Mason Delacroix
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism, was first published in 1939. The book, written by William G. Bill W. Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), serves as a general guidebook for those seeking recovery from alcoholism through AA and its programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First published | 1939 |
| Author | William G. "Bill W." Wilson |
| Co-founder | Dr. Bob |
| Publisher | Alcoholics Anonymous World Services |
| Number of copies of the first edition published | 4,730 |
| Price of the first edition | $3.50 |
| Number of copies sold of the first three editions | 21 million |
| Number of copies sold overall | 30 million |
| Number of languages translated | 44 |
| Latest edition | Fourth edition, 2001 |
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What You'll Learn
The book was first published in 1939
The book Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "The Big Book", was first published in 1939. It was written by William G. "Bill W." Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), with the help of various editors. The book was originally published as a large, bulky volume with thick paper, giving it its nickname, "The Big Book".
The book was first published on April 10, 1939, with 4,730 copies of the first edition being printed at $3.50 a copy ($54 in today's dollars). The book was not a commercial success at first, with 5,000 copies sitting in a warehouse. However, it has since become one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 30 million copies sold. It has been translated into dozens of languages and is considered the basic text of AA.
The primary objective of the book is to help alcoholics find a power greater than themselves to solve their problem of staying sober. It outlines the AA program of recovery, including the original twelve steps, and includes the personal stories of AA's co-founders. The book was written to provide an inexpensive way to get the AA program of recovery to suffering alcoholics. It is designed to be accessible to anyone seeking recovery from alcoholism.
The Big Book has had numerous reprints and revisions since its first publication in 1939. The second edition was published in 1955, and the fourth edition was published in 2001. The fourth edition includes twenty-four new stories that provide contemporary sharing for newcomers seeking recovery from alcoholism.
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It was written by William G. Bill W. Wilson
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism", was written by William G. Bill W. Wilson, one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The book was first published in 1939 and has since become the basic text of AA, helping millions of people recover from alcoholism.
Wilson wrote the book to provide an inexpensive way to spread the AA program of recovery to struggling alcoholics. The book outlines the 12-step program that has been widely applied to help individuals find or maintain recovery from substance use disorders. It also includes personal stories of AA participants and their recovery experiences.
Much of the book was written in 1938 at the Calumet Building in Newark, New Jersey, which served as the first headquarters of Alcoholics Anonymous. The secretarial services were provided by Ruth Hock. Bill W. wrote all of the chapters except for "'To Employers', which was written by his right-hand man, Hank Parkhurst. Parkhurst also influenced the more liberal notions of "God as we understand him" and "your own conception of God."
The first edition of the book, published on April 10, 1939, consisted of 4,730 copies priced at $3.50 each ($54 in today's dollars). The large, bulky volume became known as the "Big Book" due to the thick paper used in its production. The idea behind using thick paper was to convince the alcoholic that they were getting their money's worth. The book was initially well-received by critics, with a reviewer for the New York Times praising its psychological basis and uniqueness.
The Big Book has since gone through several editions, with new stories added to reflect the changing membership of AA. The second edition, published in 1955, consisted of 1,150,000 copies, and the third edition introduced the Twelve Traditions for the first time. The fourth edition, written in 2001, noted that AA membership had grown to over two million, with increasing diversity and global reach. The book has been translated into dozens of languages and is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 30 million copies sold.
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The book has been translated into dozens of languages
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, first published in 1939, has been translated into dozens of languages. As of 2001, the book was available in 44 languages, and by 2025, that number had increased to over 70. The book's widespread translation has contributed significantly to the growth and global reach of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), making it accessible to diverse communities worldwide.
The book, written by William G. "Bill W." Wilson, one of the founders of A.A., outlines the program for recovery from alcoholism. Its original purpose was to demonstrate how the first 100 members of A.A. achieved sobriety. The book has since become a seminal text, influencing the development of the "'twelve-step method' widely used in treating various addictions.
The process of translating The Big Book into multiple languages reflects the increasing diversity and inclusivity of A.A. It ensures that individuals from different linguistic backgrounds can access the same information, support, and guidance offered by the organization. This effort to translate the book into various languages has played a pivotal role in the growth of A.A., enabling people worldwide to benefit from its message and find recovery from alcoholism.
The translation of The Big Book into numerous languages underscores the global impact and relevance of A.A.'s program. It empowers individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds to take ownership of their recovery journey. The availability of the book in different languages also fosters a sense of community and support, as individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences with alcoholism, regardless of their native language.
In conclusion, the translation of The Big Book into dozens of languages has been instrumental in expanding the reach and influence of Alcoholics Anonymous. It has facilitated cross-cultural understanding and provided a valuable resource for individuals seeking recovery from alcoholism worldwide. The ongoing effort to translate and disseminate the book continues to play a vital role in A.A.'s mission to help people achieve freedom from alcoholism and transform their lives.
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It is one of the best-selling books of all time
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "Alcoholics Anonymous", was first published in 1939. It is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 30 million copies sold. The book was written by William G. Bill W. Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, with the help of various editors. The book presents the A.A. program for recovery from alcoholism and was meant to show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober.
The Big Book has been translated into dozens of languages and has helped millions of people recover from alcoholism since its first edition in 1939. The book consists of over 400 pages and includes the personal stories of A.A.'s co-founders, as well as the stories of other alcoholics who have recovered. The chapters describing the A.A. recovery program, known as the original Twelve Steps, have remained unchanged since the first edition. However, new stories have been added to the personal histories with each subsequent edition.
The book has received widespread acclaim and recognition for its impact on addiction recovery. In 2011, Time magazine listed it as one of the 100 best and most influential books written in English since 1923. The following year, the Library of Congress designated it as one of 88 "Books that Shaped America". The Big Book has also been recognised by medical professionals, with many doctors and psychiatrists confirming the effectiveness of the A.A. program.
The book's introduction includes an endorsement from William Duncan Silkworth, M.D., a specialist in the treatment of alcoholism. Silkworth endorsed the A.A. program after successfully treating Bill W. and other apparently hopeless alcoholics who regained their health through the program. Silkworth claimed that for most cases, a spiritual solution is necessary for recovery. This spiritual emphasis is a key aspect of the Twelve-Step Method that originated from The Big Book and is now widely used to treat various addictions beyond alcoholism.
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The book is also known as Alcoholics Anonymous
The book Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as "The Big Book", was first published in 1939. It is the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), outlining a program for recovery from alcoholism. The book was written by William G. "Bill W." Wilson, one of the founders of AA, with the help of various editors and contributors.
The book's purpose, as stated in the original 1939 foreword, was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 members of AA recovered from their addiction and found sobriety. The book emphasizes the importance of anonymity and community, suggesting that a higher power and the support of others are crucial to recovery. It introduces the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Steps, which have become widely recognized as effective approaches to treating alcoholism and other addictions.
"The Big Book" has been reprinted and revised multiple times, with new editions published in 1955, 1976, and 2001. Each edition has retained the original chapters outlining the AA recovery program and the personal histories of its co-founders, while also adding new stories to reflect the growing diversity of AA membership. The book has been translated into dozens of languages and is available through AA offices, meetings, and booksellers.
"The Big Book" has been praised for its effectiveness in helping millions of people recover from alcoholism and other addictions. It has been described as complex and profound, offering a therapeutic model that remains relevant and applicable even in contemporary times. The book's impact has been recognized by various organizations, including Time magazine and the Library of Congress, which have acknowledged its influence on American society and culture.
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Frequently asked questions
The first edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was published in 1939.
On April 10, 1939, 4,730 copies of the first edition were published at $3.50 a copy.
There are four editions of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. The second edition was published in 1955, the third edition was published sometime before 2001, and the fourth edition was published in 2001.
