Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and Its Players

The fascinating and authoritative history of Dungeons & Dragons, which "tracks D&D's turbulent rise, fall, and survival, from its heyday in the 1980s…to the 21st century" (The Wall Street Journal), has been updated with new chapters and an introduction for the 50th Anniversary of this iconic role-playing game. Written by award-winning journalist David M. Ewalt, even those who have never played Dungeons & Dragons are likely familiar with its profound influence on our culture, as the game celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014.

Released long before the advent of the Internet and social media, Dungeons & Dragons inspired one of the original nerd subcultures and is still revered by more than 30 million fans worldwide. In his book, Of Dice and Men, Ewalt provides an authoritative history and insight into the magic of the game, tracing its development from the battlefields of ancient Europe to its apotheosis as the father of the modern video-game industry.

Ewalt weaves a compelling narrative, chronicling the largely unknown origins of the game and examining its lasting impact. He seamlessly blends 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).

The result is an enticing blend of history, journalism, and memoir that sheds light on America's most popular form of collaborative entertainment. Readers will learn about the hysteria that once linked Dungeons & Dragons to satanic rituals and teen suicides, as well as the game's profound influence on the development of the modern video game industry.

Whether you're a lifelong D&D enthusiast or someone who has never rolled a 20-sided die, Of Dice and Men offers a captivating glimpse into the world of fantasy role-playing and the enduring legacy of Dungeons & Dragons. With its updated content and fresh perspective, this authoritative history is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins and evolution of one of the most iconic games of all time.

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