"
The Lord of the Rings meets Moneyball in
this unique and authoritative book on Dungeons & Dragons -from the
game's origins through its rise to cultural prominence, and its ripple
effect on popular culture today.
Even if you've never
played Dungeons & Dragons, you probably know someone who has
(whether or not they're willing to admit it). Released in 1974 - decades
before video games and the Internet took over the gaming world -
Dungeons & Dragons became one of the original nerd subcultures, and
is still revered by over thirty million fans today. Now Forbes senior
editor David M. Ewalt explores
the rich history of the game, revealing the magic that enlivened his
youth, and has since re-entered his adult life in a whole new way.
From
its roots on the battlefields of ancient Europe, through the hysteria
that linked it to satanic rituals and teen suicides, and to its
apotheosis as father of the modern video game industry, Of Dice and Men
recounts the development of a game played by some of most fascinating
people in the world. Chronicling the surprising history of D&D's
origins (one largely unknown even to hardcore players) while examining
the game's profound impact, Ewalt weaves laser-sharp cultural analysis
with his own present-day gaming experiences.
An enticing blend of history, journalism, narrative and memoir, Of Dice and Men sheds light on America's most popular (and widely misunderstood) form of collaborative entertainment."