Monstrous Manual (Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, 2nd Edition)

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Summary: What was wrong with the old 3-ring binder format???
Review: I don't understand why TSR inc. would trade in the old 3 ring binder format monstrous compendium for this single bound hardback. It just doesn't make things as easy as they were when you had the binders. I mean, you can't remove the individual monster pages from the book, which means a lot, especially if you're a DM like myself who likes to use several different kinds of monsters in a single encounter or even a single game session. I am very displeased with this new book, and will value my handy 3-ring binder all the more.

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Summary: All DMs REQUIRE this book!
Review: I have looked through this book thoroughly. It probably has the best AD&D illustrations yet, and each monster description is superbly realistic, to the point at which you worry that you are going to run into one when you walk outside! It also shows the monsters abilities and characteristics in an easy-to-read format. If you are a DM, do not run another game without this!
One suggestion: if you, the DM, are going to let a player read this before a game, or at any other time that he/she is not playing, STOP! This could ruin the fun for them. If you feel that they must read it, make them have to go to a wizards shop or somewhere else where you would normally find an index of some of the monsters in the land (wizards shop, mage's pocket, etc.). Buy this (DMs)!

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Summary: Great book for anybody
Review: I love this book! It's fun to read about the kinds of monsters and how they behave and act, It's an essential sourcebook for D&D players. One of my friends bought this book and doesn't even play D&D, because it's so good.

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Summary: This book is the best!!!
Review: I reccomend this book to anyone who plays or doesn't play AD&D. I always liked photocopying the monster making sheets and the art and info are awesome!!!

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Summary: Very good, but some minor proplems
Review: I think this a must for any DM. A earier reviewed complained about the lack of a three-ring binder. Well hardcover is cheaper. The pictures are great, through don't eat while reading it. Also it lacks pushover monsters.

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Summary: Even you don't play AD&D... just read for fun!!
Review: I'm not an AD&D player actually but find it funny to read the book... it brings you to the world of fantasy and monsters. Just read for fun and you'll love it.

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Summary: An excelent book to tell players about the different monster
Review: I've been playing AD&D for 6 months now and I can tell you for a fact, if I didn't have this book to tell me about the different monsters, my character wouldn't have lasted as long as he did. An excelent read for players and non-players.

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Summary: It Was Not a Very Good Book For the MONEY
Review: It was ba

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Summary: Gorgeous book, pathetic illustrations
Review: It's difficult to describe just how valuable this book is to a hard-working Dungeon Master. Instead of floundering helplessly with a dozen Monstrous Compendiums, this book gives you over 600 monsters, with complete details! And that doesn't just mean combat statistics - diet, motivation, appearance, culture, and more are all touched upon. There are of course limitations to the presentation, but the text is admirable because it is evocative - the "mysteries" of each species encourage the DM to elaborate as much as he or she sees fit. The one drawback to this book is the illustrations - the quality of many of them is abominable, which is a shame, considering the power of the text. But, if you can overlook that flaw, this book is a must have!

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous book, pathetic illustrations
Review: It's difficult to describe just how valuable this book is to a hard-working Dungeon Master. Instead of floundering helplessly with a dozen Monstrous Compendiums, this book gives you over 600 monsters, with complete details! And that doesn't just mean combat statistics - diet, motivation, appearance, culture, and more are all touched upon. There are of course limitations to the presentation, but the text is admirable because it is evocative - the "mysteries" of each species encourage the DM to elaborate as much as he or she sees fit. The one drawback to this book is the illustrations - the quality of many of them is abominable, which is a shame, considering the power of the text. But, if you can overlook that flaw, this book is a must have!