Who wrote the first Monster Manual published in 1977?
Gary Gygax wrote the first Monster Manual published in 1977. This 108-page volume compiled over 350 monsters and established a new standard for wargame books.
Common questions about Monster Manual
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Monster Manual for the third edition of D&D released?
The Monster Manual for the third edition of D&D was released on the 1st of October 2000. Monte Cook, Jonathan Tweet, and Skip Williams all contributed to the third edition Monster Manual with Williams credited with the design of the book.
What format did the Monstrous Compendium use instead of a hardback book?
The Monstrous Compendium used a binder of looseleaf sheets instead of a hardback book. This format was intended to help Dungeon Masters keep handy only the monster statistics needed for a particular game session.
Which edition of D&D featured the demon prince Orcus on the cover of the Monster Manual?
The D&D 4th edition Monster Manual featured the demon prince Orcus on the cover. This book was released with the other core books on the 6th of June 2008 and was designed by Mike Mearls, Stephen Schubert, and James Wyatt.
When was the D&D 5th edition Monster Manual released?
The D&D 5th edition Monster Manual was released on the 30th of September 2014. The book is 350 pages and illustrated with the cover depicting the beholder Xanathar attacking adventurers in the Underdark.