I've checked my copy of DW VII and it does have a rather lengthy manual, although of course the strategy guide is much more extensive.

If worst comes to worst, PM me and I can send you my manual since I have the strategy guide anyways.

It's a good game and mildly challenging to win, but mastering all the classes and getting everything is very time-consuming. You need at least two playthroughs to unlock all the final forms of the SimVillage in a single save.