The World of Critical Role

The World of Critical Role: The History Behind the Epic Fantasy is a nonfiction Critical Role book written by Liz Marsham, featuring input from the cast of Critical Role, and published by Penguin Random House.

The book details the real-world history of Exandria and the series and features new art of and behind-the-scenes insight into various moments in both campaigns. The book is also available as an audiobook of the same title.

The book was available for preorder from January 30, 2020, to March 12, 2020. Customers who preordered the book within the aforementioned timeframe had their name printed in the book. In The New York Times Best Seller list for November 8, 2020, the book was #9 in "Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous".

Publisher's summary
Dive deep into the history of the world's most popular fantasy RPG livestream with the cast of Critical Role in this definitive guide featuring never-before-seen illustrations and photos.

''From its unassuming beginnings as a casual home game between friends to the role-playing phenomenon it is today, Critical Role has become the stuff of legend. These pages chronicle how a circle of friends who all happen to be talented voice actors built the most-watched tabletop role-playing livestream of all time.''

''Discover dazzling new illustrations and richly written insights into the locations, characters, and adventures featured in the hundreds of episodes across Critical Role's two campaigns, Vox Machina and the Mighty Nein. Go behind the scenes with archival photos and exclusive interviews with Dungeon Master Matt Mercer and the entire Critical Role cast as they explore their characters' most triumphant moments and darkest hours. And celebrate the massive community of Critters who support and expand the show's world through a highlighted tour of the crafts, cosplay, and art they create every day.''

''Featuring a foreword from the cast, lush illustrations, and the inside story you won't find anywhere else, this book is your indispensable guide to Critical Role. The adventure begins!''

Contents
The book takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the Critical Role franchise, describing how it came together, how it runs today, and what the future holds for the show. The book features new interviews from the cast members, who offer new perspectives on moments from both campaigns. It includes illustrations of locations, characters, and events from the history of the group and highlight the Critter community.

Introduction
The full introduction of the book was published on Variety on May 20, 2020.

Editions

 * ISBN 9780593157435; October 20, 2020; Ten Speed Press; US hardcover ($35.00)
 * ISBN 9781984858320; October 20, 2020; Ten Speed Press; US ebook ($14.99)