Blake’s 7: The Merchandise Guide

In 1978, Blake’s 7, a new science fiction show, debuted on BBC television, and viewers became enthralled by the adventures of Blake, Avon, Jenna, Vila, Gan and Cally, aided by the computer Zen, as they battled against the might of the Federation, represented by the villainous Servalan and her right hand man, Travis. Merchandise followed, and here, for the first time, Mark B Oliver presents a collector’s guide to everything produced in relation to the show, and several items which never made it to the shops.

The book documents the background to the merchandise, detailing the highs and lows, and explores the history of Blake’s 7 merchandise from it’s very beginning. Included are full colour photographs of just about every item, plus interviews with some of those involved in the production of the ranges.

Blake’s 7: The Merchandise Guide is both a fascinating tour through the many ways that Blake’s 7 has been presented in merchandise and an entertaining guide to the world of Blake’s 7 collecting. The book covers Blake’s 7 merchandise around the world, including items released in America, Australia and Argentina, as well as the many UK-produced items.

Since publication of this title, some additional items and information have come to light, and author Mark B Oliver has compiled these together into a free update PDF that complements Telos’s book. The PDF can be downloaded here: b7update

191pp. A5 paperback book. Illustrated in full colour throughout.
ISBN 978-1-84583-059-5 (pb)
Published 30 April 2012

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark is an accomplished writer and editor across a wide range of disciplines.

He has written short stories, radio documentaries and edited the work of other writers, all for the BBC.

Amongst the stories he has written are ‘The Advent of Fear (Part 1 and Part 2)’, ‘The Night After Hallowe’en’, ‘Attack of the Snowmen’ and ‘Snowfall’, all for the official website of the immensely popular BBC drama Doctor Who.

Mark has also written comic strips with a weekly readership of nearly one million children, for the global franchises My Little Pony and Polly Pocket, and numerous articles – several of which are now used in Connecticut schools as a teaching aid.

Mark is also a contributing writer to Outside In (ISBN: 978-0-9882210-0-0) which can be ordered from Alien Entertainment and Celebrate Regenerate.

A humorous childhood memoir is due for publication in 2014. His third book will again be factual and concerns practical help for those diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, their friends and family, employers and first responders.