
Originally Posted by
Kraco
I haven't read books, and I don't feel like I'm missing anything essential. Type-Moon doesn't do half-assed work like that. I expect a ton more information does exist, like is Type-Moon's way, but you don't need it to watch this. Just be ready to think a little as this isn't a shounen show, and certain chronological nonlinearity may exist from episode to episode (but this is no Suzumiya Haruhi).
This is a masterpiece of anime making and there's absolutely no reason not to watch it unless you don't like horror and violence.