Man Takes A Drink by John C. Ford S.J. - Foreword by Marty Mann
Man Takes a Drink
Facts and Principles About Alcoholism
By John C. Ford, S.J.
With a Foreword by Marty Mann
Hardcover with Original Dust Jacket
Description
Man Takes a Drink is a thoughtful and objective examination of alcohol use and alcoholism, written by Jesuit priest and moral theologian John C. Ford, S.J., with a significant foreword by Marty Mann, early member of Alcoholics Anonymous and founder of the National Committee on Alcoholism.
Published during a period when public understanding of alcoholism was still clouded by stigma and misinformation, this book stands out for its balanced, fact-based approach. Marty Mann notes in her foreword that much of the existing literature on alcohol was “biased propaganda,” and praises Ford’s work as a sane, clear, and unbiased treatment of one of society’s most complex problems.
Rather than moralizing, Man Takes a Drink addresses alcohol use as a spectrum—ranging from moderate drinking to alcoholism—and emphasizes the importance of informed personal decision-making grounded in scientific facts and spiritual principles.
About the Book
This work explores:
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The distinction between moderate, excessive, and alcoholic drinking
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Alcoholism as a “triple sickness” of mind, body, and spirit
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Patterns of self-diagnosis for those questioning their drinking
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Practical guidance for those already experiencing serious problems
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The role of both medical understanding and spiritual insight in recovery
Marty Mann describes the book as offering “the sane approach,” underscoring its importance for individuals, families, clergy, and professionals seeking clarity rather than judgment.
Author Background
John C. Ford, S.J. (1902–1989) was a Jesuit priest, scholar, and professor with extensive academic credentials in theology, philosophy, law, and ethics. His distinguished career included:
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Teaching moral and pastoral theology at Weston College and the Gregorian University
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Serving as a professor at Boston College and Boston College Law School
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Acting as a guest lecturer at the Yale School of Alcohol Studies
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Membership on the Governor’s Commission on Alcoholism in Massachusetts
Father Ford’s interdisciplinary expertise made him uniquely qualified to address alcoholism from both a scientific and spiritual perspective.
Relationship to AA & Recovery History
The involvement of Marty Mann—often called the “First Lady of Alcoholics Anonymous”—firmly places this book within the early recovery and alcoholism education movement. Mann’s advocacy helped shift public perception of alcoholism from moral failing to treatable illness, and her endorsement of Ford’s work reflects its alignment with the emerging recovery framework of the mid-20th century.
While not an A.A. text, Man Takes a Drink is an important companion volume within the broader ecosystem of early recovery literature.
Condition
Book: Very Good condition. Minimal wear to the cover. Binding tight and intact. Pages clean with no writing, highlighting, or markings.
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present. Light edge wear consistent with age.
Please review all photos carefully to assess exact condition.
Collector Notes
Early alcoholism and recovery-related books with direct connections to Marty Mann are increasingly scarce. Man Takes a Drink is valued for its intellectual honesty, historical context, and its role in shaping mid-century understanding of alcoholism.
An excellent addition to collections focused on AA history, alcoholism education, medical ethics, or spiritual recovery literature.
