Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale
by Russell T. Davies, Benjamin Cook
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Book Summary Information
Author: Benjamin Cook, Russell T. DaviesEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-11-25
ISBN: 1846075718
Number of pages: 512
Publisher: Random House UK
Book Reviews of Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale
Book Review: A Master Class for Aspiring and Professional Writers
Summary: 5 Stars
As the author of a book on writing myself (The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide), and as a fellow very hard on books about writing (I don't think they're worth much unless they're by people who actually do the kind of writing they're expounding on for a living), I promise you, this one is worthwhile. For anyone who tells or wants to tell stories in any print or performance medium.
Though the book collects the seemingly unedited, largely unexpurgated email dialogue between Russell T Davies and journalist Benjamin Cook -- and as such may instill the apprehension that it will be a long-winded ramble (the print is small and it is a BIG, THICK book, and a coffee-table edition at that) -- it turns out to be a breathless and often un-put-downable read, akin to any of the classical philosophical exchanges of literature between mentor and student. Davies, despite being a telly populist at heart, is among the brightest, most articulate dramatists in the English speaking world, with a staggering analytical perception I'd liken only to a very few (such as Sondheim and Stoppard) and his thoughts and observations are passionate, funny, touching, instructive and provocative throughout. He makes it clear that he doesn't mean for his process to be regarded as any kind of template for everybody's process, but as with any great writer, the acquaintance is still well worth making. And there are full scripts represented too. Not only that, but among the profuse illustrations are many by Davies himself, who seems to be as gifted a cartoonist as he is a wordsmith.
Caveats? One, and it may be a big one. I'm not sure how well the text of this book will translate to anyone who is not at least passing familiar with Davies' new millennium renovation of DOCTOR WHO in general, and his work on season four (the primary launching pad for this book's ruminations) in particular. Not that it isn't all quite comprehensible -- but I wonder if it will resonate as meaningfully to one who isn't already an aficionado. It's probably worth at least a trip to the public library to find out; whereupon if it passes muster, I would absolutely recommend shelling out the shekels to add it to yours.
Summary of Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale
A fascinating look at the creative life of the hit BBC series, Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale is executive producer Russell T. Davies' personal tour of the Doctor's universe. A unique collection of correspondence between Russell and writer Benjamin Cook, the book explores in detail Russell's work on Doctor Who Series 4, revealing how he plans the series and works with the show's writers. Fully illustrated with script pages, personal notes, and never-before-seen photos and artwork, The Writer's Tale is a love letter to television, and a fitting tribute to one of the most popular family dramas of all time.Television Books
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