- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd (8 Sep 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1844546365
- ISBN-13: 978-1844546367
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 1.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 290,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
A Life in Time and Space - The Biography of David Tennant
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Product Description
Product Description
The son of a Presbyterian minister, David was raised in the small suburban settlement of Ralston in Scotland. He appeared on screen before he was even out of school. Then, after graduating from drama school, he landed his first professional acting role in the theatrical production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Uiith. This was just the beginning of what has since become a distinguished acting career. David has appeared in several high-profile dramas for the BBC. But, undeniably, it is his energetic and eccentric portrayal of the Time Lord in cult sci-fi drama Doctor Who for which he is most famous.Fulfilling his childhood dream, David has been voted 'Best Doctor' by readers of "Doctor Who Magazine" and the 'Coolest Character' on UK television in a 2007 Radio Times survey. Also a respected classical actor, David has received rave reviews for his stage acting. As a budding young actor he held lead parts in the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of "As You Like It," "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Comedy of Errors". Now, nearly ten years on, he has returned to his roots to take up possibly his most challenging part to date - the title role in Shakespeare's "Hamlet". In this, the first ever biography of the charismatic Scottish actor, Nigel Goodall traces the events and circumstances that have shaped David's life and career so far and transformed him into a hugely influential artist, and the coolest man on television.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
120 of 122 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is a huge disappointment. Please don't reward the author or the publisher by buying it. I only learned two things I didn't already know about David from it and, given the quality of the writing and the research, I have my doubts as to whether either of those things is true. (To prevent anyone buying the book to find out the two things, here they are: David allegedly nearly died of appendicitis at age 9, and was allegedly beaten up by homophobic bullies when he was in school because they thought he was gay.)
I learned way more about Kylie Minogue, Johnny Depp, the history of the Daleks, and Arthur Eddington than I had any desire to learn. Of course, this so-called author has books out on Kylie and Johnny, so he could pirate his own work to add page count to this pathetic excuse for a biography.
I've learned more about David Tennant by listening to him on commentary tracks than I did from this book. For example: he consistently refers to the folks who are generally known as "extras" as "supporting players" or "supporting cast members." There--I've just given you more insight into his character, morals, ethics, and respect for his fellow cast members than you'll find in all the pages of this book.
The only reason I haven't thrown this book away, given it away, or donated it to the library is the photos. I'm tempted to take a razor blade to the book, lift the color plates and then dispose of the printed parts in one of the aforementioned ways. And this from a book lover who won't even dog-ear pages to mark my place! Does that give you a clue as to how sorry this volume is?
I knew I would regret the purchase before I even got into the text proper. In the front matter is a quote from Voyage of the Damned--and they didn't even get it right. Instead of "I am the Doctor..." it reads, "I am a doctor...." How sad is that? Even the proof readers did a botch job.
Does it need to be said? Don't buy it.
PS: If you want to read something written by David himself, buy a copy of Dads by Gil McNeil and Sarah Brown. David's bit is only two pages, but it's real, unlike this book. And the publishers donate a pound to charity for every copy sold. Much better deal all around.
I learned way more about Kylie Minogue, Johnny Depp, the history of the Daleks, and Arthur Eddington than I had any desire to learn. Of course, this so-called author has books out on Kylie and Johnny, so he could pirate his own work to add page count to this pathetic excuse for a biography.
I've learned more about David Tennant by listening to him on commentary tracks than I did from this book. For example: he consistently refers to the folks who are generally known as "extras" as "supporting players" or "supporting cast members." There--I've just given you more insight into his character, morals, ethics, and respect for his fellow cast members than you'll find in all the pages of this book.
The only reason I haven't thrown this book away, given it away, or donated it to the library is the photos. I'm tempted to take a razor blade to the book, lift the color plates and then dispose of the printed parts in one of the aforementioned ways. And this from a book lover who won't even dog-ear pages to mark my place! Does that give you a clue as to how sorry this volume is?
I knew I would regret the purchase before I even got into the text proper. In the front matter is a quote from Voyage of the Damned--and they didn't even get it right. Instead of "I am the Doctor..." it reads, "I am a doctor...." How sad is that? Even the proof readers did a botch job.
Does it need to be said? Don't buy it.
PS: If you want to read something written by David himself, buy a copy of Dads by Gil McNeil and Sarah Brown. David's bit is only two pages, but it's real, unlike this book. And the publishers donate a pound to charity for every copy sold. Much better deal all around.
65 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
...is NOT in this book.
This is nothing more than a collection of basic facts about the actor that can be gathered from any of the fansites on the Web, padded out with personal details and patter about everyone from Kylie Minogue to Elvis Presley's manager! (No, really!) In many ways this is a book about everyone the actor had any connection to (no matter how loose) but not the actor himself. I skipped whole pages because of this.
It would hold no interest for a Dr Who fan either as the narrative only parrots the plots with no insight into the filming of these shows.
The book ends many pages before the end and includes a run-down of Dr Who episode titles to fill space.
There's even a "glossary of film terms" padding out another 20-odd pages should you wish to know the meanings of such unfathomable terms as "Blockbuster" and "Cast". There is also a listing for "padding" too, but sadly the blurb doesn't include the words "see this book."
There are a few pictures, none of which are of much interest.
In short, don't buy this book.
This is nothing more than a collection of basic facts about the actor that can be gathered from any of the fansites on the Web, padded out with personal details and patter about everyone from Kylie Minogue to Elvis Presley's manager! (No, really!) In many ways this is a book about everyone the actor had any connection to (no matter how loose) but not the actor himself. I skipped whole pages because of this.
It would hold no interest for a Dr Who fan either as the narrative only parrots the plots with no insight into the filming of these shows.
The book ends many pages before the end and includes a run-down of Dr Who episode titles to fill space.
There's even a "glossary of film terms" padding out another 20-odd pages should you wish to know the meanings of such unfathomable terms as "Blockbuster" and "Cast". There is also a listing for "padding" too, but sadly the blurb doesn't include the words "see this book."
There are a few pictures, none of which are of much interest.
In short, don't buy this book.
53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is not what I would describe as a biography. There is nothing in this book that you can't read for free on any of the great DT and Dr Who fan sites. No new pictures and his childhood amounted to about 2 pages. Mostly re works of articles and interviews that can be found anywhere on the internet. The first chapter is mostly about Kylie the middle of the book is a compendium of interviews made to look like new revelations and the rest is an episode guide to Dr Who. No insight into what makes one of the greatest actors of our age tick. I read the whole thing in 2 hours. Rubbish.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
I wish I hadn't wasted my money on this book!
What can I say that hasn't already been said?
I bought this book hoping to get some insight into the childhood & private life of a very private actor and was disappointed. Read more
I bought this book hoping to get some insight into the childhood & private life of a very private actor and was disappointed. Read more
Published 19 months ago by BookLover1956
A badly written waste of time
I've got to add my voice to the chorus of disapproval - this book is such a cynical money making exercise and won't tell you anything new about David Tennant. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2010 by Rachel Clark
Poor, badly researched, no real insight
Written by someone who does not have any real interest in David Tennant, lengthy summations on Harry Potter plot and pages and pages on the history of the daleks! Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2010 by AJH
Not what I expected !!
I was really looking forward to reading this book, bit I was disappointed as I expected a lot more. :-(
You don't learn a lot about David Tennant and his life through... Read more
You don't learn a lot about David Tennant and his life through... Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2010 by Mrs. A. M. Chadwick
Why doesn't Amazon let you rate things 'zero'?
This is a terrible excuse for a biography. True Tennant fans will learn nothing new (and will actually be able to correct some of the so called facts) and those who know nothing... Read more
Published on 22 July 2009 by Hayles
Utter Drivel
I have a piece of advice for Mr Goodall: before embarking on your next cynically opportunistic, money spinning venture, go and take a Creative Writing course. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2009 by J. Auckland
A waste of Time and Space
I bought this book for my partner - a Tennant fan and frankly wish I hadn't bothered - in reading this book you will learn very little if anything that you didn't already know. Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2009 by Paul Daly
Not About David Tennant
I am very disappointed by this book, it has a lot of information about Doctor Who, historical and current, full history of the Daleks but very little about David Tennant. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2009 by quomate
Disappointed
The book is badly written, it isn't in chronological order, it is as though the author suddenly remembers bits that David has done but is already writing about another bit, and it... Read more
Published on 13 Jan 2009 by A. Clark
Nothing new in this book
This book should be done for the trade descriptions act. This is a badly researched and written book that tells you little more about David Tennant. Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2009 by J. Crichton
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