BBC Books acquires first Doctor Who poetry

BBC Books has acquired the first "Doctor Who" poetry collection. 

The collection, celebrating the joys, sorrows and wonders of Time Lord life, will be written by James Goss and feature illustrations by former "Doctor Who" executive producer Russell T Davies. It will be Davies' first role as illustrator, using comic artist skills he developed in his youth.

Publishing director Albert DePetrillo acquired world rights to Doctor Who: Now We Are Six Hundred from Bethan Evans at The Agency, with North American rights sold to HarperCollins. It will publish on 14th September, two weeks before National Poetry Day on 28th September.

DePetrillo said: "This is a book I’ve long wanted to publish, and James and Russell have realised the idea brilliantly, well beyond anything I’d hoped. It’s something very special, a unique gift for every 'Doctor Who' fan. For full effect, please be sure to read these poems aloud to your friends, preferably more than once."

Goss, who has adapted three 'Doctor Who' stories by Douglas Adams for BBC Books, said this must be the "most charming" book in the franchise yet. "BBC Books have carefully baited an irresistible trap to lure people into reading poetry. Russell's beautiful illustrations make this the most charming 'Doctor Who' book there's ever been (and I'm including that magical first 'Doctor Who' book you discovered as a child)," he said. "The poems have been a delight to work on. Who could resist retelling the fiendish Daleks’ Masterplan in verse, or finding bizarre and ludicrous rhymes for monster names?"

Television writer Davies added: "I’ve been drawing for Doctor Who long before I was writing it, so it was like time-travel for me, voyaging back to that young scribbler who used to cover his school desk with Daleks."