Any D&D geeks out there know where I can find first edition and/or second edition basic rulebook downloads?

It looks like the Wizards of the Coast site is/was supposed to have them.

And here I was searching for TSR…

You will probably have better luck looking for used books on Ebay than trying to find a download. I have a set, but you are not gonna get them.

@mrentropy WOTC had a link but it doesn’t work
@WestRiverrat I know he could get them, but he’s in Europe. I’ve seen 3.5 and 4.0 books on .pdf so I thought there might be an archival site for older sets.

Here’s an interesting funfact about ol cockswain: My dad was VP of the gaming division at TSR in the early 80s. I had all that stuff and even met Gary Gygax when I was like 9 or so. In fact I just recently sold all my old AD&D modules and rule books to a used book store. Had I not, I would have gladly sent everything to you, gratis. I had everything TSR put out until about 1984.

@Rarebear All the older rule books were created before they had pdf files. They barely had .txt files then. Unless someone took the time to scan the books in page by page, I doubt you will find a file.

To get these things you must travel through the dark streets and back alleys of the underground internet. I found what you need. Just PM me. I don’t want to put the link here for 2 very good reasons.

@WestRiverrat I realize that. This question was just a shot in the dark.

@cockswain Oh, cool! I had all the books also, but they’ve long since disappeared. I play version 3.5 now (and a little GURPS). But my friend, who works in Austria, is just interested in introducing his kids into some basic D&D stuff, and doesn’t want to learn all new rules.

The first edition is online here -readable but not downloadable. That was a quick search’ I may find more.

Thanks @crisw

Personally, I see them all the time for cheap in the used section of my local gaming store, though I see much more 1st edition AD&D stuff there.

Just remember that there is quite a difference between D&D and AD&D (and neither should be confused with ADD, which many gamers have :P ) so you have to be a bit more specific.

@jerv Thanks. I’m an experienced gamer, and I’ve played all editions of D&D except 4.0, so I realize the difference. I also realize that you can get this stuff used in gaming stores for cheap as I see them all the time. The problem is my friend is in Austria, and doesn’t have access to a gaming store. Also, he’s unsure as to which edition he is familiar with. That’s why I asked the question like I did. If I can get online .pdfs, then he can look at them and say, “That’s it!” When he comes back to the States he can buy the books he wants.