THE SIMPSONS ARCHIVE
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Simpsons Books

Unofficial Books

United States

Created and Maintained by Bruce Gomes Sr.

These are the unofficial books about The Simpsons published in the United States - books not by Matt Groening. See below for links to Official books, books from other countries, and other publications. If you recognize any errors or (horrors!) material that should be listed, but isn't, please contact me!.

This list also contains the Canadian dollar MSRP's, and in one case, a separate Canadian edition.

Be sure to also check the UK list for additional unofficial books in English!

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Comic Reprints: US   UK   Germany   Spain   Italy   France   Finland   Aus.   Other
Calendars: US   UK   Germany   Spain   Italy   France   Finland   Aus.
Other Official: US   UK   Germany   Spain   Italy   France   Neth.     Aus.   Other
Unofficial Books:
US   UK   Germany   Spain   Italy   France   Finland   Other
Related Books:
US   UK   Germany   Spain   Italy   Other
Music Books:
Music Books and Sheet Music
Cast & Crew: Books By Cast & Crew

UNOFFICIAL BOOKS

Recently Announced!

The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets
(pre-order it at Amazon.com)
by Simon Singh


Softcover, October 2013, Bloomsbury USA
ISBN-10: 162040277-7   ISBN-13: 978-162040277-1
MSRP: $26.00
288 pages

From the publisher:
Simon Singh, author of the bestsellers Fermat's Enigma, The Code Book, and The Big Bang, offers fascinating new insights into the celebrated television series The Simpsons: That the show drip-feeds morsels of number theory into the minds of its viewers - indeed, that there are so many mathematical references in the show, and in its sister program, Futurama, that they could form the basis of an entire university course.  Recounting memorable episodes from "Bart the Genius" to "Homer3," Singh brings alive intriguing and meaningful mathematical concepts - ranging from the mathematics of pi and the paradox of infinity to the origin of numbers and the most profound outstanding problems that haunt today's generation of mathematicians.  In the process, he illuminates key moments in the history of mathematics, and introduces us to The Simpsons' brilliant writing team - the likes of David X. Cohen, Al Jean, Jeff Westbrook, and Stewart Burns, all of whom have various advanced degrees in mathematics, physics, and other sciences.  Based on interviews with the writers of The Simpsons and replete with images from the shows, facsimiles of scripts, paintings and drawings, and other imagery, The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets will give anyone who reads it an entirely new insight into the most successful show in television history.
Recently Released!

The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture The Simpsons, Satire, and American Culture
(get it at Amazon.com)
by Matthew A. Henry


Softcover, October 2012, Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN-10: 113702778-9   ISBN-13: 978-113702778-8
MSRP: $85.00
308 pages, 9.4 by 6.4"

The Simpsons in the Classroom The Simpsons in the Classroom
Embiggening the Learning Experience with the Wisdom of Springfield  
(get it at Amazon.com)

by Karma Waltonen and Denise Du Vernay


Softcover, May 2010, McFarland
ISBN-10: 0-7864-4490-8   ISBN-13: 978-0-7864-4490-8
MSRP: $29.95

From the publisher:
The object of much debate, attention, and scholarship since it first aired over 20 years ago, The Simpsons provides excellent, if unexpected, fodder for high school and college lesson plans. There are many benefits to using The Simpsons in the classroom, the most obvious of which is that it's funny. After all, laughing students are hardly sleeping students! But The Simpsons also provides a familiar student knowledge base which instructors can use as a jumping-off point to introduce concepts ranging from literature composition to linguistics, the humanities, cultural studies, gender studies, and media appreciation. The authors, both of whom have been teaching The Simpsons for over a decade, share exercises, prompts, and even syllabi that have proven successful in their own courses.

The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History
 (get it at Amazon.com or, in Canada, Amazon.ca)
by John Ortved


Softcover, Oct 2010, Faber & Faber
ISBN-10: 0-8654-7939-9   ISBN-13: 978-0-8654-7939-5
UPC: 9 780865 479395
MSRP: $15.00   CDN $15.58
352 pages
Hardcover, October 2009, Faber & Faber
ISBN-10: 0-8654-7988-7   ISBN-13: 978-0-86547-988-3
UPC: 9 780865 479883 52700
MSRP: $27.00   CDN $31.69
9 1/4" x 6 3/8", 352 pages
Audio CDs, November 2009, Tantor Media
Read by John Allen Nelson and Justine Eyre
ISBN-10: 1-4001-1448-9   ISBN-13: 978-1-4001-1448-1
UPC: 9 781400 114481
MSRP: $34.99   CDN $38.99
6.6" x 5.6", 9 Audio CDs
MP3 CD, November 2009, Tantor Media
Read by John Allen Nelson and Justine Eyre
ISBN-10: 1-4001-6448-6   ISBN-13: 978-1-4001-6448-6
UPC: 9 781400 114481
MSRP: $24.99   CDN $26.99
7.5" x 5.3", 1 MP3 CD
Audio CDs, November 2009, Tantor Media
Read by John Allen Nelson and Justine Eyre
ISBN-10: 1-4001-4448-5   ISBN-13: 978-1-4001-4448-8
UPC: 9 781400 144488
MSRP: $69.99   CDN $78.99
6.7" x 6.4", 9 Audio CDs, Library Binding

Drawing on more than seventy-five interviews, Ortved invades the Simpsons writers room to learn how this little cartoon built a network, became an international phenomenon, and made Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie icons. Because the story of the creation of "The Simpsons"  is, at times, a contentious one, Ortved relies on the words of the show's producers, writers, animators, and actors to reconstruct the show's inception and birth, and to illustrate how each episode - from script to animation to table reading and recording - is made, lingering on the great minds who have redefined American comedy.

The Springfield Reformation The Springfield Reformation
The Simpsons, Christianity, and American Culture
 (get it at Amazon.com)
by Jamey Heit


Softcover, May 2008, Continuum Books
ISBN-10: 0-8264-2896-7   ISBN-13: 978-0-8264-2896-7
MSRP: $19.95  CDN $19.95
Hardcover, May 2008, Continuum Books
ISBN-10: 0-8264-2895-9   ISBN-13: 978-0-8264-2895-0
MSRP: $65.00  CDN $72.00
208 pages

From Continuum Books:

This book will discuss how "The Simpsons"  articulates a ‘systematic theology' that blends important elements of contemporary American religious culture with a clear critique of the institutions and individuals that participate in and uphold that culture. Even though "The Simpsons"  is clearly a product of American popular culture, its writers offer up a well-planned, theologically astute religious climate in the cartoon world of Springfield. This world mirrors America in a way that allows the show's viewers to recognize that Christianity can hold together a family and a town that is rife with ‘sin,' broadly speaking, while at the same time exposing these very shortcomings.

Cover design by Sarah Rainwater.

The Simpsons The Simpsons
Postmodernism, Postmodernity, and America's Most Animated Family  
(get it at Amazon.com)

by Michael Fuchs


Softcover, November 2008, VDM Verlag
(originally May 2008 in German)
ISBN-10: 3639100859   ISBN-13: 978-3639100853
MSRP: $64.00
116 pages, 9 by 6"

This book was originally released in German titled The Simpsons Way of Life: Strukturierungsmechanismen, Wertinhaltsvermittlung und Sozialisationspotenzial einer Sitcom,  which can be found on the German Unofficial Book List   here!

Simpsonology: There's a Little Bit of Springfield in All of Us Simpsonology
There's a Little Bit of Springfield in All of Us
 (get it at Amazon.com)
by Tim Delaney


Softcover, February 2008, Prometheus Books
ISBN-10: 1-59102-559-1   ISBN-13: 978-1-59102-559-7
MSRP: $18.95  CDN $22.95
340 pages, 6 1/8 by 9 1/4"

From Prometheus Books:

In this amusing and informative appreciation of The Simpsons, sociologist Tim Delaney looks at the many ways America's longest-running sitcom and animated TV program reflects American culture. For more than fifteen years, the Simpsons have touched upon nearly every aspect of the American social scene from family dynamics and social mores to local customs and national institutions. With over four hundred episodes aired so far, Delaney finds a goldmine of insights couched in parody on any number of perennial topics.

What's Science Ever Done For Us? What's Science Ever Done For Us?
What The Simpsons Can Teach Us About Physics, Robots, Life, and the Universe  (get it at Amazon.com)
by Paul Halpern


Softcover, July 2007, Wiley
ISBN-10: 0-470-11460-6   ISBN-13: 9 780470 114605
MSRP: $14.95  CDN $20.95
272 pages, 6 1/8 by 9 1/4"

From Wiley:

A playful and entertaining look at science on The Simpsons.

This amusing book explores science as presented on the longest-running and most popular animated TV series ever made: The Simpsons. Over the years, the show has examined such issues as genetic mutation, time travel, artificial intelligence, and even aliens. What's Science Ever Done for Us? examines these and many other topics through the lens of America's favorite cartoon.

This book is also available TWO other languages;
... in a German translation titled Schule ist was für Versager,  which can be found on the German Unofficial Book List   here!
... in a Portuguese translation titled Os Simpsons e a Ciência,  which can be found on the Other Unofficial Books List   here!

The Bluffer's Guide to the Simpsons The Bluffer's Guide to the Simpsons  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Paul Couch


Softcover, June 2007, Oval Books
ISBN-10: 1-906042-06-3   ISBN-13: 978-1-906042-06-6
MSRP: $7.95  £4.99
64 pages, 4 5/16 by 7"

Advertised here and available through Amazon.com, but this is a UK publication.

The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Bigger and Possibly Even Better! Edition

The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Bigger and Possibly Even Better! Edition

The Gospel According to the Simpsons
Bigger and Possibly Even Better! Edition

With a New Afterword Exploring South Park, Family Guy, and Other Animated TV Shows  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Mark I. Pinsky


Softcover, May 2007, Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN-10: 0-664-23160-8   ISBN-13: 978-0-664-23160-6
UPC: 9 780664 231606 (US) (First cover)
ISBN-10: 0-664-23265-5   ISBN-13: 978-0-664-23265-8
UPC: 9 780664 232658 (UK and Canada) (Second cover)
MSRP: $16.95
296 pages, 8.54" by 5.56"

Two different covers, but they both represent the same content - the Significantly expanded edition! - the details about the original edition can be found below here!

Prior edition also available as an audio book.

This book is also available in TWO other languages;
...In a Spanish (Castellano) translation titled  "El Evangelio según Los Simpson",  which can be found on the Spanish Unofficial Books List   here!
...In a Portuguese translation titled  "O Evangelho Segundo os Simpsons",  which can be found on the Other Unofficial Books List   here!

Books in Print

The World According to the Simpsons The World According to the Simpsons
What Our Favorite TV Family Says About Life, Love, And the Pursuit of the Perfect Donut  (get it at Amazon.com)
by Steven Keslowitz


Softcover, April 2006, Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1-40220-655-0   UPC: 9 781402 206559
MSRP: $14.95  CDN$20.95
320 pages

Significantly revised and expanded edition of The Simpsons and Society!

This book is also available in a Portuguese translation titled  A Sabedoria dos Simpsons,  which can be found on the Other Unofficial Books List   here!

The Psychology of The Simpsons: D'oh! The Psychology of The Simpsons: D'oh!
 (get it at Amazon.com)
Edited by Alan Brown with Chris Logan


Softcover, March 2006, Benbella Books
ISBN: 1-932100-70-9   UPC: 9 781932 100709
MSRP: $17.95  CDN$25.95
240 pages, 9" by 6"

Watching with The Simpsons

Watching with The Simpsons

Watching with The Simpsons
Television, Parody, And Intertextuality  (get it at Amazon.com)
by Jonathan Gray


Softcover, December 2005, Routledge (Taylor & Francis Books Ltd)
Note: Amazon US currently incorrectly lists this book as hardcover
ISBN: 0-415-36202-4   UPC: 9 780415 362023
MSRP: $27.95 (originally £16.99)

Hardcover, January 2006, Routledge (Taylor & Francis Books Ltd)
ISBN: 0-415-36203-2   UPC: 9 780415 362030
MSRP: $105.00 (originally £60.00)

216 pages, 9.5" by 6.3"

Note: This is a UK publication also available through Amazon in the United States via the links above!

Machiavelli Meets Mayor Quimby Machiavelli Meets Mayor Quimby
Political Commentary in the First Season of The Simpsons  (order it at Amazon.com)
By Natham Thoms


Softcover, Jan 2005, CafePress.com
MSRP: $9.99
80 pages, 8" by 4.9"
Hardcover, Jan 2005, CafePress.com
MSRP: $18.99
80 pages, 8" by 4.9"

Planet Simpson Planet Simpson
How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation
 (get it at Amazon.com)
By Chris Turner

Now available in softcover!

Hardcover, November 2004, Da Capo Press
ISBN: 0-306-81341-6   UPC: 9 780306 813412
MSRP: $26.00
288 pages, 9.3" by 6.3"
Softcover, November 2005, Da Capo Press
ISBN: 0-306-81448-X   UPC: 9 780306 81448x
MSRP: $16.95
464 pages
Audio CD (Abridged), October 2004, Highbridge Audio
Read by Oliver Wyman
ISBN: 1-56511-901-0
UPC: 9 781565 11901x
MSRP: $34.95
12 hours on 10 CD's

In addition to the Canadian edition below there are two UK editions (same content) that can be found on our UK Unofficial Book List   here!  

Planet Simpson Planet Simpson  (Canadian Edition)
How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation
 (get it at Amazon.ca)
By Chris Turner


Softcover (Canadian Edition), October 2004, Random House Canada
ISBN: 0-67-931318-4   EAN: 9 780679 313182
MSRP: CDN$35.00
480 pages, 9.9" by 8.1"

Leaving Springfield Leaving Springfield
The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture
 (get it at Amazon.com)
By John Alberti


Softcover, December 2003, Wayne State University Press
ISBN: 0-8143-2849-0   UPC: 9 780814 329491
MSRP: $21.95
160 pages, 9.32" by 5.92"

The Simpsons and Society The Simpsons and Society
An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Steven Keslowitz


Softcover, October 2003, Hats Off Books
ISBN: 1-587-36253-8   UPC: 9 781587 362538
MSRP: $15.95
248 pages, 8.56" by 5.58"

This is the 2nd Edition, now expanded and revised into a third edition as The World According to the Simpsons!

So You Think You Know The Simpsons So You Think You Know The Simpsons  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Clive Gifford


Softcover, July 2003, Hodder Children's Books
ISBN: 0-340-87761-8   EAN: 9 780340 877616
MSRP: $8.74
160 pages, 7.72" by 5.08"

Note: This is a UK publication also available through Amazon in the United States via the link above!  Please note however that a second edition is now available and listed on our UK Unofficial Books list.

The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leaders Guide for Group Study The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leaders Guide for Group Study  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Mark I. Pinsky and Samuel F. Parvin


Softcover, July 2002, Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN: 0-664-22590-X   UPC: 9 780664 225902
MSRP: $5.95
62 pages, 8.62" by 5.56"

The Gospel According to The Simpsons

The Gospel According to The Simpsons

The Gospel According to The Simpsons
The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family
 (get it at Amazon.com)
By Mark I. Pinsky


Softcover, August 2001, Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN: 0-664-22419-9   UPC: 9 780664 224196
MSRP: $14.95
164 pages, 8.54" by 5.56"

Now available in a significantly expanded edition here!

Original edition available in Audio MP3 and CD Formats:
Audio MP3, November 2005, Hovel Audio
ISBN: 1-59644-207-7   UPC: 9 781596 44207n
MSRP: $19.98
Audio CD, November 2005, Hovel Audio
ISBN: 1-59644-208-5   UPC: 9 781596 44208n
MSRP: $24.98

The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer
The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family
 (get it at Amazon.com)
Edited by William Irwin, Mark T. Conard and Aeon J. Skoble


Softcover, April 2001, Open Court Publishing Company
ISBN: 0-8126-9433-3   UPC: 9 780812 694338
MSRP: $17.95
Hardcover, April 2001, Open Court Publishing Company
ISBN: 0-6139-1395-7   UPC: 9 780613 913959
MSRP: $28.00
303 pages, 9" by 6"

The above book is now available in NINE languages:
...   In a French translation titled Les Simpson: Les secrets de la plus célèbre famille d'Amérique,  which can be found on the France Unofficial Book List   here!
...   In a German translation titled Die Simpsons und die Philosophie,  which can be found on the Germany Unofficial Book List   here!
...   In an Italian translation titled I Simpson e la filosofia,  which can be found on the Italy Unofficial Book List   here!
...   In a Spanish translation titled Los Simpson y la filosofía,  which can be found on the Spanish Unofficial Book List   here!
...   In a Portuguese translation titled Os Simpsons e a Filosofia: o D'oh! de Homer,  which can be found on the Unofficial Book List from Other Countries   here!
...   In a Czech translation titled Simpsonovi a filozofie,  which can be found on the Unofficial Book List from Other Countries   here!
...   In a Turkish translation titled Simpsonlar ve Felsefe,  which can be found on the Unofficial Book List from Other Countries   here!
...   In a Russian translation titled "Cиmпcoньi" кaк филocoфия, which can be found on the Unofficial Book List from Other Countries   here!

Further Adventures in The Simpsons Collectibles Further Adventures in The Simpsons Collectibles
An Unauthorized Guide  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Robert W. Getz


A Schiffer Book for Collectors
Softcover, January 2000, Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 0-76431-231-6   UPC: 9 780764 312311
MSRP: $29.95
160 pages, 11" by 8 1/2"

Collecting Simpsons!  An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from The Simpsons Collecting Simpsons!
An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from The Simpsons
 (get it at Amazon.com)
By William D. LaRue


Softcover, December 1999, KML Enterprises Publishing
ISBN: 0-9675421-0-3   UPC: 9 780967 542102
MSRP: $24.95
152 pages, 11.04" by 7.93"

The Unauthorized Guide to the Simpsons Collectibles: A Handbook and Price Guide The Unauthorized Guide to the Simpsons Collectibles
A Handbook and Price Guide
 (get it at Amazon.com)
By Robert W. Getz


A Schiffer Book for Collectors
Softcover, June 1998, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN: 0-7643-0545-X   UPC: 9 780764 305450
MSRP: $29.95
159 pp., 10.95" by 8.42"

Books Out-Of-Print

The Simpsons and Society The Simpsons and Society
An Analysis of Our Favorite Family and Its Influence in Contemporary Society  (get current edition at Amazon.com)
By Steven Keslowitz


Softcover, October 2003, Hats Off Books
ISBN: 1-587-36253-8   UPC: 9 781587 362538
MSRP: $15.95
160 pages, 8.56" by 5.58"

Replaced by Expanded edition above!

The Simpsons Internet Guide The Simpsons Internet Guide  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Beth Gehman


Softcover, October 1999, Lightning Rod Unlimited
ISBN: 1-883573-45-9
MSRP: $10.00
40 pp., 8.5" by 5.5"

The Simpsons A to Z The Simpsons A to Z
By the Editors of PIL


Softcover, 1991, Publications International, Ltd.
ISBN: 1-56173-345-8  [No UPC]
MSRP: $4.50  CDN$5.50
48 pp., 10.88" by 8.25"

Behind the Creation of... The Simpsons Behind the Creation of... The Simpsons  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Robert Italia


Hardcover, June 1991, ABDO Publishing Company
ISBN: 1-56239-051-1
MSRP: $19.98
32 pp., 10" by 8"

Undeniably the worse book ever published about The Simpsons.

Simpson Fever! Simpson Fever!
Learn All About America's #1 Animated TV Hit With This Unofficial Guide
An unofficial fact and quiz book  (get it at Amazon.com)
By Jeff Rovin


Paperback, 1990, St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN: 0-312-92502-6   UPC: 044903 002952
MSRP: $2.95  CDN$3.95
118 pp, 6.75" by 4.14"

Bart Simpson's Radical World Bart Simpson's Radical World  (get it at Amazon.com)
By the Editors of Consumer Guide
Scott Knickelbine


Softcover, 1990, Publications International, Ltd.
ISBN: 1-56173-092-0  [No UPC]
MSRP: $2.95  CDN$3.50
24 pp., 8.25" x 5.24"

Simpson Mania




Simpson Mania

Simpson Mania
A History of TV's First Family  (get it at Amazon.com)
By the Editors of Consumer Guide
Steve Dale and Shane Tritsch


August 1990, 48 pp., Publications International, Ltd.

First Cover

Spiral softcovers (no price) 10.88" by 8.25"
ISBN: 0-8317-7808-3   UPC: 9 780831 778088 90000
ISBN: 1-56173-000-9   UPC: 042799 000007 00000

Softcover, MSRP $3.95  CDN$5.25  10.88" x 8.18"
ISBN: 1-56173-001-7   UPC: 042799 000014

Hardcover, (no price) 11.13" x 8.5"
ISBN: 1-56173-026-2   UPC: 042799 000267

Exactly the same book, but released in paperback size:
Paperback, October 1990, Signet 451-AE6949
MSRP $3.95  CDN$4.95  6.75" x 4.13"
ISBN: 0-451-16949-2   UPC: 071162 003956 16949
UPC: (from inside front cover) 9 780451 169495 50395

Second Cover
Exactly the same book, but with a different cover:
ISBN: 1-56173-145-5  [No UPC]
(softcover) MSRP $3.95  CDN$5.25  10.88" x 8.18"
Even this cover two variations:   "Simpsons Mania" printed in white lettering on the spine or yellow lettering on the spine

Meet The Simpsons Meet The Simpsons
The New Mania
By the Editors of Consumer Guide
Steve Dale and Shane Tritsch


Softcover, 1990, Publications International, Ltd.
ISBN: 1-56173-011-4
MSRP: $2.95  CDN$3.95

A publication, but not a book.  Folds out like a poster and contains a subset of the content of the Simpson Mania book above.  Equivalent to 16 pages including covers.

Announced But Never Released

The Simpsons, a softcover book by Nick Lezard, was announced by St. Martins Press (ISBN 158234017X) in 1999 for $12.95 but was subsequently cancelled.

The Simpsons: Photographs by David Levinthal The Simpsons: Photographs by David Levinthal  (get it at Amazon.com)
By David Levinthal


Hardcover, April 2003, Arena Editions
ISBN: 1-892041-73-1
MSRP: $39.95
Softcover, Arena Editions
ISBN: 1-892041-70-7
144 pages

Sounds wonderful, but I'm afraid it was never released.


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Last updated on July 4, 2013 by Bruce Gomes (bruce@simpsonsarchive.com)