The Five Doctors (novelisation)

Novelisation

This novelisation is based on the original television serial DW: The Five Doctors , which was written by Terrance Dicks and shown from 25th November 1983.
The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel. It features the artwork of Andrew Skilleter. (See below for information on other editions which were published with different covers).
This was the first Fifth Doctor-era novelisation cover to use a piece of artwork rather than a photograph, and was the only release of its kind during the Davison era to depict the Fifth Doctor in an illustration rather than a photo.

Publisher's summary

1983 edition

A twentieth anniversary special featuring the Doctor in all five of his regenerations.
Why are all five Doctors being removed from their separate time-streams? Who is the enemy they will have to unite against? What will become of the Doctors when the battle is over?
We have travelled a long way with Doctor Who. The Five Doctors gives us a chance to turn the clock back and meet some old friends – and some old enemies.

Illustrations

None

Deviations from televised story

Dicks adds a segment accounting for Susan Foreman's abduction by the timescoop, set in the era after The Dalek Invasion of Earth.
The First Doctor is stated to be nearing his first regeneration.
After the Cyber patrol is destroyed by the Raston Warrior Robot, one Cyberman escapes, wounded, but able to chase the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith before the two escape into the Dark Tower. This marks the only time the Third Doctor encounters the Cybermen (excluding the stage play The Ultimate Adventure, which is not considered canon).
The Master's alliance with the Cybermen is explored some more, with an extra scene where the Cybermen discuss the Master back at their hideout. The Cybermen and the Master also observe the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane escaping into the Dark Tower, the Master remarking on the Doctor's use of resources.

Writing and publishing notes

Written by Terrance Dicks to tie in with the Anniversary TV broadcast, this was the quickest novelisation Terrance wrote.
After several unsuccessful attempts to release titles simultaneous with broadcast, there was general disapproval that the book was available in some areas as much as two weeks before transmission. According to a featurette on the 25th anniversary DVD, it is believed that the release before broadcast was an error.
The usual cover price of £1.35 (UK) was raised significantly for this title's release, to a special price of £1.50 (UK), before being lowered again for subsequent releases.
This was the first title to be seen through by Nigel Robinson, the new range editor, who took over from Christine Donohoe who had already commisioned a number of titles that Nigel inherited.
This was the one hundredth title in the Doctor Who Target Book range.
Foil cover with a lower corner flash reading `A TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL FIRST EDITION’.
The inside front of the book included a single page advert for Fantastic Doctor Who Poster Offer! (Featuring Peter Davison as the Fifth Doctor and a host of target novelisations)

Additional cover images

Paperback First Edition
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