The Myth Makers (novelisation)

This marked the first appearances of Vicki and Steven since their final television appearances in 1965 and 1966 respectively. It was also the first novelisation to feature Steven, and indeed the first non-television story to do so.

Publisher's summary

Long, long ago on the great plains of Asia Minor, two mighty armies faced each other in mortal combat. The armies were the Greeks and the Trojans and the prize they were fighting for was Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world.

To the Greeks it seemed that the city of Troy was impregnable and only a miracle could bring them success.

And then help comes to them in a most unexpected way as a strange blue box materialises close to their camp, bringing with it the First Doctor, Steven and Vicki, who soon find themselves caught up in the irreversible tide of history and legend...

Chapter titles

Homer Remembers
Zeus Ex Machina
Hector Forgets
Enter Odysseus
Exit the Doctor
A Rather High Tea
Agamemnon Arbitrates
An Execution is Arranged
Temple Fugit
The Doctor Draws a Graph
Paris Draws the Line
Small Prophet, Quick Return
War Games Compulsory
Single Combat
Speech! Speech!
The Trojans at Home
Cassandra Claims a Kill
The Ultimate Weapon
A Council of War
Paris Stands on Ceremony
Dungeon Party
Hull Low, Young Lovers
A Victory Celebration
Doctor in the Horse
A Little Touch of Hubris
Abandon Ship!
Armageddon and After

Epilogue

Deviations from televised story

The book is told entirely from Homer's point of view, meaning many scenes, such as Steven getting wounded by the Trojan soldier, are cut out. Homer also takes on the role of the Greek servant Cyclops.
The Doctor thinks they have landed in the Kalahari.

Writing and publishing notes

Along with Marco Polo, this novelised title had the highest first print run of the Target novelisations (65,000).
The original artwork for the novelisation featured the artwork of Andrew Skilleter.
This novelisation was later released as part of The History Collection.

Additional cover images

1985 Hardback edition
1989 Star Books edition.
Front and Back Covers by Andrew Skilleter

British publication history

First Publication:

Hardback

W.H.Allen & Co. Ltd. UK

Paperback

Target

Audiobook

This Target book was released as an audiobook on 7 April 2008 complete and unabridged by BBC Audio and read by Stephen Thorne.

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