The first book-length treatment of the spiritual and religious themes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Faith and culture collide in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the phenomenal cult classic television series that has captured the imagination of a generation of fans and received widespread critical acclaim. Written for Buffy fans with spiritual inclinations, this book at last explores some of the show's most fascinating spiritual, religious, and mythological ideas—from apocalypse and iconography to the power of blood and the need for humor when fighting our spiritual battles. Buffy and the show's other characters have valuable spiritual lessons to impart, offering wisdom for the faith journey, the courage to make ethical choices, and forgiveness when our choices have been poor ones. Throughout the book's 13 short chapters, author Jana Riess looks at how values such as friendship, self-reliance, redemption, and the responsible use of power are played out in Buffy and its spinoff series Angel. The book includes an exclusive interview with actress Eliza Dushku (who plays Faith on the show), an end-of-book "Who's Who in Buffy," and a guide to the spiritual themes covered in the seven seasons of the show. What can we learn from watching television? More than you might think!

Jana Riess (Winchester, KY) is currently the Religion Book Review Editor for Publishers Weekly and the author of The Spiritual Traveler: Boston and New England. A recognized expert on trends in American religion and publishing, she has written for Books & Culture, Beliefnet.com, and Kirkus Reviews.

This book has not been approved, licensed, or sponsored by any entity or person involved in creating or producing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the film or TV