"Doctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history. "The volume covers the years from 1974 to 1981. During this time Doctor Who achieved its highest viewing figures in Britain, and became a sensation in the United States. Tom Baker played the leading role—he was the longest-serving of the seven actors who have played the Doctor to date—and for many people his portrayal of the Doctor is the definitive one. "David J Howe, Mark Stammers and Stephen James walker are the authors of Doctor Who - The Sixties and The Seventies, the complete guide to the programme's early years. "In this Handbook they set the fourth Doctor in historical context, and go on to describe: Tom Baker, the actor; the development of the role of the fourth Doctor the stories behind the TV stories; the re-creation and expansion of DOCTOR WHO mythology; a typical fourth Doctor story from script to screen the marketing of the fourth Doctor "The Handbook is a must for every Doctor Who fan—and for everyone whose favourite Doctor is the curly-haired chap with the teeth and the long scarf."