BACK IN TIME
A Thinking fan’s guide to Doctor Who
By Steve Couch, Tony Watkins and Peter S. Williams. Damaris Books. 272 pages. £6.99
ISBN 1 904753 09 4
Written by fans for fans, this book is an enthusiast’s guide to Doctor Who, his adventures, and the themes in the series that connect him to life today. It has much to commend it as an application of a Christian mind to contemporary culture. I found plenty of useful material for launching pre-evangelistic conversation with those who share a fascination with the enigmatic Doctor, or science fiction more generally.
The first part of the book takes you on a sure-footed hike through the series, illuminating the character of the Doctor as it goes. His numerous regenerations are surveyed and tales of overcome foes and near fatal encounters are re-lived. There are fascinating asides about the origin of the Daleks and portraits of the varied companions who give us insight into the Doctor’s wisdom, passion and character. Each show in the recent series is summarised as a reminder. Make sure you have watched them all to get the best out of the ensuing reflection and avoid the inevitable plot spoilers.
