The Big Book of Hell: The Best of Life in Hell

by Matt Groening

Book Overview

Painstakingly assembled and rigorously organized by that master of clutter, Matt Groening, this is not another mini-jumbo, hard-to-read, abbreviated compendium in that seemingly endless series of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679727590
• ISBN13: 9780679727590
• Release Date: October 1990
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.6" x 10.7"

Customer Reviews

Hell ain't that bad

I've been a huge fan of the Simpsons since they first aired, and recently I decided to check out Matt Groening's other works. I bought this book used and it was worth every penny. The comics here are unlike any other. I particularly enjoy them because they are totally irreverent, yet honest about the state of American society today. Many of the 'School is Hell' series appear in this collection. They are my favorites--they get me through long nights of studying. It makes me wish there was a 'Life in Hell' TV series to go along with the Simpsons.

One of Greoning's Best

I must say, Big Book of Hell is 10 times better than Huge Book of Hell. Funnier, less preachy, bigger, and just plain better. It's honest, and extremely observant of the little stupid things we do every day. Matt's detailed descriptions of school and work are so true, I wish I would have written them. Bongo's anti-school agenda is so funny and true. The strips with the eyes and Bongo strapped in a chair are among my favorites. Another thing Big Book has that Huge Book doesn't, is that it is TOUCHING! Witness the 8 Steps of Handling a Divorce (or something to that nature). I almost cried when I read it. In some ways, its more personal than Huge Book, other times, more universal. Which is why Greoning's work (and the Simpsons) are so brilliant: touching, personal yet universal, bitter yet hilarious, observant without being fake. Big Book also has TREMENDOUS re-read value. I highly suggest anyone looking for a laugh or some delicious insight to purchase Big Book of Hell.

A scathingly realistic view of life

If you like The Simpsons, you'll love this book. It is packedwith 169 pages of the brutal and sometimes comic honesty that madeGroening who he is today. It covers all the main aspects of life - work, school, love, and childhood; told through the antics of surprisingly amusing rabbits who bear a striking resemblance to the Simpsons. Some readers may be turned by these aspects that make it so appealing to the rest of us. Face it - Groening doesn't exactly hesitate to be excruciatingly honest, as you can see in his discussion of saran wrap vs. party balloons as contraceptives. But it's all in good humor and, let's face it, more people have been there than we like to admit. If I haven't completely suaded you from this book, give it a shot. Sit back, get comfortable, and be willing to laugh in spite of yourself. I give it a five.

Literary Masterpiece

This belongs on your bookshelf next to Kafka and it is one of the funniest things you'll ever read. The Simpsons is tame compared to this stuff.

Another great book by Matt Groening!

THIS BOOK IS SO COOL, THAT IT EVEN HAS BONGO'S (a funny bunny) DREAM HOUSE! if you like Futurama and the Simpsons,then this is a book for you!(oh, and by the way, if you just want to read this for the bunny family, i suggest you read the "Jeff and Akbar" strip, It's definitly the best!)