Logopolis (novelisation)

Novelisation

This novelisation is based on the original television serial DW: Logopolis which was written by Christopher H. Bidmead and shown from 28th February 1981.
The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel and features the artwork of Andrew Skilleter. (See below for information on other editions which with different covers).

Publisher's summary

1982 edition

In theory the TARDIS should be able to change its appearance to blend in unobtrusively wherever it happens to materialise. In practice, however, because of a fault in the chameleon circuit, it always looks like a police box – a minor inconvenience the Doctor now hopes to correct.
Fixing the mechanism involves a visit to Earth and a trip to the planet Logopolis – normally a quiet little place that keeps itself to itself.
But on this occasion the meddling presence of the Doctor’s archenemy, the Master, ensure the disruption of normality. And even the Master is horrified by the threat of total chaos he unintentionally precipitates – until he finds a way to turn the imminent destruction of the universe to his own advantage …

Illustrations

None

Deviations from televised story

When going through the infinite regression of Police Boxes, Adric picks the locks with a coat hanger.
Instead of pretending to have had a bike accident, Adric climbs on top of the TARDIS and throws the bicycle at the police car.
The TARDIS Cloisters, seen as a dark, gothic setting onscreen, are described as open and airy, with a simulated sky.
The Doctor recieves a message from Traken about Tremas while Adric is occupied reading the poetry of Milton.
When the Doctor attempts to sink the TARDIS in the Thames, it lands on an abandoned wooden pontoon, instead of a ship.
The Master's TARDIS disguises itself as a cherry laurel tree, instead of the architectural column, in the Cloisters. It assumes the column shape after arriving in Logopolis.
After regenerating, the Fifth Doctor says a few words, in fact paraphrasing the Monty Python catchphrase, "and now for something completely different."

Writing and publishing notes

To be added

Additional cover images

1991 edition; Cover by Alister Pearson

British publication history

To be added

First Publication:

Hardback

W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. UK

Paperback

Target

Re-issues:

Editions published outside Britain