When the reimagined fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons debuted in the summer of 2014, tabletop roleplaying games were on the brink of obsolescence. But within a few short years, D&D found greater success than it ever enjoyed before, even surpassing its 1980s Golden Age. How did an analog game nearly a half-century old become a star in a digital world? For the first time, Lore & Legends reveals the incredible ongoing story of Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition from the perspective of the designers, artists, and players who bring it to life. This comprehensive visual guide illuminates contemporary D&D—its development, evolution, cultural relevance, and popularity—through exclusive interviews and more than 900 pieces of artwork, photography, and advertising curated and analyzed by the authors of the bestselling and Hugo-nominated Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana.

The special edition features original cover and slipcase illustrations by Hydro74, three gatefold Through the Ages features that showcase how the artwork of several iconic monsters and characters has changed across editions, and a pull-out drawer that doubles as a dice tray. The drawer holds a 24” x 36” adventure map of Faerûn illustrated by Jared Blando, an 8” x 10” art print of the original fifth edition Starter Set cover artwork by Jaime Jones, and a custom resin d20 die.