This is a really interesting and fairly well written series of articles from Gamasutra.com detailing the history of computer role-playing games. The articles are somewhat long, but definitely worth the read! Check it out:

• The History of Computer Role-Playing Games - Part 1 (gamasutra.com)

• The History of Computer Role-Playing Games - Part 2 (gamasutra.com)

• The History of Computer Role-Playing Games - Part 3 (gamasutra.com)