Doctor Who And The Crusaders cover art

Doctor Who And The Crusaders

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About this listen

 Within minutes of the TARDIS' arrival on twelfth-century Earth, the First Doctor and his companions are in serious trouble. They happen to intercept a Saracen attack on Richard the Lionheart, therby enabling the English King to escape otherwise certain capture. But Barbara is kidnapped and carried off by the Saracens to the Sultan Saladin's court. Saladin spares her life -- on condition she entertains his court by telling stories. And, like Scheherazade, if she fails, then she must die... William Russell, who played Ian in the original 1965 TV serial on which this book is based, reads David Whitaker's complete and unabridged novelisation, first published by Target Books in 1973. 'They’re well-written books-adventure stories, of course, but with some thought… the creation of the character of the Doctor had a touch of genius about it.’ - Westminster Press. Fantasy Science Fiction

Critic reviews

The Crusaders is a book alive with colour, impact and surprise (Gary Russell)
All stars
Most relevant
Great story by David Whittaker, and superb narration as ever from William Russell, top notch.

Brilliant narration

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I’m generally not a fan of the historical stories, but this one is so beautifully written and narrated, I rank it highly as one of the better novelisations. The writing allows you to engage fully with the characters and William Russell’s narration is perfect. His comments at the end are a welcome bonus and the considered use of incidental music adds to the story. Thank heavens we are not assailed by the truly dreadful amateur musical mess that we are made to suffer through in later novelisation recordings.
This rendering is, for me, about as good as it gets and leaves me wondering about how much more could have been done with other stories given the opportunity. It has a welcome sophistication and literary style compared to some others and, if you’ve never tried one of the historicals before, you’re in for a treat.

A Masterpiece.

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