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Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons

Name: Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons
Price: 17.35 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (364 reviews)

4.5 of 5 Stars: Gaming - Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons

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Book Synopsis: Role-playing game historian Ben Riggs unveils the secret history of TSR― the company that unleashed imaginations with Dungeons & Dragons, was driven into ruin by disastrous management decisions, and then saved by their bitterest rival."Ben Riggs manages to walk the fine line between historical accuracy and fun about as well as anyone and SLAYING THE DRAGON is equal parts historical accuracy and entertainment. It was an essential read for me while directing and producing the Official D&D documentary but I’d recommend it to anyone regardless of the subject material. It’s a wild and fun ride through the turbulent history of one the most influential brands in our lifetime." - JOE MANGANIELLOCo-created by wargame enthusiasts Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, the original Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game released by TSR (Tactical Studies Rules) in 1974 created a radical new medium: the role-playing game. For the next two decades, TSR rocketed to success, producing multiple editions of D&D, numerous settings for the game, magazines, video games, New York Times bestselling novels by Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and R. A. Salvatore, and even a TV show! But by 1997, a series of ruinous choices and failed projects brought TSR to the edge of doom―only to be saved by their fiercest competitor, Wizards of the Coast, the company behind the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering.Unearthed from Ben Riggs’s own adventurous campaign of in-depth research, interviews with major players, and acquisitions of secret documents, Slaying the Dragon reveals the true story of the rise and fall of TSR. Go behind the scenes of their Lake Geneva headquarters where innovative artists and writers redefined the sword and sorcery genre, managers and executives sabotaged their own success by alienating their top talent, ignoring their customer fanbase, accruing a mountain of debt, and agreeing to deals which, by the end, made them into a publishing company unable to publish so much as a postcard.As epic and fantastic as the adventures TSR published, Slaying the Dragon is the legendary tale of the rise and fall of the company that created the role-playing game world.

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Are you ready to embark on an epic journey into the secret history of Dungeons & Dragons? Look no further than "Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons" by Ben Riggs. This captivating book uncovers the untold story of TSR, the company that revolutionized the world of role-playing games with the release of D&D in 1974. Prepare to be spellbound as Riggs takes you through the highs and lows of TSR's tumultuous journey.

Riggs's masterful blend of historical accuracy and entertainment will transport you back in time, immersing you in the thrilling world of TSR. Whether you're a die-hard fan of D&D or simply have a fascination with the fascinating history of iconic brands, "Slaying the Dragon" is a must-read. Don't just take our word for it; even Joe Manganiello, known for his role in the Official D&D documentary, highly recommends this book as an essential read.

Dive into the origins of Dungeons & Dragons, co-created by visionary minds Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. Witness the meteoric rise of TSR as they brought multiple editions of D&D to life and created immersive game settings that captured the imagination of millions. Explore the vast universe of novels, video games, and even a TV show that expanded the D&D universe beyond tabletop gaming.

But as the saying goes, "The higher you climb, the harder you fall." Experience the nail-biting tension as TSR teeters on the brink of disaster due to a series of ill-fated decisions and failed projects. Discover the surprising twist as their fiercest competitor, Wizards of the Coast, swoops in to rescue TSR from imminent doom. Ben Riggs's meticulous research, insider interviews, and top-secret documents reveal a shocking tale of mismanagement and redemption.

Unearth the secrets of TSR's Lake Geneva headquarters, where brilliant artists and writers pushed the boundaries of the sword and sorcery genre. Uncover the concealed machinations of managers and executives who unknowingly sabotaged their own success. Marvel at the mountain of debt that threatened to crush the company and the risky deals that left them unable to publish a single postcard.

Like a mythical adventure, "Slaying the Dragon" is an extraordinary chronicle of the rise and fall of TSR—a company that forever changed the landscape of role-playing games. Don't miss your chance to be part of this legendary tale. Grab your copy of "Slaying the Dragon" today and journey into the captivating world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Click here to get your copy of "Slaying the Dragon: A Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons" and embark on an enthralling adventure through the pages of this iconic book.

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