Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and The People Who

· Sold by Simon and Schuster
4.2
46 reviews
Ebook
288
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Updated with new chapters and an introduction for the 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, the fascinating and authoritative history of Dungeons & Dragons that “tracks D&D’s turbulent rise, fall, and survival, from its heyday in the 1980s…to the 21st century” (The Wall Street Journal), by award-winning journalist David M. Ewalt.

Even if you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons, you probably know someone who has: the game has had a profound influence on our culture, and 2014 marks the intriguing role-playing phenomenon’s 40th anniversary. Released decades before the Internet and social media, Dungeons & Dragons inspired one of the original nerd subcultures and is still revered by more than 30 million fans. Now, the authoritative history and magic of the game are revealed by an award-winning journalist and lifelong D&D player.

In Of Dice and Men, David Ewalt describes the development of Dungeons & Dragons from the game’s origins on the battlefields of ancient Europe through the hysteria that linked it to satanic rituals and teen suicides to its apotheosis as father of the modern video-game industry. As he chronicles the surprising history of the game’s origins (a history largely unknown even to hardcore players) and examines D&D’s lasting impact, Ewalt weaves laser-sharp subculture analysis with his own present-day gaming experiences, “writing about the world of fantasy role-playing junkies with intelligence, dexterity, and even wisdom” (Ken Jennings). An enticing blend of history, journalism, narrative, and memoir, Of Dice and Men sheds light on America’s most popular form of collaborative entertainment.

Ratings and reviews

4.2
46 reviews
Christopher Wood
August 30, 2013
"Of Dice and Men" is a great book for anyone who plays D&D or for someone who wants to learn more about the hobby without getting too deep. The last three chapters are especially well written and moving.
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Carl Scott
December 23, 2014
This would make a brilliant TV documentary. It never gets bogged down with the history and details of D&D. Skips expertly between the author's journey of rediscovery and facts and encounters with NPCs (D&D in joke) and with the unique storytelling experience of RPG. A fresh read, well written. It actually inspired me to order the new fifth edition of D&D and take up my mantle of DM (Dungeon Master) again. I highly recommend this.
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Kyle Blaine
July 1, 2015
Whether you love D&D already or are merely curious what it's all about, this book is a great page turner that manages to educate on the rich history of the hobby while remaining entertaining throughout. I also love the "sub plot" the author weaves between chapters, where he describes his own gaming stories as an "I was there" first person narrative. Highly recommended!
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About the author

David M. Ewalt is an award-winning journalist, author and speaker and an authority on the intersection of games and technology. He is the author of the books Defying Reality: The Inside Story of the Virtual Reality Revolution and Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and The People Who Play It. He previously worked as the Editor in Chief of Gizmodo and wrote for The Wall Street Journal, Reuters and Forbes. Find out more at DavidMEwalt.com.

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