Croydon-based Herne Books have published Where We Stand, Where We Fall: The Politics of Doctor Who by award-winning author Lizbeth Myles – and another title exploring the show’s themes is on the way.
Described as “intelligent and thought-provoking” by Steven Moffat, who was head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who between 2010 and 2017, it’s described as an insightful, intelligent and entertaining book that explores some of the most prominent political themes present in the Doctor Who TV series.
The book demonstrates that cultural icon Doctor Who is, always has been, and always should be, a political narrative. As this much-loved science-fiction show continues to entertain audiences around the world, some people have complained that the writing, themes and presentation are too political. But, claims Lizbeth Myles, Doctor Who has always explored important and controversial political issues, and it is vital that it continues to do so.
Where We Stand, Where We Fall looks back at some of the most prominent political themes that the series has tackled over the decades, including Nuclear Annihilation, Feminism, Colonialism, Environmentalism, Scientific Responsibility, and Transhumanism; the historical context in which they has been framed, and how the messaging has changed in different eras of the show’s history.
Lizbeth Myles, who lives in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, is an award-winning podcaster, writer, and editor. Her non-fiction work includes The Black Archive: The Ambassadors of Death, published by Obverse Books, and has contributed to anthology works such as Chicks Dig Time Lords, and its sister title, Companion Piece: Women Celebrate the Aliens, Humans and Tin Dogs of Doctor Who, both published by Mad Norwegian Press.
She’s a three time Hugo award finalist, nominated twice for her work on the Verity! podcast, and once for editing the Doctor Who essay anthology, Chicks Unravel Time.
Lizbeth has also written Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 for Big Finish and the BBC, and contributed articles to SFX and Doctor Who Magazine.
Herne Books will soon also be publishing The Mind of the Doctor: Across the Neurodiverse Universe of Dr Who by Lilian Crawford, her first book, who reflects on her life as an autistic woman in the context of her obsession with Doctor Who. From identifying with the unearthly child Susan Foreman to being compared by her teachers to Daleks and Cybermen, Crawford looks at the science-fiction series in its classic and NuWho eras through a neurodivergent lens.
Along the way she encounters a broad range of fans, actors, and creators who share personal anecdotes about their connection to the Whoniverse, creating a beautiful neurodiverse community. Through discussions of love, loss, mental health, music, morality, and friendship, Crawford embarks on a bold new adventure through space and time into the mind of the Doctor themself.
London-based Lillian Crawford is a prolific writer for publications including Sight & Sound, Little White Lies, BBC Culture, Times Literary Supplement, The New Statesman, and Doctor Who Magazine. She is co-founder of Stims Collective, which curates ‘relaxed screenings’ for neurodiverse audiences at venues including the BFI and the Barbican.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Books, Doctor Who, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Science Fiction, Television
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