I'll start with some context. I was a fully-immersed AD&D player in the late '70's and early '80's. I still have the original core rule books in great shape, many expansion books, lots of modules (both published and those created by myself), stacks of character sheets, some of the campaign settings (Forgotten Realms stuff, mostly), loads of dice, and a bunch of figurines from back in the day. I was almost always the DM for our group. I had more fun creating adventures and seeing how the players got through them than being a player myself. Just a personal preference that exists to this day in many areas of my life. I might be a control freak, at least at the gaming table.This book is very easy to read, identifies with avid RPG players, doesn't alienate the casual gamer, and does a good job explaining the phenomenon to non-RPG people. It also delivers some very good historical information about RPGs and TSR specifically. I have no problem with the author focusing on his personal experiences with the game, and lightly covering areas where he had no specific experiences. Brought back a lot of memories.More context. In my high school days, my buddies and I used to take trips up to Lake Geneva, WI to pore over the products in "The Dungeon" hobby shop owned by TSR. (it's now a fudge and candy store, catering to tourists) The Dungeon had every TSR product available. It was like having access to Willie Wonka's factory. No local hobby store could match The Dungeon.While involved in a multimedia association in Chicago in the late '90's, Gary Gygax attended one of our meetings. We went out for beers in a pub after the meeting concluded. It was so amazing to be able to talk with the Legend about my favorite game of my formative years. It doesn't get any better than that. I also had a long conversation with Ed Greenwood at the massive Book Fair convention a few years later. Ed created the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, and has authored some highly enjoyable novels, many taking place in the Forgotten Realms. Two of the titans of the fantasy RPG industry, and certainly on the Mount Rushmore of Dungeons & Dragons influencers.Back to the book review. I would have liked to have seen more pages on the importance of the campaign settings beyond Greyhawk, including Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Dark Sun, Mystara, and Planescape. I'm sure there were others that influenced the company's direction and had a big impact on the D&D universe. I could envision an entire book dedicated to the major campaign settings and their impact on D&D. Can't have everything we want in one non-fiction book, so I'm not knocking this book too much on this point. I could see several books covering specific areas that could act as a comprehensive historical set for the D&D fan. Actually, there are a few other good ones out there already.I've recently purchased the 3 core rules books for 5e. I'm enjoying catching up - even if I don't get back into the game, it is a lot of fun imagining what I could create using this new system, with the proper amount of time. Probably won't happen, but it has awakened a sleeping part of my brain, and I feel more creative than I have in a long time. I'm sure it will help me in my everyday adventures.I saw an interview with Wil Wheaton where he mentioned he has a copy of this book on his shelves. He seemed excited about having read it and about owning it. With as much geek cred as Wil has, that's a very positive testimonial. Makes me want to watch a couple episodes of TableTop over lunch. Be well.