Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role Playing Games (Paperback)

by Lawrence Schick (Author) "Rule number one: limit yourself!..." (more)
Key Phrases: cardstock screen, outer folder, solo scenario, Judges Guild, Fantasy Games Unlimited, Chaosium Inc (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This fascinating and detailed book delves into the world of role-playing games (games in which players assume the identity of the characters) such as Dungeons and Dragons. Schick, a game designer and founding member of the Academy of Game Critics, gives details on the history, concept, and playing techniques of this popular pastime. He profiles dozens of specific games, spanning nearly every genre imaginable, including those both in and out of print. Details include entries for the base game and its spinoffs and supplements, additional scenarios, and other materials available. Schick's book fills a void in games collections and should appeal to both adults and YAs.
- Terry Wirick, Erie Cty. Lib. System, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
This history of role-playing games such as "Dungeons and Dragons" explains their evolution and gives complete definitions and descriptions for related game products.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879756535
• ISBN-13: 978-0879756536
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #732,769 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best history of gaming ever, August 3, 2000

By	Robert James (Culver City, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I began role-playing in the late seventies, when all of the earliest role-playing games were still available for sale. Reading "Heroic Worlds" is like returning to those early days, both in its comprehensive listing of every role-playing game release available up through 1990, and in its evocation of the state of the art of role-playing games in its early days. This book is bound to be a classic for a number of reasons: one, it's the only place that will serve the collector hoping to buy every single supplement for their favorite game; two, it's the best history available on the subject, even today; and three, it will serve the game designers of the future, in seeing what has already been done, and what still remains to be done. It's a wonderful read, as well. Now all we need is a second edition, that updates the subject to the present day!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything about rpgs up to 1991, October 24, 2007

By	Judge ADGG "Adgg" (R´lyeh) - See all my reviews

Complete compendium of RPGs from their origins up to 1991. Includes excerpts from interviews, lists and commentary by the author. It's the sine qua non book for the true collector.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great fun reference for the classic RPG era, August 5, 2006

By	Dean C. Mcmillin "old nostalgic gamer" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have spent way way too many hours over the years poring over my battered but beloved copy of this book. An ultra-detailed reference to RPGs from the dawn of roleplaying through 1991, it's a wonderful treat for the RPG fan.

Now all we need is a 2nd edition or vol. 2, covering the revolutions of Vampire/dramatic roleplaying, LARPs, d20 and all the innovations of the last 17 years!!! Still, this book as it stands is a great reference. D&D fans especially will be delighted at the ton of info. covering the early years of their favorite game.