Monster Manual (1st Edition)
Credits
Written by Gary Gygax
Illustrations by David C. Sutherland III, D.A. Trampier, Tom Wham, Jean Wells
Cover by David C. Sutherland III
Version
This PDF is of the premium reprint released in July, 2012. The credits page indicates that this is the 4th edition (of the book, not the game), published in August, 1979. The PDF has bookmarks, though they may be confusing at first glance since they are simply the letters of the alphabet (expanding into the monsters featured in that heading).
History and Trivia
The Monster Manual was the first book released for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, a massively updated and expanded version of D&D. Released in December, 1977, about six months before the Players Handbook, one might wonder what D&D fans did with the book back then while waiting for the PHB. It was likely used as a monster supplement for OD&D and the first Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, released in July, 1977. Sadly, that basic set is not available in PDF and so won’t be getting a review any time soon.
Is it Pretty?
The cover of the premium reprint is done in a soft brown “old book” style reminiscent of the covers of 3rd edition books. The red dragon art from the original cover is framed in the middle of the cover. Many of the creatures get illustrations which range in quality from cartoony to stunning. Of particular note are the succubus (I imagine a fair number of parents of young gamers were taken aback by that picture at the time), the frost giant (looking rather Nordic), the groaning spirit (nice spectral take on a banshee), the leprechaun (an early example of fourth wall breaking as one leprechaun rides the giant leech and another is taking down the page header for leucrotta at the top of the page), the lizard man (a particularly well done and realistic looking depiction of a humanoid lizard), and the night hag (a rather frightening depiction showing the hag’s face emerging from darkness).
½ star for prettiness mainly due to the inconsistent tone and quality of the interior art.
Is it Professional?
Monster entries follow a consistent format throughout and an alphabetized index of all entries and sub-entries in the back makes finding a particular critter fairly easy, particularly with the bookmarks of the PDF.
One star for professionalism.
Is it Useful?
The first few pages offer explanations of the various terms appearing in the stat blocks of the monster entries.
Most of the monster entries are fairly short, with only a paragraph or two of description accompanying the stat block. Some entries provide stat blocks for multiple different types, such as the six varieties of beetles. Most entries for humanoid type monsters include information on leaders and spell-casters and note the arms and armor typically used.
Some of the more notable critters include…
Demons and devils. I really enjoy this take on lower planar beings. They are restricted from entering the material plane and the heavy hitters have amulets or talismans to which their spirit is bound that serve as a major adventure hook should the DM wish to include them in their campaigns.
Dragons. Being in the name of the game means they get a decent amount of page space. Dragons as presented here are fairly different than those of later editions, having only 8 age categories and having an additional categorization by size. All of the classic chromatic and metallic dragons are here, though, along with Tiamat and Bahamut. There’s a section on subduing and essentially enslaving dragons which, honestly, I’m glad didn’t appear in later editions.
Giants. Drawing from Norse mythology primarily, the giants presented here are the classics that would show up throughout D&D’s history going forward. Cloud giants appear to draw their inspiration from the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Golems. The clay golem is clearly inspired by the golem created by Rabbi Loew in Jewish folklore. The flesh golem, on the other hand, finds its origins in the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley.
Men. Although they’d be listed as humans these days, later editions often skimped when it came to stats for human adversaries. So, in that regard, the 1st edition Monster Manual reigns supreme, offering a variety of different “men” for players to encounter.
Portuguese Man-O-War. I only note this one because it always struck me as odd to have a creature in a fantasy setting have a name that references the real world. You’d think they would be called Nyrond Man-O-War or something similar. Likewise, the rakshasa’s description indicates they were “known first in India” which seems like an odd thing to put in a fantasy game book.
One thing notably lacking in the monster stat blocks are experience point values. These must be derived from formulas presented in the Dungeon Master’s Guide which is a rather annoying bit of hassle for the DM.
Because of the missing XP, I’m going to give the MM ½ star for usefulness, with the caveat that the monster entries are otherwise perfectly usable at the game table for the most part.
Is it Affordable?
The PDF of the Monster Manual is only $9.99. POD hardcover options are available for standard color and premium color at reasonable prices and both are available bundled with the PDF for an even better deal. Used original printings go for $50 or more on the secondary market and the premium reprint from which this PDF is derived goes for anywhere between $90 and $200 or more. So, $9.99 is definitely worth the investment.
One star for affordability.
Is it Fun?
The creatures in the Monster Manual are drawn from a variety of real world mythologies and folklore, works of fiction (the Lord of the Rings most notably), as well as some original creations and some relatively normal animals and humans.
The variety of critters means the DM will be able to provide players with varied and challenging encounters at every level.
One star for fun.
Where to find it
The PDF, along with standard color and premium color print on demand hardcovers can be found on drivethrurpg listed as Monster Manual (1e). Original printings (with the original, orange spine, or premium covers) can be found on ebay and various other secondary market sites on the internet. Finding an older printing in good condition may be a bit difficult, however.
Conclusion
The Monster Manual in every edition is part of the “holy trinity” of core rulebooks for D&D along with the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Player’s Handbook. In short, the Monster Manual is an essential part of the AD&D 1st Edition experience.
Prettiness: ½ star
Professionalism: 1 star
Usefulness: ½ star
Affordability: 1 star
Fun: 1 star
Total: 4 out of 5 stars.
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