The TARDIS Handbook by Steve Tribe

In between the first and second wave of 11th Doctor novels, BBC Books bring us "The TARDIS Handbook. The official guide to the best ship in the Universe".

Described in the Press Release as "Everything you need to know about the TARDIS", this A5 Harback contains a variety of information in its 128 pages. Laid out into five parts, A Madman with a Box, There's a Whole World in Here, In Flight, How Big Is Big? and Materialisation, & preceeded by a piece on The Time Lords of Gallifrey, the text covers from 'An Unearthly Child' right through to 'The Vampires of Venice.'

Much of what is written perhaps, inevitably, comes across as a reworking of previous books over the decades. There are, however, numerous splendid colour photographs, particularly of the new TARDIS Interior and Daleks. It's a bit of a shame that this wasn't produced in Coffee Table format, but having said that the likely target market is younger than those who have purchased the works of the likes of Howe, Stammers & Walker.

The cover price of £12.99 is not inconsiderable in the present climate, but nonetheless the book is pleasing to look at and an enjoyable read.

The TARDIS Handbook by Steve Tribe. ISBN 978-1-846-07986-3
Published by BBC Books, 27th May 2010. £12.99