It seems odd to start with a conclusion to a review but, simply put, The Writer’s Tale, is both the book for Doctor Who fans who want to know the hows and why but it’s also for anyone who wants to know how how TV episodes are written, the real nuts and bolts and behind the scenes stuff. For these reasons, it is soon to become a cornerstone of the libraries of sci fi fans around the world and anyone else who has ever wanted to get inside the head of Russell T Davies or journalist Benjamin Cook.

Originally released last year in epic hardback form, the book is now being reissued in paperback (with the subtitle The Final Chapter) and expanded to include the 2009 specials, right up to The End of Time. The book itself is a lengthy correspondence between Davies and Cook in the form of epic emails and the odd text message, interspersed with cartoonish drawings and contains quite a few full scripts for series four episodes as well as the specials. There are also plenty of full page colour photographs which include spoilerific pictures from the 2009 specials.

Where the book excels is in conveying the process that goes into each episode, from the initial brainstorming or concept to the final, polished product. For example, it’s quite surreal to watch season four potential companion Penny morph into the return of the memorable Donna Noble. The same can be said for the technician who became Wilf (in a suitably eureka moment) which makes you realise the ideas don’t come out fully formed, indeed the actual correspondence between the two men becomes a really important part of the creative process – at times it is the process. We also get a glimpse into their lives and those of the Doctor Who production team as they run around San Diego or deal with a broken bus in Dubai.

Of course, the main push with this volume is the extra content and given the conclusion of David Tennant’s era as the Doctor, fans are left with questions. There are no firm answers, but there is resolution and humour that gives you more of an idea of what the heck is going on. It’s fascinating though to watch as the scripts pour out, read the cut scenes and see how the stories evolve and how far back Davies came up with Tennant’s final line on the show.

My only complaint with an otherwise amazing tome which deserves to be on the book shelf of ever sci fi fan on the planet, is the paperback format. The hardback volume was printed on high quality paper which excellent binding and this version, while smaller and thicker, feels inferior. This is in far the point, to bring a £30 volume down to a mere £16.99. But reading the book, I know it won’t be long before pages get damaged or the binding starts to rip. This is one book which really should of been reissued in hardback as it’s going to be one of those volumes that fans and wannabe writers pore over again and again.

If you are like me, a fan, or really want to learn how to write scripts or even just how TV works, buy this book! It’s a rare gem – engaging, gritty, enlightening – and something I really hope Steven Moffatt continues as he takes over the helm of the BBC’s most beloved and successful series

Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale – The Final Chapter is released tomorrow, priced £16.99.