Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion (novelisation): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image        = Auton Invasion novel.jpg  
|image        = <gallery>
|series      = Publication order
Auton Invasion novel.jpg|1974 edition
Auton_invasion_hardcover2.jpg|1981 edition
PearsonAutonInvasion.jpg|1991 edition
</gallery>
|series      = [[Target novelisation|Target novelisations]]
|number      = 6 (given to later editions)  
|number      = 6 (given to later editions)  
|novelisation of = Spearhead from Space (TV story)
|novelisation of = Spearhead from Space (TV story)
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|featuring2  = Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart
|featuring2  = Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart
|enemy        = [[Auton]]s, [[Nestene Consciousness]]  
|enemy        = [[Auton]]s, [[Nestene Consciousness]]  
|setting      = [[Earth]], circa [[1970s]]  
|setting      = [[Earth]], circa [[1970s]]
|writer      = [[Terrance Dicks]]
|writer      = Terrance Dicks
|read by      = [[Caroline John]]
|read by      = [[Caroline John]]
|cover        = [[Chris Achilleos]]
|cover        = [[Chris Achilleos]]
|publisher    = Target Books
|publisher    = Target Books
|publisher2  = W.H. Allen
|publisher2  = W.H. Allen
|release date = [[17 January (releases)|17 January]] [[1974 (releases)|1974]]
|release date = 17 January 1974
|format      = Hardcover and paperback editions; 10 Chapters, 156 Pages  
|format      = Hardcover and paperback editions; 10 Chapters, 156 Pages  
|isbn        = ISBN 0-426-10313-0
|isbn        = ISBN 0-426-10313-0
|prev        = Doctor Who and the Crusaders  
|prev        = Doctor Who and the Crusaders (novelisation)
|next        = Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters
|next        = Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters (novelisation)
|series2      = [[Target novelisation]] numbering
|series2      = [[Target novelisation]] numbering
|prev2        = Doctor Who and the Armageddon Factor
|prev2        = Doctor Who and the Armageddon Factor (novelisation)
|next2        = Doctor Who and the Brain of Morbius
|next2        = Doctor Who and the Brain of Morbius (novelisation)
|series3      = [[List of Doctor Who television stories|TV series order]]
|series3      = [[List of Doctor Who television stories|TV series order]]
|prev3        = Doctor Who and the War Games  
|prev3        = Doctor Who and the War Games (novelisation)
|next3        = Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters
|next3        = Doctor Who and the Cave-Monsters (novelisation)
}}
}}{{you may|Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion (in-universe)|n1=the book that exists within the DWU}}
{{you may|Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion|n1=the book that exists within the DWU}}
After the successful reprinting of three novelisations dating back to 1964 and 1965, the [[Target Books]] novelisations line began in earnest with '''''Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion''''', the first original Target novelisation to be published. Despite it being an adaptation of ''[[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|Spearhead from Space]]'', the opening chapter of the book also partially adapts episode 10 of the preceding story, ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]''. With this book, Target continued the practice, introduced with ''[[Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks (novelisation)|Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks]]'', of using titles substantially different from the original TV serial. This practice would continue off-and-on before being mostly abandoned by the mid-[[1970s]], although the title format ''Doctor Who and the ...'' and variations therefore would continue to be used until the early [[1980s]].
After the successful reprinting of three novelisations dating back to 1964 and 1965, the [[Target Books]] novelisations line began in earnest with '''''Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion''''', the first original Target novelisation to be published. Despite it being an adaptation of ''[[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|Spearhead from Space]]'', the opening chapter of the book also partially adapts episode 10 of the preceding story, ''[[The War Games]]''. With this book, Target continued the practice, introduced with ''[[Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks (novelisation)|Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks]]'', of using titles substantially different from the original TV serial. This practice would continue off-and-on before being mostly abandoned by the mid-[[1970s]], although the title format ''Doctor Who and the ...'' and variations therefore would continue to be used until the early [[1980s]].


== Publisher's summary ==
== Publisher's summary ==
=== 1974 Target edition ===
=== 1974 Target edition ===
In this, the first adventure of his third `incarnation', [[Third Doctor|DOCTOR WHO]], [[Liz Shaw]], and the [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Brigadier]] grapple with the nightmarish invasion of the [[Auton|AUTONS]] — living, giant-sized, plastic-modelled `humans' with no hair and sightless eyes; waxwork replicas and tailor's dummies whose murderous behaviour is directed by the [[Nestene Consciousness|NESTENE CONSCIOUSNESS]] — a malignant, squid-like monster of cosmic proportions and indescribably hideous appearance.
In this, the first adventure of his third `incarnation', [[Third Doctor|DOCTOR WHO]], [[Liz Shaw]], and [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|the Brigadier]] grapple with the nightmarish invasion of the [[Auton|AUTONS]] — living, giant-sized, plastic-modelled `humans' with no hair and sightless eyes; waxwork replicas and tailor's dummies whose murderous behaviour is directed by the [[Nestene Consciousness|NESTENE CONSCIOUSNESS]] — a malignant, squid-like monster of cosmic proportions and indescribably hideous appearance.


“This DOCTOR WHO adventure (televised as '[[Spearhead from Space]]') wins my vote as the best in the lifetime of this series so far.' Mathew Coady, The Daily Mirror
“This DOCTOR WHO adventure (televised as '[[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|Spearhead from Space]]') wins my vote as the best in the lifetime of this series so far.' Mathew Coady, The Daily Mirror


“DOCTOR WHO, the children's own programme which adults adore...” Gerard Garrett, The Daily
“DOCTOR WHO, the children's own programme which adults adore...” Gerard Garrett, The Daily
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=== 1982 Hardback edition ===
=== 1982 Hardback edition ===
A mysterious shower of meteorites lands in [[Essex]], and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart of [[Unified Intelligence Taskforce|UNIT]] has reason to believe that they have been deliberately aimed at the [[Earth|Earth's]] surface.
A mysterious shower of meteorites lands in [[Essex]], and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart of [[UNIT]] has reason to believe that they have been deliberately aimed at the [[Earth|Earth's]] surface.


The Doctor joins forces with the Brigadier and Liz Shaw in a desperate bid to prevent the nightmarish invasion of the sinister Autons. Living models of [[Human|human beings]] - like waxwork dummies - their murderous behavior is controlled and directed by the Nestene Consciousness, a malignant, squid-like monster of cosmic proportions and indescribably hideous appearance.
The Doctor joins forces with the Brigadier and Liz Shaw in a desperate bid to prevent the nightmarish invasion of the sinister Autons. Living models of [[Human|human beings]] - like waxwork dummies - their murderous behavior is controlled and directed by the Nestene Consciousness, a malignant, squid-like monster of cosmic proportions and indescribably hideous appearance.
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But strange meteorites are landing in [[Essex]] and [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart]] of [[UNIT]] has reason to believe that they were deliberately aimed at the Earth's surface. In order to avert a possible catastrophie [[Third Doctor|the Doctor]] joins forces with UNIT and battles with the sinister [[Auton]]s - creatures whose murderous behaviour is directed by the [[Nestene Consciousness]], a hideous entity of cosmic proportions.
But strange meteorites are landing in [[Essex]] and [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart|Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart]] of [[UNIT]] has reason to believe that they were deliberately aimed at the Earth's surface. In order to avert a possible catastrophie [[Third Doctor|the Doctor]] joins forces with UNIT and battles with the sinister [[Auton]]s - creatures whose murderous behaviour is directed by the [[Nestene Consciousness]], a hideous entity of cosmic proportions.


This story was written by [[Robert Holmes]] and broadcast under the title [[Spearhead from Space|The Spearhead from Space]] (''sic.''). It was the first programme to feature [[Jon Pertwee]] in the role of the Doctor and marks the beginning of his [[Earth]]-bound adventures.
This story was written by [[Robert Holmes]] and broadcast under the title [[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|The Spearhead from Space]] (''sic.''). It was the first programme to feature [[Jon Pertwee]] in the role of the Doctor and marks the beginning of his [[Earth]]-bound adventures.


''Doctor Who'' - ''The Spearhead from Space'' has recently been broadcast on BSB television.
''Doctor Who'' - ''The Spearhead from Space'' has recently been broadcast on BSB television.
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* After discovering the sphere, Seeley witnesses the arrival of the TARDIS and witnesses the Doctor collapse.
* After discovering the sphere, Seeley witnesses the arrival of the TARDIS and witnesses the Doctor collapse.
* Additionally, the Doctor locks the TARDIS door before collapsing.
* Additionally, the Doctor locks the TARDIS door before collapsing.
* On television, the Brigadier tells Liz Shaw: “Since UNIT was formed, there have been two attempts to invade this planet,” which – given the organisation was introduced in ''[[The Invasion (TV story)|The Invasion]]'' – suggests another unseen adventure set between that story and ''[[Spearhead from Space (TV story)|Spearhead from Space]]''. In the novelisation, he admits that to his “personal knowledge there have been two attempts to conquer the planet Earth, both by intelligent life-forms from beyond this galaxy”. He elaborates that UNIT “was formed as a direct result of the first attempt” ([[The Web of Fear (TV story)|''The Web of Fear'']]) and “played a very large part in preventing the second” (''The Invasion''). 
* Liz Shaw refers to UNIT as "a silly James Bond outfit."
* Liz Shaw refers to UNIT as "a silly James Bond outfit."
* [[John Ransome]] is renamed Harry Ransome.
* [[John Ransome]] is renamed Harry Ransome.
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* The doll Ransome invented is called the Walkie Talkie, and Ransome demonstrates it to Hibbert. The doll is not named on-screen.
* The doll Ransome invented is called the Walkie Talkie, and Ransome demonstrates it to Hibbert. The doll is not named on-screen.
* Captain [[James Munro|Munro]] is given the first name of Jimmy.
* Captain [[James Munro|Munro]] is given the first name of Jimmy.
* [[Michael Wagstaffe|Wagstaffe]] introduces himself to the Brigadier as being the defence correspondent for the ''[[Daily Post]]''.
* [[Michael Wagstaffe|Wagstaffe]] introduces himself to the Brigadier as being the defence correspondent for ''[[Daily Post|The Daily Post]]''.
* [[Mullins]] swears never to call the press again.
* [[Fred Mullins|Mullins]] swears never to call the press again.
* Channing is present when the facsimile of [[Scobie (Auton)|Scobie]] goes to [[Scobie]]'s house.
* Channing is present when the facsimile of [[Scobie (Auton)|Scobie]] goes to [[Scobie]]'s house.
* Two Autons accompany Channing and Hibbert to the waxworks.
* Two Autons accompany Channing and Hibbert to the waxworks.
* On television an Auton’s fingers drop to reveal their energy weapon; in the novelisation, the entire hand drops “away from the wrist on some kind of hinged joint.” An interior illustration by [[Chris Achilleos]] shows the “wrist gun” in action.
* Hibbert shows the Doctor, Liz and the Brigadier the factory store rooms. He also tells them that their mannequins are called Autons, after the company's name, Auto Plastics.
* Hibbert shows the Doctor, Liz and the Brigadier the factory store rooms. He also tells them that their mannequins are called Autons, after the company's name, Auto Plastics.
* Seeley accompanies the Doctor, Liz, the Brigadier and Munro to his cottage to find the meteorite. He later travels with his wife to the hospital. On-screen, he is kept at the UNIT camp.
* Seeley accompanies the Doctor, Liz, the Brigadier and Munro to his cottage to find the meteorite. He later travels with his wife to the hospital. On-screen, he is kept at the UNIT camp.
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* The [[Attendant (Spearhead from Space)|waxworks attendant]] is given more lines.
* The [[Attendant (Spearhead from Space)|waxworks attendant]] is given more lines.
* Nobody is present in the waxworks when the Doctor and Liz visit it. On-screen, several other visitors are present.
* Nobody is present in the waxworks when the Doctor and Liz visit it. On-screen, several other visitors are present.
* More detail is given into the effects of the invasion.
* More detail is given into the effects of the invasion, and how the Auton duplicates in positions of authority aid the confusion.
* An extra scene is added featuring Ransome, the Doctor and Liz in the UNIT car heading towards the woods.
* An extra scene is added featuring Ransome, the Doctor and Liz in the UNIT car heading towards the woods.
* The battle between the UNIT troops and the Autons takes place in the factory, instead of outside it as in the televised version.
* The battle between the UNIT troops and the Autons takes place in the factory, instead of outside it as in the televised version.
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== Writing and publishing notes ==
== Writing and publishing notes ==
* [[Terrance Dicks]]' first novelisation for the Doctor Who series was among the first commissioned new titles and arrived one week late. Dicks, who at the time was a member of the TV series production team, would be the most prolific author of the Target Novelisation line, writing dozens of works that would be published between 1974 and the publication of ''[[The Space Pirates (novelisation)|The Space Pirates]]'' in [[1990]], after which Dicks would write original novels for virtually every continuation series of original fiction. He would also write two more novelisations: ''[[Shakedown]]'', based upon an independent spin-off film, and the premiere episode of ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]'', ''[[Invasion of the Bane (novelisation)|Invasion of the Bane]]''.
* This was the first of two Target novelisations to include “Based on the Popular BBC Television Serial” beneath the author’s name on the front cover.
* According to [[Terrance Dicks]], it was Target Books editor Richard Henwood who decided that “Doctor Who and the Spearhead from Space” was not a sufficiently exciting title for this early entry in the ''Doctor Who'' range. After Dicks explained that the story was about the Auton mannequins invading Earth, Henwood insisted the book should be re-titled “Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion”.
* Terrance Dick's first novelisation for the Doctor Who series was among the first commissioned new titles and arrived one week late. Dicks, who at the time was a member of the TV series production team, would become the most prolific author of the Target novelisation line, writing dozens of works that would be published between 1974 and the publication of ''[[The Space Pirates (novelisation)|The Space Pirates]]'' in [[1990]], after which Dicks would write original novels for virtually every continuation series of original fiction. He would also write two more novelisations: ''[[Shakedown]]'', based upon an independent spin-off film, and the premiere episode of ''[[The Sarah Jane Adventures]]'', ''[[Invasion of the Bane (novelisation)|Invasion of the Bane]]''.
* The first edition cover includes the face of Brigadier [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart]], making him the first recurring character other than the Doctor to appear on the cover of a Target novelisation.
* The first edition cover includes the face of Brigadier [[Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart]], making him the first recurring character other than the Doctor to appear on the cover of a Target novelisation.
* The novel was republished in July 2011 by BBC Books. For this edition, an introduction by producer [[Russell T Davies]] was added and the title of the book reverted to ''Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion''.
* The novel was republished in July 2011 by BBC Books. For this edition, an introduction by [[Russell T Davies]] was added and the title of the book reverted to ''Doctor Who and the Auton Invasion''.
* This novelisation was later released as part of ''[[The UNIT Collection]]''.
* This novelisation was later released as part of ''[[The UNIT Collection]]''.


== Covers ==
== Covers ==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:Auton_invasion_hardcover.jpg|1974 hardcover edition
Auton_invasion_hardcover.jpg|1974 hardcover edition
File:GreenLogoAutonInvasion.jpg|1978 edition with diamond logo
GreenLogoAutonInvasion.jpg|1978 edition with diamond logo
File:Auton_invasion_hardcover2.jpg|1981 hardcover edition.<br />Cover by [[Andrew Skilleter]]
Auton_invasion_hardcover2.jpg|1981 hardcover edition.<br />Cover by [[Andrew Skilleter]]
File:PearsonAutonInvasion.jpg|1991 edition.<br />Cover by [[Alister Pearson]]
Auton Invasion paperback.jpg|1982 paperback edition.<br />Cover by [[Andrew Skilleter]]
File:And the Auton Invasion 2011.jpg|2011 BBC Books edition.
PearsonAutonInvasion.jpg|1991 edition.<br />Cover by [[Alister Pearson]]
And the Auton Invasion 2011.jpg|2011 BBC Books edition.
</gallery>
 
== Illustrations ==
Illustrations by [[Chris Achilleos]]
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
Spearheadp10.jpg|Page 10
Spearheadp26.jpg|Page 26
Spearheadp34.jpg|Page 34
Spearheadp38.jpg|Page 38
Spearheadp42.jpg|Page 42
Spearheadp65.jpg|Page 65
Spearheadp79.jpg|Page 79
Spearheadp110.jpg|Page 110
Spearheadp126.jpg|Page 126
Spearheadp135.jpg|Page 135
Spearheadp149.jpg|Page 149
</gallery>
</gallery>


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== Editions published outside Britain ==
== Editions published outside Britain ==
* Published in Turkey by Remzi Kitabevi in 1975 as a paperback edition, translated by Reha Pinar and published as ''Doktor Kim ve Otonlar'', it was one of six Turkish novelisations.
* Published in Turkey by Remzi Kitabevi in 1975 as a paperback edition, translated by Reha Pinar and published as ''Doktor Kim ve Otonlar'', it was one of six Turkish novelisations.
* Published in the Netherlands by Unieboek/De Gooise in about 1975/76 as a paperback edition, translated by FF van den Hulst-Brander and published as ''Doctor Who en de Invasie van de Autonen'', it was one of eight Dutch novelisations; despite the broadcaster TROS showing [[Season 12|Seasons 12]] and [[Season 13|13]] at this time the cover still depicts the [[Third Doctor]], however [[Chris Achilleos]]' image of the [[Fourth Doctor]] from [[The Doctor Who Monster Book]] does appear on the back cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wonderfulbook.co.uk/basedon/|title=Based on the Popular BBC Television Serial 3rd Edition}}</ref>
* Published in the Netherlands by Unieboek/De Gooise in about 1975/76 as a paperback edition, translated by FF van den Hulst-Brander and published as ''Doctor Who en de Invasie van de Autonen'', it was one of eight Dutch novelisations; despite the broadcaster TROS showing [[Season 12 (Doctor Who 1963)|Seasons 12]] and [[Season 13 (Doctor Who 1963)|13]] at this time the cover still depicts the [[Third Doctor]], however [[Chris Achilleos]]' image of the [[Fourth Doctor]] from [[The Doctor Who Monster Book]] does appear on the back cover.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wonderfulbook.co.uk/basedon/|title=Based on the Popular BBC Television Serial 3rd Edition}}</ref>
* Published in Finland by Weilin + Goos in 1976 as a hardback edition, translator unknown and published as ''Tohtori Kuka Ja Autonien Hyokkays'', it was one of two Finnish novelisations.
* Published in Finland by Weilin + Goos in 1976 as a hardback edition, translator unknown and published as ''Tohtori Kuka Ja Autonien Hyokkays'', it was one of two Finnish novelisations.
* Published in Japan by Hayakawa Bunko in 1980 as a paperback edition, translated by Yukio Sekiguchi and published as ''Outon gundan no shuurai'', it was one of five Japanese novelisations.
* Published in Japan by Hayakawa Bunko in 1980 as a paperback edition, translated by Yukio Sekiguchi and published as オートン軍団の襲来!(''Ōton Gundan no Shūrai!'', "The Auton Army's Invasion"), it was one of five Japanese novelisations.
* Published in Portugal by Editorial Presença in 1983 as a paperback edition, translated by Conceição Fardim and published as ''Doutor Who e a Invasão dos Autones'', it was one of ten Portuguese novelisations.
* Published in Portugal by Editorial Presença in 1983 as a paperback edition, translated by Conceição Fardim and published as ''Doutor Who e a Invasão dos Autones'', it was one of ten Portuguese novelisations.


<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:TurkishAutonInvasion.jpg|Turkish edition
TurkishAutonInvasion.jpg|Turkish edition
File:DutchAutonInvasion.jpg|Dutch edition
DutchAutonInvasion.jpg|Dutch edition
File:The Auton Invasion Finnish cover front.jpg|Finnish edition.<br />Cover by Adam Korpak
The Auton Invasion Finnish cover front.jpg|Finnish edition.<br />Cover by Adam Korpak
File:Auton Invasion Japanese cover front.jpg|Japanese edition.<br />Cover by Michiaki Sato
Auton Invasion Japanese cover front.jpg|Japanese edition.<br />Cover by Michiaki Sato
File:The Auton Invasion Portuguese cover.jpg|Portuguese edition.<br />Cover by Rui Ligerio
The Auton Invasion Portuguese cover.jpg|Portuguese edition.<br />Cover by Rui Ligerio
</gallery>
</gallery>


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It was later reissued as an MP3-CD alongside action figures of the Eleventh Doctor and Roman Auton as part of [[Character Options series 5 action figures|Character Options' Panodrica wave]].
It was later reissued as an MP3-CD alongside action figures of the Eleventh Doctor and Roman Auton as part of [[Character Options series 5 action figures|Character Options' Panodrica wave]].
The audiobook was reissued on [[5 April (releases)|5 April]] [[2018 (releases)|2018]] as part of ''[[The UNIT Collection]]''.


<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
File:AutonInvasionAudio.jpg|Audiobook cover
AutonInvasionAudio.jpg|Audiobook cover
The UNIT Collection.jpg|The UNIT Collection
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{DWN}}
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[[Category:Target novelisations]]
[[Category:Target novelisations]]
[[Category:The UNIT Collection novels]]
[[Category:The UNIT Collection novels]]
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