[2] The authors included David Cook, Jennell Jaquays[a], Anne Gray McCready, Bruce Nesmith, Jeff O'Hare, and Steve Perrin,[4] and it featured a cover by Larry Elmore.

[2] The Book of Lairs contains a series of one- and two-page adventures centered around various Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game monsters.

Each also has an introduction detailing basic information about the type of terrain, appropriate total level for the party, and pertinent experience points rewards involved, plus rumors designed to get the location to the attention of the player characters.

[2] The encounters are all classified by type of terrain, each one starting with information including recommended level of the party and suggestions for experience point rewards.

[7] Both books feature monsters ranging from commonly used types, such as orcs, trolls, goblins, and dwarves, to more obscure and exotic creatures, such as hybsils, shedus, remorhazes, and otyughs.

[5] In a review of the first edition for White Dwarf, Graeme Davis observed that the volume lacked maps, and would thus require additional preparation by the Dungeon Master before use.

There are more notes on lead-ins and setting up in this volume, which cuts down on the GM's preparation work without affecting the deployability of the encounters - the only thing you are constrained by is the terrain type.

[7] He also felt there should have been more maps, but considered the explanations "fairy understandable" and commented that the DM could insert these encounters anywhere the campaign "needs a quick fix".

He added, "The narrative values are also generally better served, with nice bits of plot, character, and setting to add flavor to the basic encounter problems.