during investigations into the Dalek Factor on Skaro. (TV: The Evil of the Daleks)
- Type 3 Dalek Drones were identified in a report concerning the planet Exxilon. (TV: Death to the Daleks)
- Lone Daleks have been sighted in Roman Britain (AUDIO: Seasons of Fear) and during the London Blitz. (AUDIO: The Time of the Daleks)
