Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition First Printing from 1939
Offered here is an original First Edition, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published by the Works Publishing Company in April 1939.
This is where the Big Book began.
The First Printing introduced the program of Alcoholics Anonymous in book form and gave the young Fellowship the name by which it would become known throughout the world. Approximately 4,650 copies were produced, making this not only the earliest Big Book, but the most important and sought-after printing of Alcoholics Anonymous.
This copy retains its original red cloth binding with gilt lettering and is accompanied by a reproduction of the famous red-and-yellow “Circus” dust jacket.
The Original “Big Book”
Bill Wilson and Hank Parkhurst envisioned a substantial book that could be sold for $3.50. To give buyers a sense that they were receiving something substantial for the price, inexpensive thick paper was selected and the text was printed with unusually generous margins.
The result was an exceptionally large volume—and the nickname “Big Book” was born.
The original dust jacket was designed by New York A.A. member and artist Ray Campbell, whose story, An Artist’s Concept, appears in the book. Its bold red, yellow, black and white design eventually became known among collectors as the “Circus” jacket.
Identifying the 1939 First Printing
This copy exhibits the important characteristics associated with the original April 1939 printing:
- Works Publishing Company title-page imprint dated 1939
- April 1939 copyright statement
- Printed by The Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, New York
- Original red cloth binding with gilt lettering
- The Doctor’s Opinion beginning on page 1
- The famous repeated-line printing error on page 234, corrected in later printings
- The original collection of personal stories
- An Artist’s Concept by Ray Campbell
- Lone Endeavor beginning on page 391, a story unique to the First Printing
- Original Appendix beginning on page 397
The First Printing preserves the Big Book at its earliest stage, before subsequent printings began altering its stories, preliminary pages and other details.
The Original Personal Stories
Its historic story section includes accounts associated with many important figures from the earliest years of Alcoholics Anonymous, including Dr. Bob Smith, Hank Parkhurst, Clarence Snyder, Ernie Galbraith and Ray Campbell.
Among the stories are Doctor Bob’s Nightmare, The Unbeliever, A Feminine Victory, Home Brewmeister, The Seventh Month Slip, An Artist’s Concept, and Lone Endeavor.
The presence of Lone Endeavor is particularly notable because it appeared only in the First Printing.
Condition
This copy is in good overall condition and presents very nicely for an original 1939 First Printing.
The original red cloth remains attractive, with strong gilt lettering to both the front board and spine. The cloth shows expected age and use, including areas of rubbing, light staining and some fading. The corners and spine ends show wear consistent with an 87-year-old volume.
The binding remains sound.
A replacement front endpaper has been professionally/previously added. The remaining pages are original and intact. The interior is notably clean, with no writing or markings observed. Pages show the expected age toning, particularly along the exposed edges, but remain clean and highly readable.
The rear pastedown/endpaper shows remnants and staining from what appears to have been previously affixed material, as shown in the photographs.
A handsome reproduction “Circus” dust jacket is included and gives the book the appearance of its original 1939 presentation.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
A Cornerstone of A.A. History
Few books occupy a more important place in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous than the April 1939 First Printing.
Published when A.A. consisted of only a small number of recovering alcoholics, this was the book created to carry their solution beyond the reach of the fledgling groups. From these first copies came the name Alcoholics Anonymous, the nickname “Big Book,” and the published program that would eventually reach millions of people around the world.
An original 1939 First Edition, First Printing remains the cornerstone of a serious collection of Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery history.
