The Time Meddler (novelisation)

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

The Watcher
The Saxons
The Monastery
Prisoners of the Saxons
The Vikings
An Empty Cell
Unwelcome Visitors
The Secret of the Monastery
The Monk's Master Plan
A Threat to the Future
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

1987 Hardback edition
1992 edition

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