The Simpsons: A Complete Guide To Our Favorite Family (Paperback)

This book covers the first ten years of the cartoon, every episode from the early Tracey Ullman shorts (1987) to the 8th series (1997). Each full length episode is covered in a very colourful page or two. Each has it's own outline, set of screenshots, the featured chalkboard gag, and array of the most memorable quotes (and songs, if any) from the episode. Dotted around are lists of popular culture references. as well as a box featuring thing to look out for in each episode, such as funny stuff in the background. (This makes watching the old episodes all the more fun)

But that's not all. Dotted through the book are character profiles on all your favourites Springfield citizens - Mr Burns, Chief Wiggum, Krusty - and even some that you might have forgotten. Remember Frank Scorpio, or Dr Foster? This guide does!

Wedged in between season listings are all sorts of fun facts. Who plays what voice, how many times has Homer said "mmm" or "d'oh!", an Itchy and Scratchy episode guide and so much more!

This book one of the most colourful, easy to read and enjoyable episode guides there's ever been. It's like watching the show, but without the TV. Fans of the Simpsons will never tire of this book, I should know. My copy has been VERY well read. Ideal for a birthday or christmas gift.

In order, every episode from 1989 to the 1998 season is covered in this book. Each show is given a plot synopsis, funniest lines in quotations, trivia notes and in-joke references along with pictures and cast details. Every page margin has a special section for one-off or returning cameo characters such as Gil or Handsome Pete. The trivia comes in sections called 'Stuff you may have missed' but most of it is easy to spot first time you watch the episodes. The real subtle humor is mostly left out and I can't imagine why this is.

Once each individual season is cover a double page spread is devoted to such whacky stuff as 'The Signs of Springfield'. Anyone who watches the show will know that there is some pretty weird stuff written over the town such as 'Costingtons-Over 200 years without a slogan' or 'Don't eat beef...eat deer'.

Matt Groening designed this book himself and he's done a cool job. It's easy to read and quickly accessible as a reference guide. There are two more books so far in this series that cover the seasons since 1998. I'll get round to buying them someday coz if they are exactly like this then they are definitely worth it.