The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family
by Matt Groening (Introduction); Ray Richmond and Antonia Coffman(Editors)

Publisher:  HarperPerrenial
ISBN:  0060952520

The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family is an in-depth, detailed guide to every Simpsons episode, beginning with the shorts and ending with the eighth season. As Matt Groening says in his introduction, "Hell, this thing has so much info in it we could have called it the "Encyclopedia Simpsonica." The book includes profiles of the five family members, as well as other characters, ranging from Principal Skinner to The Flying Hellfish. You can also find out who voices which characters. Complete lists of couch gags, Homer's "D'oh!"s, and other references are compiled and categorized by episode.

This Simpsons guide is easy to read and use because it is not written in lengthy prose, but broken into color-coded chapters and segments. The title, airdate, production number, and credits for each episode are written at the top of the episode's page. Below the credits are a synopsis and a few screen shots. Then, you can read all the fun stuff like memorable quotes, references to pop culture or other episodes, and "The Stuff You May Have Missed." Finally, see a miniature of the episode's blackboard gag.

Matt Groening and Ray Richmond bring us this fantastic guide to our favorite animated series. Groening, creator of The Simpsons, has authored other books, such as Bart Simpson's Guide to Life. He also founded Bongo Comics Group, which has produced comic books like Simpsons Comics Strike Back and Simpsons Comics Spectacular.

Although it only includes seasons one through eight, this guide is a necessity for any loyal fan. The information is presented in an organized and accessible design. The content is outstanding because it is so detailed. No more searching through your homemade collection of episodes; every fan's questions are answered in these pages. You'll enjoy reading the quotes, or remembering the gags, as well as reviewing trivia about guest characters.

Casual and die-hard fans alike will love The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family.

Nancy Martin, your Guide for Simpsons Fans