Question about D&D (with GA)

Both items are the same, just different listings. Both are source books for the 5th Edition of D&D.

As to international shipping, couldn't help you there. Shouldn't be a problem though since Amazon ships all over the world.

Just beware that shipping from the US to Europe can be quite expensive for books. If the Netherlands have a specific Amazon, then it's worth using that, but otherwise there's a french & a UK one as well. The UK one also has the book.

There was a complaint (with pics) about print quality in the reviews for item 1 - smudges, blurriness, etc. The person said that returning for a different one produced better results.
There are no reviews for item 2 which would make me hesitant about ordering from them though their reviews are favorable.

Item 1 dimensions: 8.5 x 0.7 x 11.2 inches
Item 2 dimensions: 12 x 1 x 9 inches

Based on the dimensions I would say that they are two different print versions of the same thing. Item 1 does specifically say that it's a hardcover though. It also says "Publisher: Wizards of the Coast; Har/Map edition (March 15, 2016)". Going by the date it would appear to be the newest edition.

I would get item 1.

As it was said, first is hardcover, second is softcover. You could check his other books to see which versions he has more of.

"the curse of strahd" its an small adventure and a guide to run custom adventures on ravenloft, wich is kinda like an alternative dimension for the regular "dungeons and dragons" game where "out of the abyss" happens. the ravenloft dimension is darker, borrows heavily from lovecraft and gothic horrror. the regular dimension, forgotten realms, is a more standardized fantasy realm.

"curse.." is really new and your friend probably wont own already. but if you think he'll enjoy the fantasy setting you could look for "princes of the apocalypse" or "sword coast adventure". the first one is a full campaign and the second one have a lot of lore and info to run your own campaigns.

I really enjoyed playing the old strahd adventure. We started before the Curse of Strahd was even announced. I've only heard good things from my DM, so I think your friend will have lots of fun with that. And if you decide not to buy a book, there is always the option of dice...

I usually order at bookdepository if they have the item I want.
Like this

well, the only thing i can really say about D&D books is that it has the most complicated rules out of all pen and paper RPGs i know - even Warhammer Fantasy is less complicated(though it has more books which are more expensive)

DICES A SHIT TON OF DICES