I am about to start up a game of the first Might and Magic and was told this is the only one that doesn't have automapping and you need to map it yourself (which I'm ok with, even though it's been awhile!). But looking in the cluebook it appears there are maps for everything. All outside areas and dungeons.

Did people mean you need to map if you don't use the cluebook? Or does the cluebook only have partial info? I'm a bit confused.

Also, is it recommended to use the cluebook? Is it basically a strategy guide for the game?

Yes. Cluebooks were not included with the game normally. You had to buy them from bookshops separately. You were the coolest kid on the block if you had a cluebook and could share it with others.

Ok, I will try to play without using the cluebook, then.

I actually looked up an actual cluebook for MM1 on ebay, just to see how much it went for. $174!

You should be able to get the clue book from Replacementdocs or Abandonia.
I recommend it for the table of item stats which are not available in-game, but I think it's more fun to make your own maps. Premade mads are just too spoilerish. I use the Grid Cartographer program myself.

It's included with the GOG purchase. Yes, this is a really good idea.

Yes, as ZFR said, the cluebook is included with the purchase in GOG.

I'm not opposed to drawing, myself. It has been awhile so may be fun again. :)

I keep forgetting the cluebook is included, since I only have the old disks of MM 1-5 myself.