By Simon Guerrier

Ten Acre Films Ltd

Discover the extraordinary, little-known life of one Doctor Who’s chief architects, David Whitaker.

When I saw that Simon Guerrier was the author of this biography of Whitaker, I knew instantly that (based partially on his Black Archives study of The Evil of the Daleks) that this would be a well-researched and balanced read. What I hadn’t realised is just how long and detailed it is, and compiling it must have been a Herculean task for the writer, for which he is commended.

In his introduction, Guerrier acknowledges that most people don’t know Whitaker, beyond possibly that he died in 1980 at the age of 51, he oversaw the first 51 episodes of Doctor Who and was the credited writer on 40. As the first full-length biography of Whitaker, Guerrier’s book doesn’t need a particular angle to distinguish it from other versions, instead relying on documentation and first-hand remembrances to make it as honest and correct as possible.

I particularly appreciate the places where Guerrier challenges apocryphal content that has been taken as fact with little provenance. There are no sacred cows here, and facts have to earn their verisimilitude to be included. We learn about childhood, early career working in the theatre, breaking in to writing for the BBC, his marriage to June Barry and then on page 171 we have a whole chapter on Doctor Who – developing An Unearthly Child, The Daleks and associated books.

This is not a book about Doctor Who, but David Whitaker. Where he and the show converge, there is lots to learn, but the book continues way after he leaves the show, looking at other jobs and achievements.

Verdict: Written in accessible, trademark Guerrier no-nonsense style, this is as in-depth a biography as you’ll get on Whitaker. Anyone else thinking of writing one should give up now. 8/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Ten Acre