The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History

The Simpsons: An Uncensored, Unauthorized History is a non-fictional book by John Ortved. It was first published in October 2009 by Faber and Faber. It was simultaneously released in the UK by Ebury Press under the title Simpsons Confidential: The uncensored, totally unauthorised history of the world's greatest TV show by the people that made it.

The book, an oral history, is the first attempt to chronicle the history and behind-the-scenes stories of The Simpsons and an expansion of Ortved's article "Simpson Family Values", published in Vanity Fair in 2007.

Production
Following his 2007 article, "Simpson Family Values" in Vanity Fair, Ortved decided to expand it into a full book. Like the article, the book contains quotes from interviews with a number of people associated with the show, including main cast member Hank Azaria, former director Brad Bird and former writer Conan O'Brien, as well as Fox owner Rupert Murdoch. However, many of the show's central players, including creator Matt Groening, co-developers James L. Brooks and Sam Simon, and prominent producers like Al Jean, refused to be interviewed and so are quoted solely from existing sources. Ortved believes that the producers "were upset [that] the myth of The Simpsons would be challenged," specifically issues such as the extent of Groening's involvement in the show's development and writing, the role and actions of Brooks, and the role and departure of Simon from the series. According to Ortved, "When word of this got out, Brooks sent a letter to every current Simpsons employee, and all the former ones he thought mattered, asking them not to speak to me. The writers’ agents sent denial after denial for interview requests and eventually stopped responding altogether."

Goofs

 * It is stated that Maggie killed a man. This refers to Who Shot Mr. Burns? but she actually only rendered him comatose.
 * It is stated that Selma came out as gay, when it was in fact Patty.
 * The author Maya Angelou is listed as guest starring on the show; while Angelou appeared as a character in "Insane Clown Poppy" she was voiced by Pamela Hayden.