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| Every item tells a story. The simple but clever new concept to the latest addition in the DOCTOR WHO coffee table book range. Image: BBC BOOKS. |
DOCTOR WHO – A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE IN 100 OBJECTS
By James Goss and Steve Tribe
Published by BBC BOOKS
Reviewed by Scott Weller
They say clothes maketh the man, and whilst that has indeed been the case for the varied wardrobe worn by our legendary fourth dimension time and space travelling hero of the galaxy, and a gentleman to boot!, known only as the Doctor, we mustn’t forget the incredible objects-technology, souvenirs, devices, thingumajigs and beyond-he’s acquired over his lifetime, either, which have proved equally important and mythically potent over 50 golden years of BBC storytelling life, within a wide and varied mythos canvas that has so spectacularly endured and entertained millions again and again.
One of the finest modern titles of the BBC BOOKS range yet, an idea so simple I’m amazed once again that no one thought of doing it before, DOCTOR WHO: A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE IN 100 OBJECTS is a charming and finely crafted book that: if it were a reality in the WHOniverse would surely be as desired a purchase for space-faring travellers as the equally indomitable Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, full of rich visual imagery –photographs, schematics and specially created or assembled materials (smashing art from Peter McKinstry-a name to keep an eye out for), and detailed info on the shows incredible, indelible years in colour and monochrome- a veritable imaginative smorgasbord of delight and celebration for the Time Lord and his varied companions bold, and truly British made, adventures. Experienced writers and WHO veterans Steve Tribe and James Goss undertake this bold but equally rewarding and fun job charting the adventures and our evolving hero from a wholeheartedly deserved new pair of eyes as they immortally preserve and iconograph the incredible things from across the universe that have played such an important part in the collective psyche and history of the worlds favourite science fiction/fantasy/drama TV series. From the ever faithful sonic screwdriver to the flask housing the trapped villainy of Fenric, from the Daleks shedding Genesis Ark to The Lost Moon of Poosh, terrifying galaxy spanning creatures like the Cybermen, Sontarans and Weeping Angels, as well as the many real-life objects and myths that have interwoven themselves into the shows tapestry so effectively, from sink plungers to lipstick to the Loch Ness Monster and London buses, from carrots and celery, to Jelly Babies and Christmas trees, even pop culture references linked to other forms of entertainment that have, for better or worse, made their way into Modern WHO. All of this is presented within an absorbing text of fascinating facts (including behind the scenes notes/side panels), linkages to other stories and off-shoots, trivia, and humour, amongst some lovely, clean cut design from Paul Lang and stunning aforementioned imagery from the BBC Archives and beyond that I’ve never seen before, making it an even more unique and indispensible book for WHOvians than I’ve seen in a while…
Check out the gallery of specially commissioned artwork here: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s7/doctor-who/i437685-8/doctor-who-a-history-of-the-universe-in-100-objects-cyberman.html - a408873
A more successful and noteworthy fusion of Classic and Modern WHO series than anything attempted before in the publishing arena (and thankfully avoiding too many science degree needed attempts to tie the shows often conflicting continuities and dichotomies together- in fact, the authors present many amusing moments deliberately highlighting such contradictory instances over the years: the results of changing times and producership), A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE is a warm, truly affectionate and positively essential tribute to the action, drama, humanity and ingenuity of the show that I recommend to all fans, especially with the fast approaching Festive period.
KOOL TV RATING: 5 out of 5
Get hold of the book here:
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