[2] Among other things, this book discusses the deities, secret societies, treasures, spells and magic rules unique to the campaign setting, as well as short descriptions and maps of the heartlands and its cities.

The portfolios of 32 deities of the setting are described, along with notes and an illustration for each god's specialty priests, including: Auril, Azuth, Beshaba, Chauntea, Cyric, Deneir, Eldath, Gond, Helm, Ilmater, Lathander, Leira, Lliira, Loviatar, Malar, Mask, Mielikki, Milil, Mystra, Oghma, Selûne, Shar, Silvanus, Sune, Talona, Talos, Tempus, Torm, Tymora, Tyr, Umberlee, and Waukeen.

This includes information on the ruling authorities (both official and unofficial), population statistics, major products, armed forces, notable mages, significant churches, rogues' and thieves' guilds, equipment shops, adventurers' quarters, key characters, and other important town features.

24 cities are described, including Arabel, Baldur's Gate, Berdusk, Calaunt, Daerlun, Elturel, Eversult, Hillsfar, Iriaebor, Marsember, Mulmaster, Ordelun, Procampur, Saerlun, Scornubel, Selgaunt, Shadowdale, Suzail, Tantras, Tilverton, Urmlaspyr, Westgate, Yhaunn, and Zhentil Keep.

Forgotten Realms Adventures was written by Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood, with a cover by Clyde Caldwell and interior illustrations by Stephen Fabian, and was published by TSR in 1990 as a 160-page hardcover.

[2] In the July 1990 edition of Games International, the reviewer was not impressed, commenting "Despite the name, this AD&D hardback contains no scenarios, only a tired blend of new rules."

"[4] In the October/November 1990 issue of White Wolf Magazine reviewer Lisa Stevens stated that the volume was a "hodgepodge sourcebook of information useful to the Forgotten Realms DM".