There was a book I had in the mid 80s that I'd love to find again. I don't remember the title or author, but I'm almost sure it wasn't part of any of the more well-known gamebook series like Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, etc. It most likely was published between 1984 and 1989.
I think part of the book (I could be wrong about this) was a general explanation of how rpgs work and the rest was a solo adventure. I don't remember anything about the mechanics, but here was certainly some dice rolling involved.
The cover that I'm picturing in my mind is black with a stone stairway on it. The text may have been red. It was bigger than a standard paperback book; something closer to "trade" size. The interior art consisted of simple black and white illustrations.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've been trying to find this book for years.