Since this web site is about old school role playing I guess we should start with the basics. If you want to play Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 1st edition then you need these:
But, if you are not lucky enough to have the originals there are alternatives. As you can see from the picture above which was taken from my kitchen table I had to replace my Dungeon Master Guide. The first one fell apart. This one is not in much better shape. My original was the copy with the Efreeti Lord Captain on the front of it. Yes, it had that big evil devil looking dude on the front. Naturally my mom freaked out when I brought that one home back in the late 70s.
These can be purchased in a number of formats from Drive Thru RPG. You can use the following links to look at the options and prices should you wish to acquire them.
In addition to those original three books there are two others which will prove quite useful. Both add a significant number of monsters and potential adversaries to your adventures.
The Monster Manual II and the Fiend Folio are essential tools for the would be Dungeon Master. Both came out shortly after the original three books and added a few hundred monsters in each volume. Many of these monsters are quite interesting and will challenge your adventurers. These can also be purchased or browsed by using the following links:
Eventually you may want to expand your selection of magic items, spells and character classes. In that case you may want to look at this last book. The Unearthed Arcana adds some nice magic items and spells. It also adds some character class options.
