Race and monstrosity in Dungeons & Dragons / Christopher LeCluyse.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

LeCluyse, Christopher C., Author.

Series:

Studies in gaming

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Dungeons and Dragons (Game)--Social aspects.

Dungeons and Dragons (Game).

Race in video games.

Monsters.

Physical Description:

x, 235 pages illustrations 23 cm

illustrations.

Other Title:

Race and monstrosity in Dungeons and Dragons

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2026]

Summary:

"This work examines how ideas of race in Dungeons & Dragons are rooted in more than 2,000 years of history, from ancient Greek depictions of "monstrous races" through early modern Europe. It shows how co-creator Gary Gygax formalized fantasy creatures using frameworks based on scientific taxonomy and nineteenth-century racial theory. These influences continue to shape how race functions in the game, especially in the depiction of orcs and drow--two groups identified by publisher Wizards of the Coast as particularly problematic. The book provides a historical overview, case studies in racial representation of orcs and drow, and interviews with players of color that provide insight into the experience of race during play. A concluding chapter notes progress and limitations in recent revisions to the game's treatment of race. Even as terms shift from "race" to "species," the author argues, the foundational logic of classification remains embedded in the fantasy genre"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Here There Be Monsters

A Monstrous Taxonomy

Orcish Origins

The Blackness of the Drow

Welfare Queen of the Demonweb Pits

Playing at Race

Ways Forward.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 197-226) and index.

ISBN:

9781476692128

1476692122

OCLC:

1516184417