13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A glorious guide to the "Simpsons" universe, December 18, 2000
This review is from: The Simpsons Guide to Springfield (Paperback)
In its many years as a successful TV series, "The Simpsons" has spawned a number of entertaining books. But the best of them all may be "The Simpsons Guide to Springfield." Written as a parody of a travel guide, this profusely illustrated book is a superb celebration of Homer's hometown.
The book is, like any travel guide, divided up into several sections: Lodging, Dining, Shopping, etc. Along the way are a number of brilliant parodic features. There are essays written by "Simpsons" characters (example: Rev. Lovejoy's guide to worship in Springfield); sidebars with short quotes from many Springfield residents (Dr. Nick Riviera, Martin Prince, and more); another series of sidebars highlighting many of the historic artifacts of Springfield (Jebediah Springfield's prosthetic tongue, the trillion-dollar bill, etc); and much more. From a map of Itchy and Scratchy land to the marquee of the Googolplex, this book is full of glorious detail.
Yes, "the Simpsons" is an entertaining TV show, and this book is a witty and well-constructed tribute to that series. But I think there's something more here. The world of "The Simpsons" is like the world of "Star Trek," J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, or some of the other great fictional universes of human creativity: it is an enormously rich and detailed alternate world with its own inner logic and mythic history. "The Simpsons Guide to Springfield" captures this compelling alternate universe in all its comic glory.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2 Hilarious but Not Authentic, May 23, 2005
This review is from: The Simpsons Guide to Springfield (Paperback)
The varying opinions of this book may reflect readers' expectations. Those who want a humorous book based on the "THe Simpsons" will love it; but those who want something more true to the TV show's presentation will ultimately feel some disappontment. As I read through the opening town history (recounting city founder "Jedidiah Obediah Zachariah Obediah Springfield) and quickly advanced to typical tourist guide chapters such as attractions, where to eat (and especially, to drink), city events, etc., I enjoyed the mix of pointed social and political satire, idiosyncratic cast, and implied or retold story lines that have made "The Simpsons" probably one the truely great animated shows (as well as comedies, period). THe book is a condensed reminder of favorite settings (much more so than episodes), and the entire Springfield gestalt: crooked politicians, inept police, the polluting nuclear plant, and the wide spectrum of schemes hatched by both boy and father Simpson.
However, it increasingly became evident that this was not a history according to "The Simpsons"; rather, many elements had been embellished or simply made up just for this book. In a way, it's the same kind of anything-for-money cynicism that pervades the show, and one can't help but feeling some admiration for the guile of the author(s). (I could be wrong, but I assume it's written by a staff of writers under Groening's name.)
Purists will have mixed feelings about the book's inventions, especially when they don't match the spirit and the wit of the show. For example, Lisa is relatively absent, her brother seems more like a delinquent than the loveable ten-year-old semi-innocent persona in the show, and the essential qualities of people such as Ned Flanders, Moe, Mr. Burns, and many others are never truely captured. As a fan, I felt entertained yet somehow taken. At least that is a true Springfield experience.
The redeeming qualities of the town and its citizens (these are easy to forget, but "The Simpsons" attack on hypocracy is often achieved through the "growth," if you will, of at least one person) are often overlooked, and there are too many gratuitous jokes about sleaze and easy booze. If you'd never seen the Simpsons before, your expectations would be lowered. Other than this overall approach, the book is both funny and witty, the pictures and color reproduction are excellent, and there is enough authenticity to tide you over between shows. A very good book alone, but one that is a little disappointing when compared to its inspiration.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
It was an okay book., January 16, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: The Simpsons Guide to Springfield (Paperback)
I am a huge simpsons fan, and I probably have seen every episode yet, but this book was a little bit of a disapointment. It is obvious that it isn't one of Matt Groening's greatest books. I would recommend a diiferent one for anyone who wants to find out about the Simpsons and is just starting out. For anyone who needs extra information to fill their appetite for Simpsons mania, it would be okay. Still, its not exactly the most entertaining and humorous book written by this author. "Bart's Guide to Life" + "Guide to the Simpsons" + "The Simpsons Uncensored Family Album" are better books if your looking for a great book. In conclusion, unless you are a Simpsons fanatic, one who needs every bit of information that they can grab onto, don't go buying it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
