Magic: The Gathering -- Official Encyclopedia, Volume 1: The Complete Card Guide

The collectable card game Magic: The Gathering was first released in 1993. Since then, dozens of expansion editions have been created and discontinued. This first Encyclopedia (made in 1996) shows every card from the first 8 editions - from Arabian Nights to Alliances (made in 1996) - as well as the whole 4th Edition (the Basic set at the time). Most interestingly of all the cards that were Discontinued before the 4th Edition are also displayed. All of the cards pictured in the book have been out of print for at least half a decade, so this is most likely the only place where you will be able to see them. The guide is well made, all in colour, official looking, and excellently laid out by the people who created the game. The card images have been shrunk by about 25% so that 12 of them can be fitted onto a side, however, the artwork and text are still clear. The rarity of each card is also detailed. As well as the encyclopedia images, there is a foreward by the game's creator, an introduction to each set (with each sets best cards highlited), deckbuilder's indexes, images of promotional cards, misprinted cards and oddities, a history of the game, and a visual guide to Magic cards (teaching how to identify ones from different sets, e.g. cards in the Alpha set have more rounded edges). I have owned this book for three years and I still refer to it regularly....

Among all 4 volume published, this is the most comprehensive, it contains every cards in magic during that time and this is the first - First Official Guide. Before having this guide, collectors have to keep track with Duelist or Inquest for a full list (in text). This book is not only a good book with all coloured pictures, it is also the best reference for any Magic Collectors. Highly recommended.

Definitely worth the money you pay for it! If you are looking for a good card encyclopedia, get this, you won't regret it! This includes: Fourth Edition, Arabian Nights, Antiquities, Legends, The Dark, Fallen Empires, Ice Age, Homelands, Alliances, Chronicles, Discontinued, and even Rare Promotional Cards! A must buy!

this book is perfect for finding the right card you need for a deck, online questions, and for help when you brag about haveing a good card in a chat room (Art's and entertainment: magic the gathering)so you have al the answers about the card if they ask in disbelief . ~ EQD EQD EQD!!!

This encyclopedia is an invaluable resource for any Magic player. No matter how many cards you have or how many times you've played the game, chances are you haven't seen every card. That's where this book comes in. Even dealers I spoke with said they learned about a few cards from this book.