The book is divided into two sets of essays and a set of appendices. The first grouping, which deals more directly with the show and details there of is labeled "The Host". This set has essays dedicated to manipulation of perception, old SF tropes and how to break them, feminism, gender roles, and technology vs magic.

The second set, under the heading "The Symbiote", deals more with the external world around the show, discussing difference between American and Canadian television, pop culture, how SG-1 is spreading to other media, and a bit on how fanfiction and on-line discussions shape and are shaped by perceptions of the fans.

The appendices contain episode lists for both the first eight seasons of SG-1 and the first season of its spin-off series Stargate: Atlantis as well a glossary of the terminology that has grown up with the show and now is used as commonly as if it were part of the everyday world.

This is an interesting book in that partly you can use it to come to an understanding of the history and mythology that serves as a backdrop to the series. At the same time, most of the essays already assume you know what's going on and woe be he that's only watched season one!