June 10th, 2026 46 comments

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Where We Stand, Where We Fall The politics of Doctor Who

Available to order from www.amazon.co.uk or direct from www.hernebooks.com

Where We Stand, Where We Fall The politics of Doctor Who by Lizbeth Myles

‘A brilliant take on the history of Doctor Who’
~ Sophie Aldred, Ace in Doctor Who

‘The definitive work on the subject … I adored it’
~ Paul Cornell, writer of Doctor Who, Saucer County, and Witches of Lychford

‘Intelligent and thought-provoking’
~ Steven Moffat, head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who

This book demonstrates that cultural icon Doctor Who is, always has been, and always should be, a political narrative.

As this much-loved science- fiction show, now in its 63rd year, continues to entertain audiences around the world, some people have complained that the writing, themes and presentation are too political. But, claims Lizbeth Myles, Doctor Who has always explored important and controversial political issues, and it is vital that it continues to do so. This insightful, intelligent and entertaining book looks back at some of the most prominent political themes that the series has tackled over the decades – including Nuclear Annihilation, Feminism, Colonialism, Environmentalism, Scientific Responsibility, and Transhumanism – the historical context in which they have been framed, and how the messaging has changed in different eras of the show’s history.

PRAISE for Where We Stand, Where We Fall:

‘A brilliant take on the history of Doctor Who, this is no dry political essay. It’s an engaging, thoughtful, deeply researched and heartfelt look at our beloved programme which has always reflected and sometimes even prophesied the state of our universe.’
Sophie Aldred, Ace in Doctor Who

‘Where We Stand, Where We Fall is a very apt title for a book that clearly delineates, possibly for the first time, the six central debates of Doctor Who, the ideas the show keeps returning to. It’s wise, ambitious and funny, and clearly written with an enormous love for and knowledge of the series. It’s the platform upon which much future scholarship will be built, the definitive work on the subject, pulling together a vast number of threads. I adored it.’
Paul Cornell, writer of Doctor Who, Saucer County, and Witches of Lychford

‘Doctor Who has been many things over the years. This book offers an intelligent and thought-provoking look at one of the most debated aspects of it – its politics. Liz Myles knows her stuff.’
Steven Moffat, head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who (2010-2017)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lizbeth Myles is an award-winning podcaster, writer, and editor. She’s a three-time Hugo award finalist: she was nominated twice for her work on the Verity! podcast, and once for editing the Doctor Who essay anthology Chicks Unravel Time. She’s written Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 for Big Finish and the BBC and contributed articles to SFX and Doctor Who Magazine. She lives in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.

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