For those of us still playing D&D 3.5 despite the premier of (ugh!) 4th Edition, Dragon Compendium Vol. 1 provides some interesting content that DM and player alike will find useful.
This book includes new base classes (including an insect skilled in 2-handed fighting), prestige classes, equipment, feats, and monsters taken from more than 30 years of Dragon magazine articles and fully updated to be compatible with 3.5. There are also a number of effective things available specifically with the DM in mind - how to use runes in a game (with a couple of handy runic alphabets all ready to use), how to use riddles in a game, how to concoct solo adventures, and so on. There is also a mini gallery of recent Dragon covers in the back (most, if not all of which can also be seen in The Art Of Dragon Magazine).
What disappointed me, however, is that there are no adventures or encounters included in this book - something I was really hoping for. As a fledgling DM writing his first big campaign right now, I need a little help and inspiration with some of the challenges for my players and I was expecting this book to help out a little in that area. Unfortunately, it was not to be. However, I do recommend this book to all DMs (and players) still playing 3.5 who want a different flavor and edge to their game.