Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book
Second Edition (1955) 14th Printing 1973
Original Dust Jacket (100M-2/73)
Description
Offered here is an original Second Edition Big Book (1955), Fourteenth Printing, 1973, published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., and complete with the original dust jacket.
The Second Edition (1955–1976) represents a key era in A.A. publishing history—preserving the original core text (pp. 1–165) while expanding and updating the surrounding material to reflect A.A.’s postwar growth. Revisions include enlarged front matter with an updated historical sketch, added recommendations from religious and medical leaders, an expanded Appendix (including A.A. Traditions and worldwide contact information), and a heavily revised Personal Stories section featuring thirty-seven case histories and approximately 110,000 words of new material, including Part II, “They Stopped in Time.”
As with all Second Edition dust jackets, this one includes the well-known anonymity note:
“If you wish to preserve complete personal anonymity when carrying this book, just turn this jacket inside out…”
Printing Identification
This copy is confirmed as the Second Edition, Fourteenth Printing (1973) by the dust jacket back-flap notation: “100M-2/73 (C)” — a code specific to 14th Printing Second Edition jackets.
Condition
Book: Fair to Good condition with wear to the cover and binding from liquid stains. Pen markings present on the inside front cover. No other writing or markings noted.
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present with edge wear. Liquid stain to front cover and spine of jacket. Complete and intact.
Please view all photos for full condition details.
- Historic Feature: Early coverage of Alcoholics Anonymous in a major national magazine.
- Rockefeller Connection: Details the crucial dinner that helped establish A.A.’s legitimacy.
- Early A.A. History: Documents the fellowship just five years after its founding.
- Condition: Well-preserved copy, good overall with only wear to front cover.
This issue is a historically significant artifact, capturing the moment Alcoholics Anonymous first entered the public spotlight, an event that shaped the fellowship’s future growth into a worldwide movement.
