From School Library Journal
Adult/High School--In the foreword to this collection of 22 essays, scriptwriter Drew Goddard asks, "Why do we care so muchabout Buffy?" After some false but mercifully brief starts, the book hits its stride with a succession of passionate, articulate, entertaining, informative, and sometimes-humorous pieces by professional writers who have no inhibitions about explaining what they love about the show--and what they hate. Varying widely in attitude and style, chapters analyze the show's literary qualities from a number of perspectives; delve into its "meaning" through its themes of love and growth; look closely at the dark side of the "Buffyverse" and the complexity of its moral structure; and argue the relative merits of its characters and episodes. Kevin Andrew Murphy's fittingly titled "Unseen Horrors and Shadowy Manipulations" documents instances of censorship and the attempts of network and advertisers to reshape Buffy to suit their purposes. In "Where's the Religion in Willow's Wicca?" Christie Golden provides a much-needed corrective to the mistake the writers made when they called Willow's fantasy sorcery "Wicca" (a real religion). In the final essay, "Slayers of the Last Arc," Nancy Holder shows why some are so affected by the story when she argues that, seen in retrospect, Buffy clearly fits the template of Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey." This outstanding and diverse collection will entertain, challenge, and enlighten anyone familiar with the Buffyverse.--Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From Booklist
It's over. When the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired in May, fans celebrated the groundbreaking show and mourned its end. But don't mourn, eulogize. Editor Yeffeth presents a batch of essays from sf and fantasy writers that examine the show's scope, the evolution of its characters, and the affect it had on its many fans. Nancy Kilpatrick sympathizes with Buffy's search for love (and a little lovin'), while Sherrilyn Kenyon sees Buffy as a demasculinizer of the men in her life. Peg Aloi toasts Tara, Willow's quiet, reserved lover. Roxanne Longstreet Conrad insists that it was Xander, Buffy's wisecracking, superpowerless pal, who was actually the most powerful force for good in Sunnydale. Justine Labalestier describes defending the show to critical fans, even as she admits her own dislike of the seventh season. Laura Resnick examines the mixtures of good and evil in even the most heroic Buffy characters. Bright and witty, just like the show they're commenting on, these pieces are must reading for the Buffy -devoted. Kristine Huntley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfield, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's “Matchmaking in Hellmouth” and Sherrilyn Kenyon's “The Search for Spike's Balls.” An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.



About the Author
Glenn Yeffeth

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfield, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's "Matchmaking in Hellmouth" and Sherrilyn Kenyon's "The Search for Spike's Balls." An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.

About the Author:Glenn Yeffeth is the editor of Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy and Taking the Red Pill: Science, Philosophy and Religion in The Matrix. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Over its seven-year run, Fox's Buffy the Vampire Slayer created a huge market for books and other memorabilia. What could be different about this one? Editor Yeffeth commissioned 21 top sf writers, ranging from David Brin (Kiln People) to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (the "St. Germain" vampire series), to write essays on the beloved show. Sherrilyn Kenyon's "The Search for Spike's Balls" exemplifies the humorous approach, while Christine Golden's "Where's the Wicca in Willow's Religion?" tends to the serious. Golden examines the difference between a real witch and Hollywood's incarnation while giving the reader a better understanding of the Wicca religion. Although the contributions are engaging, the book has limited appeal. It's hard to imagine even the staunchest Buffy fans seeking out critical essays. While not an essential purchase, this clever compilation deserves consideration by large TV and pop culture collections.-Rosalind Dayen, South Regional Lib., Broward Cty., FL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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