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.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

4 1/2 Hilarious but Not Authentic  May 23, 2005
By M. Allen Greenbaum
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.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

It was an okay book.  Jan 17, 1999

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.

8 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Good, but not too good  Dec 22, 1999

This book is not as interesting and amusing as the other Simpsons books such as "A complete guide to our favorite family" and "Bart Simpson's guide to life". Don't expect it to contain a lot of new information about the Simpsons. Most of the stuffs in there are already known, and if not known, are not worth knowing(unless you want to know every little bit of detail and uninteresting facts about the Simpsons).

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

Better than Let's Go and Lonely Planet  Oct 09, 2003
By James N Simpson
This is an essential read and travelling companion for anybody intent on visiting the small town of Springfield whilst backpacking the USA. You will find information in here that you will not find in the other more well known backpacker books such as Let's Go and Lonely Planet. A complete accommodation listing complete with pictures and descriptions of everything from the history of the establishment to the staff and usual clientele, make picking your chosen place to sleep in Springfield so, so easy.

Attractions are extremely well covered as well with everything from the historical decaying monorail ruins to the Itchy and Scratchy studios. You won't miss out on a thing to see in Springfield if you take this book with you. Seriously you have to buy it. Want to read up on a bit of history to impress the locals? Well you can with this book. There are three pages detailing the founding of Springfield by Jebediah Springfield as well as the history of the two most influential men in Springfield's history, nuclear power tycoon C. Montgomery Burns and America's favourite entertainer Krusty the clown.

This guide also contains a complete listing of Springfield's options for food whether dining or just stopping for ice cream. Nightlife is covered as well with an inside guide by local raver Kirk Van Houten. Those who love shopping will not miss a thing either, every shop is within, in complete detail. Don't know when the best time is to plan your trip well then your in luck. This guide contains every annual event in Springfield from Whacking Day to the Do What You feel Festival. There is also a survival guide at the back. Low quality guides leave this sort of thing out in a hope not to discourage you from visiting thereby you will still purchase their book. Air pollution, animal rampages, runaway vehicles, citywide riots, and the Sideshow Bob factor to name but a few are all listed.

I have visited Springfield many a time. The people are friendly and unique. It is a must visit destination. No visit to the USA is complete without stopping in this town and no visit can be complete without this sensational guide. The other guides just can not compete with this brilliant guide. Don't wait, buy it now! Well go on!

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