Players Handbook - Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 1st Edition Author:Gary Gygax The first true Players Handbook was released in June, 1978. It was written by Gary Gygax and edited by Mike Carr, who also wrote the Foreword. The original cover art was by D.A. Trampier, who also provided interior illustrations along with David C. Sutherland III. In this edition, the game rules were divided between the Players Handbook and the ... more »Dungeon Masters Guide. Later editions of the game moved the bulk of the game rules to the Player's Handbook, leaving information needed chiefly by the Dungeon Master in the Dungeon Master's Guide. The new rules were now so open-ended, that game campaigns would require a referee or Dungeon Master.
In 1983, TSR changed the cover art of the Players Handbook, although the interior contents remained the same. Printings with this cover also bear an orange spine that fits in with other Advanced Dungeons & Dragons books.
Numerous foreign editions of the Players Handbook were published, including versions for the UK, Australia, France, and Germany.
Dealers continued to place orders for the 1st edition Players Handbook even after 2nd edition was released, causing the final printing to be in July 1990, a year after the release of 2nd edition.« less