As much as I understand why comprehensive or entertaining manuals are rare now, I still miss them.
For information on Infocom's Feelies:
http://infocom.elsewhere.org/gallery/
And for information on a company that collects and sells classic Feelies, as well as manufactures NEW versions for games:
http://www.feelies.org/
My number one favorite manual. Plenty of information, both historical and mythical, as well as detailed descriptions of saints and weapon stats, and a great design essay in the back. Can't overstate my love for this manual.
Nice rules descriptions, plenty of Pip Boy, plenty of atmosphere.
Or so I've been told.
Infocom loved putting a bunch of crazy junk in their game boxes, called "feelies." Wikipedia says this particular one had: "A pamphlet entitled You're ready to move! from the fictional bank Fillmore Fiduciary Trust, a flier advertising the fictional magazine Popular Paranoia, a welcome letter from the player's new employer, Happitec Corporation, a Fillmore "Better Beezer" credit card application form (each sheet of the triplicate carbon copy form had different instructions and questions), and a very skinny pencil (similar to those provided at banks)."
I realize this isn't very Zork, let alone Infocom, but it came with a really neat manual that helped get you in the mood.
It's great when any mechanics-heavy game is willing to talk about its basic system in detail. Both KOTOR manuals were top-notch.
