Zienia Merton reads this captivating novelisation of an epic ‘shed’ historical Television experience featuring the Initial Doctor.

‘Merton brings a lightness of contact to her reading that’s quite wonderful…It’s a rewarding listen, and an excellent tribute to its narrator.’ Doctor Who Journal

The young Venetian, Marco Polo, is on his way to the Emperor’s court in Peking when he meets four intrepid time travellers: older people Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their companions Ian and Barbara.

The TARDIS about Doctor Who: Marco Polo: 1st Doctor Novelisation has divided whilst on the planet, in the year 1289. Marco Polo recognises in it a way of earning favour using the Emperor, and he insists the tourists accompany his caravan to Cathay.

The journey is fraught with sandstorms, drought, bandits, would-be assassins and many other hidden dangers. Actually if they do arrive safely on the court of Kublai Khan, the Doctor and his close friends have no guarantee of ever seeing the inside of the TARDIS again…

Zienia Merton, who played Ping-Cho in the initial BBC serial, reads John Lucarotti’s own novelisation of his 1964 Television adventure.

Focused on the memory of Zienia Merton

(p) & © 2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd t/as BBC Studios

Text © John Lucarotti 1984

Cover illustration by David McAllister

Reading made by John Ainsworth

Documented at Ashwood Music

Post-production by Ladbroke Studios

Sound style by Simon Power for Meon Productions

TARDIS sound effect composed by Brian Hodgson

Executive producer: Michael Stevens