History of the aa big book

A way of life by william osler published in 1937, this 41 page volume was used by early a. Background on the doctors opinion the letter by dr silkworth that opens the big book of alcoholics anonymous was written july 27, 1938 under the letterhead of the charles b towns hospital a medical facility with a national reputation in alcohol and drug addiction treatment. Early in 1939, the fellowship published its basic textbook, alcoholics anonymous. Nicknamed the big book by the early aa members for its thick paper and wide margins, the book s history began in 1934 when bill wilson, an alcoholic stockbroker who had found sobriety. Aa history and trivia here we will attempt to test your knowledge of aa history. This is really the definitive history of alcoholics anonymous. The first edition big book stories including 1st edition. Nicknamed the big book by the early aa members for its thick paper and wide margins, the book s history began in 1934 when bill wilson, an alcoholic stockbroker who had found sobriety, decided to help other drunks in new york. Bill w finished the prepublication manuscript multilith for the book, alcoholics anonymous, in december of 1938. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism, is a collection of texts used by members of the alcoholics anonymous fellowship. Did you wonder about significant dates in aa history. John henry fitzhugh mayo, commonly called fitz was the big book our southern friend.

In that brief space, alcoholics anonymous has mushroomed into nearly 6,000 groups whose membership is far above 150,000 recovered alcoholics. Big book sponsorship 12 step recovery from any and all. The big book is well over 400 pages long and contains numerous chapters. Bobs talk aa international talks aa old timers alcoholics anonymous big book dr. Original 1938 multilith manuscript of alcoholics anonymous every member should have a copy to study and compare. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism generally known as the big book because of the thickness of the paper used in the first edition is a 1939 basic text, describing how to recover from alcoholism, primarily written by william g. A guide to collecting alcoholics anonymous big book.

The first three editions of the aa big book provide an indication of the changes which occurred since aa began in the late 1930s. Sixteen years have elapsed between our first printing of this book and the presentation of 1955 of our second edition. The 12 step program itself is over seventy years old, a testament to its durability. Jul 31, 2016 introduction into the break down of the book alcoholics anonymous, this includes the first two forewords and the history of our fellowship.

The original version of the big book included bills story, a description of alcoholism, the 12 steps, a letter to agnostics and an outline for recovery. A book that was read by members in the early days of alcoholics anonymous. There have been numerous reprints and revisions, in addition to translations into dozens of languages. Two of the members of alcoholics anonymous came to see me. The text got this name because the first edition of the book had rather thick pages, making the book even thicker than its content would suggest. The short biographies of the various authors of the stories in the back of the book alcoholics anonymous have been graciously supplied by nancy o. Consequently, it follows that some would regard the big book with a measure of reverence. Since the first edition appeared, in 1939, it has helped millions of men and women recover from alcoholism. It originated the twelvestep program now used widely among addictions outside alcohol. Alcoholics anonymous aa was founded in 1935 by bill wilson known as bill w. Page 4 the major changes to the big book editions have been in the selection of personal stories so that they represent a good crosssection of the aa membership. The last joe and charlie 12 steps using alcoholics anonymous big book seminar 2004 new york ny eleven discs in set history of recovery on.

In 2012, the library of congress designated it as one of 88 books that shaped america. They grinned, which i didnt like so much, and then asked me if i thought myself alcoholic and if i were. Bill wilson once wrote that aa is a sort of spiritual kindergarten. Why big book manuscript edits were so vital aa history. People and places in the big book revising the big book seeking professional help serenity prayer in aa literature set aside prayer shortest sentence in the big book spiritual awakening vs. Doctor bob robert holbrook smith, 18791950 was also a. However, all efforts to raise large amounts of money failed, because mr. The four absolutes of the oxford group were used by early a. The last joe and charlie 12 steps using alcoholics. Aa history and how the big book was put together by bill w. When bill wilson was born here in 1895, his grandmother wilson owned the hotel, which had been in her family since it was built by her father. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.

It was one of the first to suggest that alcoholism was an illness, not a character defect. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover. The definitive history of writing and producing the big book of alcoholics anonymous, told through extensive access to the groups archives. Detailspackage of 10 booklets to accompany the 75th anniversary big book.

To spread his message of salvation, wilson started writing what would become aa s sacred text. Oct 25, 2007 in 1977, some members met in a tulsa, ok hotel room for a discussion of the big book. The 12 steps are outlined in the big book of alcoholics anonymous, the basic text for the program. Even though they never made it into the big book, bill w. A brief history of the big book alcoholics anonymous.

There is a solution w e, of alcoholics anonymous, know thousands of men and women who were once just as hopeless as bill. Bob smith, another alcoholic who was still struggling with addiction to drink. The origins of alcoholics anonymous can be traced to the oxford group, a religious movement popular in the united states and europe in the early 20th century. We also guarantee a sprinkling of lessor known and little known facts. If you have a drinking problem, we hope that you may pause in reading. Alcoholics anonymous archivist, author conducts sessions here. Alcoholics anonymous which we in aa affectionately call the big book. Vicious cycle, communicated via written correspondence between 1947 and 1965. The definitive history of writing and producing thebig book of alcoholics anonymous, told through extensive access to the groups archives. Snyder and the early days of alcoholics anonymous in cleveland, ohio aa big book study group 1999 robert fitzgerald, the soul of sponsorship. The big book is alcoholics anonymous s primary text. It has become a regular shelf item among those who believe in god, understand the importance of the bible. Mar 19, 2017 the program of aa is based upon the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous, a 12 step path to sobriety with the end goal of a spiritual experience that will deepen your connection with your higher power.

Free and lowcost alcoholism treatment is available. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions alcoholics anonymous alcoholics anonymous this is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism is often referred to in alcoholics anonymous meetings aa as the big book. The book before the big book richard peabodys common sense of drinking one of bill ws sources in writing the manuscript. The greatest thing in the world by henry drummond, 1880. It is dedicated to those who want recovery from alcoholism, but have difficulty with the word god.

T he alcoholics anonymous big book is not just the most influential self help book ever published. Copyright alcoholics anonymous world services, inc. Alcoholics anonymous the book, april, 1939, works publishing inc. The last joe and charlie 12 steps using alcoholics anonymous big book seminar 2004 new york ny eleven discs in set joe mcc and charlie p explain the 12 step program as laid out in the big book. At this early part of the 21st century, membership in aa continues to grow, and a fourth edition will undoubtedly continue that trend. Perhaps some of the more important features of the newer editions are the appendixes, which hold valuable information and points of clarity on the role of spirituality and addiction recovery. Released in 1939, the big book, as its commonly known, has sold an estimated 37 million copies, been translated into seventy languages, and spawned numerous.

Chapter 3 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous, 2nd edition. A new history about the writing and publication of the big book shines a light on the work of bill w. This book became a blueprint for recovery from alcoholism that has been followed successfully for nearly 80 years and something of a publishing phenomenon. Joe and charlie big book workshop part 18 gemma b, a very funny woman who carries a great message. An aa taper made a four tape set of their presentation and called it the big book study.

The history of alcoholics anonymous beginners classes. This is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. Attention was also drawn to the book alcoholics anonymous, which soon. Our first online video conference big book study was quite a success. A meeting in 1935 between the future founders of alcoholics anonymous, both of whom were termed hopeless alcoholics, began a program of recovery that has helped millions find sobriety and serenity. Aa history part 1 12step origins and the big book of alcoholics anonymous. Joe mcquany and charlie parmley, a team of two men who died in 2007 and 2011, respectively known as joe and charlie who met in 1973 and spent the next three decades spreading their interpretation of the big book. The second edition 1955 consisted of 1,150,000 copies. The big book of alcoholics anonymous verywell mind. Subsequently, the history of alcoholics anonymous aa has been documented in books, movies, and aa literature.

Bobs brief remarks aa history how it works aa 12 steps 12 steps of aa audio book. Questions and answers from the alcoholics anonymous big book. This is a help to study the big book, to fill in some of the missing facts, answering some questions. Fitz g early aa member of alcoholics anonymous history big. He has been described as a blue blood from maryland. As you can see, this project is under construction and will be modified until completed so check back from time to time. We, of alcoholics anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Started writing the book in the late 1930s, and the first edition was published in 1939 by bill w. Detailsfourth edition 2001 of the big book, basic text of a. Aa history a big book trivia of some missing facts.

The allergy of the body and the obession of the mind. The big book of alcoholics anonymous, also referred to as alcoholics anonymous. Wilson, one of the founders of alcoholics anonymous aa. Especially, as that word gets used by individuals who embrace traditional religious concepts of what it means to them. Biographies if the authors of stories in the big book who are deceasde last names are included only of deceased members the short biographies of the various authors of the stories in the back of the book alcoholics anonymous have been graciously supplied by nancy o. For a limited time here is a link to recordings of the 2019 big book seminar in boca raton, fl. One historical narrative passed down to us claims that the earliest translation of the big book was accomplished by the wife of a spanishspeaking member, ricardo p. The wilson burwell letters for quite a few years, bill w. The big book was originally published in 1939 by aa founders bill w. A narrative timeline of aa history william white papers.

As aa grew in size and popularity from over 100 members in 1939, other notable events in its history have included the following. Click the images to go to page indicated in the flag. Ernest kurtz says this is the closest the book alcoholics anonymous comes to a definition of alcoholism. A history of alcoholics anonymous how it still stands. Spiritual experience sponsorship in the big book the belladonna treatment the principles behind the steps to thine ownself be true triggers what is the. Lots of history about alcoholics anonymous but also a very thoughtful dissertation on addiction, its treatment and the psychologysociology of a spiritual solution to the frailties of the human condition.

I have put this information together so as those interested in alcoholics anonymous and its program of recovery may gain some insight into the sources of the big book s insights. The remarks of henrietta seiberling as presented at founders day, june 10, 1971 emmet fox and alcoholics anonymous. The big book audio version 6 hours steve from australia sober in 1993. Self, why would these guys even spend the time to setup web pages like this. Hank p, whose big book story is the unbeliever, started aa in new jersey. Alcoholics anonymous is arguably the most significant selfhelp book published in the twentieth century. Man, the unknown by alexis carrel published in 1935, this 346 page volume was the turning point in determining what focus the big book should take. The purpose of this book is to present a brief sketch of aa pre history in hopes of promoting a greater interest in the exciting past of alcoholics anonymous.

Alcoholics anonymous big book collection up for auction. Biographies of the authors of the stories in the big book. My understanding is that most aas in the early days sought spiritual growth through vigorous religious practice outside of the fellowship. This is a study guide to the book alcoholics anonymous. This portion of the workshop will be a brief history of facts and myths about the book. It has been 40 years since ernie kurtz wrote notgod, the last truly professional treatment of the history of alcoholics anonymous. He was among the first few to get sober in new york, probably the second after hank parkhurst. New stories have been added to the personal histories. Literature a brief history of the big book f166 a brief history of the big book in may 1938, when bill w. Parkhurst at honors dealers, 17 william st, newark, new jersey. Questions and answers on alcoholics anonymous history, aa history, and other fun for members of alcoholics anonymous and their friends.

Cofounder bill wilson began writing it in april 1938 at the business office of new york member hank p. The short form of the 12 traditions are what is most often read at the beginning of a. This book does not attempt to delve deeply into preaa, but includes a number of short snippets that may be interesting for the casual reader. The fourth edition includes most of the original content. Bobs farewell aa 1st international convention aa cleveland ohio dr. Written in 1896, read by members in the early days of alcoholics anonymous. Aas big book calls alcoholism an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer. How about people, places and times as found in the big book. We of alcoholics anonymous, are many thousands of men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Both big book zealots and aas harshest critics will have a problem with. Some didnt make it to all sessions and were disappointed that recording wouldnt be available. When she married bills grandfather, the hotel became the wilson house.