AA Grapevine — January 1951 | Tribute to Dr. Bob — Memorial Issue

Offered here is the January 1951 issue of The A.A. Grapevine, a historically significant memorial issue dedicated to Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith (Dr. Bob), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, following his death on November 16, 1950.

The opening dedication reads:

“For 120,000 of us … and for the thousands yet to come … We who have cause for eternal gratitude dedicate this issue of the AA Grapevine to the memory of the Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous our beloved DR. BOB”

The issue presents an extensive tribute to Dr. Bob, including photographs, biographical material, recollections of his life and service, and reflections on his importance to the development of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Among the highlights is “A Tribute from Bill,” in which Bill W. reflects upon his fellow co-founder shortly after his death. The issue also contains a biographical account of Dr. Bob—from his Vermont childhood and medical career through his recovery and extraordinary work with thousands of alcoholics—as well as a eulogy by Dr. Walter F. Tunks.

One particularly memorable illustrated spread summarizes Dr. Bob’s place in early A.A. with the words:

“For he is the rock upon which AA is founded.”

Issue Details

Publication: The A.A. Grapevine
Date: January 1951
Subject: Memorial Tribute to Dr. Bob
Format: Illustrated magazine
Pages: 48
Published: Shortly after Dr. Bob’s death on November 16, 1950

Condition

This original issue shows considerable age and handling wear. The covers exhibit rubbing, surface loss, edge and corner wear, and some creasing. “Jan 1951” is written in pencil near the upper-left corner of the front cover.

There is a more significant area of damage along the lower-left edge of the front cover that extends into the first pages, as shown in the photographs. The interior otherwise presents well for its age, with general toning and scattered wear. The issue remains intact and readable.

Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.

Collector Significance

Published only weeks after Dr. Bob’s death, this is one of the more meaningful early issues of The A.A. Grapevine. Rather than simply reporting his passing, the January 1951 issue was devoted to preserving the story and memory of the man who, alongside Bill W., helped begin Alcoholics Anonymous in Akron in 1935.

An important original piece of Dr. Bob, early Alcoholics Anonymous, and A.A. Grapevine history.