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An intelligent, highly readable, hugely funny dissection of the world's most watched TV programme - The Simpsons

About the Author

Chris Turner lives in Toronto and is a freelance journalist. His work has been published by The Independent amongst other in the UK. When his article on the Simpsons generation was published in Shift magazine, Matt Groening found it so interesting he ordered multiple copies to give to his friends and colleagues.

Reviews

"'The world's best TV programme ever' Observer"

Although this unauthorized book "was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing" The Simpsons, Canadian journalist Turner embarks on an encyclopedic exposition of the show's episodes, catchphrases, characters, cultural impact, social commentary, themes and influences. In 1987, 33-year-old cartoonist Matt Groening devised the dysfunctional family during a 15-minute wait before pitching the concept to producer James L. Brooks. Short segments on Fox's Tracey Ullman Show escalated into the full series in 1989-1990, with accolades and awards piling up during the following 15 years. Turner flavors his straightforward Simpsons study with footnotes and facts on everything from Ayn Rand and Columbine to Y2K and Yeats. Unraveling and analyzing plot threads, he views the series as "more anti-authoritarian by far than almost anything else that's ever aired in prime time," and he praises it as a "cultural institution" comparable to the Beatles. Turner's fannish enthusiasm and tsunami of trivia will appeal mainly to devotees, though cultural historians may value it for its vision of Springfield as a satirical mirror reflecting the trials and tribulations of contemporary life. (Nov. 1) Forecast: Although the show is past its heyday, diehard fans will gravitate to this like Homer to donuts. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.