The New Adventures series of Doctor Who novels were an
experiment by Virgin Books to continue the Doctor’s travels in
print, following the TV show’s cancellation in 1989.
Between 1992 and 1997, 61 New Adventures were published,
pitting the Seventh Doctor - alongside Ace and new companion
Bernice Summerfield - against such scary monsters as the
Cybermen, the Sontarans and the Chelonians - giant tortoises
with a penchant for flower arranging.
In 1996, BBC Books decided that as part of its
merchandising plans to accompany the anticipated rebirth of
Doctor Who following the TV Movie, Virgin’s current publishing
licence - coincidentally due to expire - would not be renewed.
With the publication of The Eight Doctors in June 1997, a
new era for the Doctor in print had begun, taking with it much
of the writing talent that had developed over the previous
five years.
Meanwhile, copies of the now out-of-print New Adventures
became sought after collectibles. Some could command as much
as fifty times their cover price on online auction sites such
as eBay.
We're publishing Human Nature as a follow-up to the highly
acclaimed The Dying Days, at a chapter a week, with a brand
new commentary by author Paul Cornell, and featuring all-new
illustrations by Daryl Joyce.
"It's wonderful that BBCi want to present Human Nature to a
new generation of Doctor Who fans," said Paul. "I'm really
looking forward to talking to the audience as they read it,
and getting a new set of reactions to my favourite of my own
Who books."
"Working on Doctor Who is always a pleasure, but
illustrating images to a novel that has been in the Who
readerships collective consciousness for seven years is a
daunting task," added Daryl. "Paul Cornell's stories and his
prose are favoured by many of the other authors and I hope the
illustrations for Human Nature will do justice to the tale."
Before you all ask, we will be presenting all of Daryl's
illustrations as a gallery of desktop wallpapers once the
whole book is online.
We have also set up a Human
Nature Message Board which will allow you to gossip
about the story as it evolves. You are also invited to provide
feedback on the format in which it is presented:
- Are the pages too long?
- Is one chapter a week the right amount?
- Are there enough pictures?
But that's enough explanation. It's now time to join the
Professor Bernice Summerfield - in the bath...
