Of Dice and Men by David M. Ewalt

The History and Lore of Dungeons & Dragons

The authoritative history of the world's greatest role-playing phenomenon—fully updated to celebrate 50 years of adventure.

Published by Scribner and written by award-winning journalist and lifelong player David M. Ewalt, Of Dice and Men tracks the turbulent rise, fall, and survival of Dungeons & Dragons from its origins to the global cultural powerhouse it is today. Even if you have never played D&D yourself, you undoubtedly know someone who has; the game has left a profound mark on modern entertainment, inspiring early nerd subcultures and retaining a massive, passionate fanbase across the globe.

To celebrate the landmark 50th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, this definitive history has been extensively expanded. This updated edition features a brand-new introduction by acclaimed actor and D&D ambassador Joe Manganiello, along with significant new content covering the game's continued 21st-century evolution. Ewalt weaves together meticulous journalistic research and his own personal gaming experiences to reveal the true magic, history, and development of D&D from its earliest days on the tabletop.

Book Highlights:

• 50th Anniversary Expanded Edition: Packed with extensive new content reflecting on five decades of D&D history, keeping the narrative fully up to date.
• Exclusive Introduction: Features a brand-new foreword by prominent D&D icon and actor Joe Manganiello.
• Critically Acclaimed Journalism: Celebrated by The Wall Street Journal for how it "tracks D&D's turbulent rise, fall, and survival, from its heyday in the 1980s…to the 21st century."
• The Perfect Blend of History and Memoir: Delves into the origin stories of the game's creators and the evolution of its mechanics, alongside the author's first-hand journey through the hobby.

Discover how a tabletop game created decades before the internet sparked a cultural revolution and continues to shape the landscapes of fantasy, gaming, and storytelling today.