Noah Vinter
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the Big Book, is a guide for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, the book has been reprinted and revised numerous times, with translations into dozens of languages. The basic text of AA, the Big Book outlines a 12-step program for recovery, including personal stories of addiction and recovery. With its impact on the lives of many, the book has become a sought-after collectible, especially the first edition printings from 1939-1954. This article will explore the criteria for rating a first edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, considering its historical significance, influence on addiction recovery, and its value as a collectible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Published | 1939 |
| Author | Anonymous Alcoholics |
| Purpose | To show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober |
| Number of Editions | 4 |
| Language | Translated into over 70 languages |
| Number of Copies | 25 million |
| Chapters | There is a Solution, More About Alcoholism, We Agnostics, How It Works, Into Action, Working With Others, To Wives, The Family Afterward, To Employers, A Vision For You, How Forty-Two Alcoholics Recovered From Their Malady, etc. |
| Main Goal | To make it possible for the reader to find a power greater than himself to solve his problem |
| Target Audience | Alcoholics, their wives, employers, and agnostics |
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What You'll Learn
The book's reception and impact
The first edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" was generally well-received by critics and the public upon its original publication in 1939. One reviewer called it "the greatest redemptive force of the 20th century," while a New York Times review praised its psychological basis. The book has since been translated into over 70 languages and is considered the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
The "Big Book" details the personal experiences of some alcoholics and the twelve-step program that evolved from them. It includes anecdotes and examples to explain how to use the twelve steps. Some chapters target specific audiences, such as agnostics, wives, and employers. The second part of the book, which varies from edition to edition, features personal stories of addiction and recovery.
The main goal of the book is to help readers find a power greater than themselves to overcome their addiction. It emphasizes that complete abstinence from alcohol is necessary for recovery, rather than moderate drinking. The effectiveness of the AA program is endorsed in the introduction by Dr. William Duncan Silkworth, a specialist in treating alcoholism. He describes the physical "allergy" and "craving" associated with alcoholism and the "psychic change" needed for recovery.
The "Big Book" has had a significant impact on the lives of many people struggling with alcoholism. Reviews on Amazon for the reproduction of the first edition highlight its helpfulness and life-saving nature. One reviewer mentioned that the steps in the book changed their life at 60+ years old, and they are now on a positive track. Another reviewer shared that the book saved their life and continues to do so daily.
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The content and its effectiveness
The effectiveness of the content of the first edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous 'Big Book' can be seen in the fact that it is still considered the basic text of AA, with over 70 translations available today. The book was first published in 1939, and its purpose was to show how the first 100 people in AA achieved sobriety.
The content of the first edition includes a Foreword, an Introduction, and a series of chapters that outline the AA program of recovery and share personal stories of addiction and recovery. The Foreword to the first edition states the purpose of the book and introduces the reader to the AA program. The Introduction provides an overview of the book and its content, while the chapters go into detail about the AA program and how it can help those struggling with alcoholism.
One of the key aspects of the content is the focus on the spiritual aspect of recovery. The book introduces the concept of a power greater than oneself as a crucial step in the recovery process. It also emphasizes that complete abstinence from alcohol is necessary for recovery, rather than moderate drinking. The writers of the book also share their personal experiences and the solutions that evolved into the twelve-step program, providing practical guidance and hope for readers struggling with alcoholism.
The personal stories included in the first edition are an essential part of the content's effectiveness. By sharing their experiences, the writers offer insight into the struggles and triumphs of recovery, making the book relatable and inspiring for those facing similar challenges. The first edition also includes chapters targeting specific audiences, such as agnostics, family members ("To Wives"), and employers, recognizing that alcoholism impacts different people in diverse ways.
The effectiveness of the content is further demonstrated by the impact the book has had on the AA fellowship and the broader understanding of alcoholism. The AA program has helped countless people achieve sobriety and build a supportive community, with membership growing over the years and spreading worldwide. The book has also influenced how addiction and recovery are understood, with professionals in the field of addictive behaviors reviewing the text and confirming the effectiveness of the AA approach.
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The AA program and its principles
The AA program's principles are derived from its famous Twelve Step Program, first published in the 1939 book "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism", commonly known as "The Big Book". The steps are explained in the book using examples and anecdotes, with some chapters targeting specific audiences, such as agnostics, wives, and employers. The main goal of the book is to help readers find a power greater than themselves to overcome their problems.
The Twelve Steps emphasize rigorous honesty, including the completion of a "searching and fearless moral inventory", acknowledging "character defects", sharing the inventory with a trusted person, making amends to those harmed, and engaging in regular prayer or meditation to seek "conscious contact with God" and guidance in following divine will. The final step, the twelfth, focuses on maintaining the principles of recovery, sharing the message with other alcoholics, and participating in "12th Step work", such as peer sponsorship, organizing meetings, and outreach to institutions.
The Serenity Prayer, commonly recited at AA meetings, emphasizes the concepts of acceptance, courage, and wisdom, which align with the principles of the AA program. The prayer encourages individuals to accept the things they cannot change, to find the courage to make changes where possible, and to seek the wisdom to distinguish between the two.
AA's principles offer a guide for personal growth and sustained sobriety, going beyond simple abstinence. The principles include acceptance of the reality of addiction and the need for change, optimism and courage to pursue a future free from alcohol dependence, and discipline in thoughts and actions to promote new patterns of behaviour and character traits.
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Personal stories and experiences
The personal stories and experiences shared in the first edition of the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous are powerful and impactful, providing a unique insight into the lives of early AA members and their journey towards recovery from alcoholism.
One of the most well-known stories in the first edition is that of Bill W., the co-founder of AA. In "Bill's Story," he recounts his personal struggle with alcoholism, sharing how he went from being a successful stockbroker to a hopeless alcoholic. He describes how a visit from an old friend inspired him to seek recovery and planted the seeds for the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. This story sets the tone for the entire book, offering hope and a path forward for readers struggling with addiction.
Another powerful story in the first edition is "Bob's Nightmare," which details the personal experiences of some alcoholics and the series of solutions that evolved into the twelve-step program. The twelve steps are presented through examples and anecdotes, making them relatable and accessible to readers. The inclusion of personal narratives in this section helps to illustrate how these steps can be applied in practice and the positive impact they can have on one's life.
The first edition also includes chapters targeting specific audiences, such as "To Wives" and "To Employers." These chapters contain stories and experiences shared by the spouses and employers of alcoholics, offering a different perspective on the impact of alcoholism and the role that loved ones and colleagues can play in the recovery process. By including these chapters, the book acknowledges the importance of a strong support system and provides guidance for those who want to help alcoholics on their journey to sobriety.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the "Big Book" is its emphasis on spirituality and the power of a "spiritual experience" in overcoming alcoholism. The personal stories in the first edition often highlight this spiritual element, demonstrating how a shift in perspective and a connection to a higher power can lead to recovery. This spiritual solution is endorsed by Dr. William D. Silkworth, a specialist in the treatment of alcoholism, who treated Bill W. and other alcoholics and reported on the effectiveness of the AA program.
The impact of the personal stories and experiences in the first edition of the "Big Book" is evident from the reviews and testimonials it received. One reviewer referred to the book as "the greatest redemptive force of the 20th century," while another praised its psychological soundness. The book's ability to combine personal narratives with practical solutions has made it a enduring resource for individuals seeking recovery from alcoholism and a testament to the power of shared experiences in the journey towards healing.
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The book's printing and publishing history
The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, was first published in April 1939. It was written at the Calumet Building in Newark, New Jersey, the site of the first 'headquarters' of Alcoholics Anonymous. The book was originally published by Works Publishing Inc. and has been reprinted and revised numerous times, in addition to being translated into dozens of languages.
The second edition, published in 1955, consisted of 1,150,000 copies. The third edition was published in 1976, and the fourth edition was published in 2001 and is available for free online. The fourth edition was published in 44 languages and had a membership of over two million.
The first edition of the book was reprinted several times between 1939 and 1954. The first reprint was published in 1942, followed by the second reprint in June 1943, the third in 1944, the fourth in 1946, the fifth in 1947, the sixth in October 1948, and the seventh in July 1951. The sixteenth reprinting of the first edition, published in 1954, was the last printing of the first edition.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the "Big Book," is the basic text of AA, outlining the program for recovery from alcoholism. The first edition was published in 1939.
The first edition of the Big Book was well-received by critics and is considered a landmark publication in the field of addiction recovery. It introduced the AA program and shared the stories of early AA members, providing hope and guidance to those struggling with alcoholism.
While the core content outlining the AA program of recovery has been retained, some stories and chapters have been updated over time to reflect the changing membership and cultural contexts. The second edition, published in 1955, introduced the Twelve Traditions for the first time.
There were multiple printings of the first edition, with the last printing being the sixteenth printing. The first printing was released in April 1939, and subsequent printings were released in the following years, with the last printing occurring in 1954.
The Big Book is published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services and is available through AA offices, meetings, and booksellers. You can also find rare and historic copies of the first edition through collectible book sellers. Additionally, the fourth edition is freely available online.
