Doctor Who and the Crusaders ( novelisation ) Doctor Who and the Crusaders was the third and last of the original trilogy of " Doctor Who " novelisations published in the mid - 1960s , years prior to the launch of the Target novelisation range . It was based on the 1965 television serial " The Crusade " . Publisher ' s summary . 1965 Frederick Muller edition . From unknown Space , the Tardis returns to Earth , but not to the world Ian and Barbara know . The little blue telephone box has wheeled sharply in the cosmos and cut back through the pattern of history to the struggle between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin , Crusader v . Saracen . When Barbara is captured by the Saracens and later kidnapped by the monstrous El Akir , Ian appeals to Richard for help , but despite having achieved a splendid victory over Saladin at Arsuf the English King has his own troubles and cannot assist him . So Ian sets out to rescue Barbara alone , while the Doctor becomes involved in court intrigues . In a dramatic climax , Ian finds himself fighting for his life in the harsh , cruel world of the twelfth century , where only the cleverest and strongest survive . Readers of Doctor Who ' s adventure with the Daleks and Doctor Who and the Zarbi will find here all the excitement that made those books firm favourites with youngsters of all age groups . 1967 Green Dragon edition . Back through time go Dr . Who , Ian and Barbara - back to the twelfth century , to Richard the Lionheart and the Crusades . Barbara is captured by the Saracens . Adventure piles on adventure as Ian and Dr . Who , in their different ways , attempt to rescue her . This is a book brimful of excitement ! 1973 Target Books edition . Back on Earth again , Tardis lands DOCTOR WHO and his friends into the midst of the harsh , cruel world of the twelfth - century Crusades . Soon the adventurers are embroiled in the conflict between Richard the Lionheart and the Sultan Saladin , ruler of the warlike Saracen s . ` They ' re well - written books - adventure stories , of course , but with some thought . . . the creation of the character of the Doctor had a touch of genius about it . ' Westminster Press 1982 Target Books edition . Within minutes of the TARDIS ' arrival on twelfth They happen to intercept a Saracen attack on Richard the Lionheart , therby enabling the English King to escape otherwise certain capture . But Barbara is kidnapped and carried off by the Saracens to the Sultan Saladin ' s court . Saladin spares her life - - on condition she entertains his court by telling stories . And , like Scheherazade , if she fails , then she must die . . . 2011 BBC paperback edition . " I admire bravery , sir . And bravery and courage are clearly in you in full measure . Unfortunately , you have no brains at all . I despise fools . " Arriving in the Holy Land in the middle of the Third Crusade , the Doctor and his companions run straight into trouble . The Doctor and Vicki befriend Richard the Lionheart , but must survive the cut - throat politics of the English court . Even with the king on their side , they find they have made powerful enemies . Looking for Barbara , Ian is ambushed — staked out in the sand and daubed with honey so that the ants will eat him . With Ian unable to help , Barbara is captured by the cruel warlord El Akir . Even if Ian escapes and rescues her , will they ever see the Doctor , Vicki and the TARDIS again ? " This novel is based on a Doctor Who story which was originally broadcast from 27 March – 17 April 1965 . " " Featuring the First Doctor as played by William Hartnell , and his companions Ian , Barbara and Vicki . " 2016 BBC hardcover edition . From unknown Space , the Tardis returns to Earth , but not to the world Ian and Barbara know . The little blue telephone box has wheeled sharply in the cosmos and cut back through the pattern of history to the struggle between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin , Crusader " v . " Saracen . When Barbara is captured by the Saracens and later kidnapped by the monstrous El Akir , Ian appeals to Richard for help , but despite having achieved a splendid victory over Saladin at Arsuf the English King has his own troubles and cannot assist him . So Ian sets out to rescue Barbara alone while the Doctor becomes involved in court intrigues . In a dramatic climax , Ian finds himself fighting for his life in the harsh , cruel world of the twelfth century , where only the cleverest and strongest survive . Readers of Doctor Who ’ s adventure with the Daleks and " Doctor Who and the Zarbi " will find here all the excitement that made those books firm favourites with youngsters of all age groups . Audio release . This story was released in a five - CD format . It was read by William Russell ( Ian ) . It was later released in the limited edition in Travels in Time and Space alongside the audio releases of " Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks " and " Doctor Who and the Zarbi " . British publication history . First publication : Re - issues : Editions published outside Britain . " to be added "