Because I am playing BECMI D&D (1983), I decided that I’d order the reasonably priced D&D Rules Cyclopedia as a reference to hold at the School Club. Mostly, it’s for me to reference when prepping sessions during my lunch half-hour. Some folks asked how the books looks, so here’s some photos and short comments.

We’re talking about the Hardcover Standard Colour Book (even though it’s b/w throughout, really). On the left is my 1991 copy of the Cyclopedia, to the right is the modern hardcover printed book. The new book is glossy, has the white border front and back, and is a fairly chunky tome.

On top is the new printed book, below is the original from 1991. As you can see, the new printing is much thicker even though the paper feels thinner. The binding is fine even if it’s not sewn. I mean, this is print-on-demand.

The left page is the new copy, to the right is the original now-weathered paper. I think the print from this new scan is pretty good. Oh, and yes, they updated the scan. If you bought some years back from Drivethru then you’ll have the new scan waiting. Here’s a close up of that new printing’s page.

Overall, I aim to use the book as intended which is as a reference of the BECMI system. For this, the new print is great and it means I can leave the precious original at home. Just curious why Wizards haven’t offered more POD versions for the original booklets. Don’t have good enough scans, I suspect.

Anyway… if you’re curious how the D&D Rules Cyclopedia prints up, hope that helps!

Game on!