Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Watcher's Guide, Volume 1

The original book companion to the first two seasons provides a wealth of background information on the characters, quotes and memorable moments, as well as a great set of interviews with the cast and lots of behind-the-scenes insights into the early years. The first Watcher's Guide also has the kudos of being considered an essential study guide for the real hardcore Buffy fan hoping to become a quizzing Slayer.

At the time of publication, some critics said that a lot of the information in the book could be gained just from watching the show. That's true to a degree, but it discounts all the behind-the-scenes nuggets and interviews that help the book stand out in its own right.

Verdict

Essential reading for anyone who takes their studying seriously, and the perfect starting point for the second and third volumes of the Watcher's Guide that followed over the next few years.