Doctor Who and the Crusaders (novelisation)

Doctor Who and the Crusaders was the third and last of the original trilogy of Doctor Who novelisations published in the mid-1960s, years prior to the launch of the Target novelisation range.

Novelisation

This novelisation is based on the original television serial generally referred to as The Crusade which included individual episode titles and was shown from 27th March 1965 and written by David Whitaker. The book was originally published by Frederick Muller in 1965 and was the last new Doctor Who novelisation to be published until Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion in 1974.
In 1973, this novel, along with the two preceding Frederick Muller books, was reprinted by Target Books, launching its long-running line of novelisations.
The 1965 first edition was the first Doctor Who novel to include an image of the TARDIS on the cover. It was also the first novelisation cover to not depict the Doctor.

Publisher's Cover Blurb

1973 Target Books edition

Back on Earth again, Tardis lands DOCTOR WHO and his friends into the midst of the harsh, cruel world of the twelfth-century Crusades. Soon the adventurers are embroiled in the conflict between Richard the Lionheart and the Sultan Saladin, ruler of the warlike Saracens.
`They’re well-written books-adventure stories, of course, but with some thought…the creation of the character of the Doctor had a touch of genius about it.’ Westminster Press

1982 Target Books edition

Within minutes of the TARDIS's arrival on twelfth-century Earth, the Doctor and his companions are in serious trouble.

They happen to intercept a Saracen attack on Richard the Lionheart, therby enabling the English King to escape otherwise certain capture.

But Barbara is kidnapped and carried off by the Saracens to the Sultan Saladin's court.

Saladin spares her life -- on condition she entertains his court by telling stories. And, like Scheherazade, if she fails, then she must die...

Deviations from the Televised Story

Mention is made of a trip to Tyron.

Author, Writing and Publishing Notes

One of three titles brought by Target from Frederick Muller that were used to launch the series of Doctor Who novelisations.
The hardback edition illustrations were retained.
Quickly sold out of the first 20,000 copies and were reprinted.
Title page of the Target edition includes: “THE CHANGING FACE OF DOCTOR WHO The cover illustration and others contained within this book portray the first DOCTOR WHO whose physical appearance was later transformed when he discarded his worn-out body in favour of a new one.”