Canadian issue of the Liberty Magazine from September 1939 - Alcoholics and God article

Liberty Magazine – September 16, 1939 (Canadian Edition)

Publisher: Macfadden Publications
Publication Date: September 16, 1939 (Canadian Edition)
Pages: Approx. 54

Featured Article

“Alcoholics and God” by Morris Markey
This extraordinary Canadian issue features the groundbreaking two-page article titled “Alcoholics and God” by Morris Markey — published here on September 16, 1939, a full two weeks before its widely referenced U.S. appearance on September 30. This earlier Canadian printing suggests either a publishing variant or printing error, adding to its rarity and desirability.

First National Article Triggers Growth

• This article is recognized as the first nationally syndicated piece on Alcoholics Anonymous (“A.A.”) and marks a pivotal moment when the Fellowship began to find public voice.

• According to A.A. archival sources: the Markey article triggered over 800 urgent letters to A.A. headquarters, prompting a massive national response and helping fuel new group formations in cities like Philadelphia and Chicago. 

• The magazine itself (Liberty) is a popular general-interest weekly of the era, and issues carrying A.A. coverage are among the most sought after by recovery-literature collectors.

• This Canadian edition — published in advance of the U.S. version — adds a layer of uniqueness for collectors of A.A. memorabilia and early recovery-period ephemera.

Collectible Highlights

• A framed copy: ready for display — ideal for a collector, archival library, or recovery-related display setting.

• Contains the full magazine with the Markey article intact — an essential document in A.A.’s public history.

• Pristine interior: pages intact and clean, no major tears or missing material (aside from noted cover issues).

• The minor cover flaws (label tear removal mark, corner tear) are clearly described and pictured.

Condition Notes

• Cover: tear where address label removed; top corner torn.

• Interior: age-toned but clean, no writing or annotation observed.

• Framed presentation: please note the framing borders/edges may appear in photos; the copy itself remains as described.

• Please view all photographs thoroughly for cover, spine, page-edge and interior condition.

The combination of early date (1939), the first major article on A.A., and the Canadian variant date make this a genuinely rare find.

Display it proudly, preserving its historical significance — whether for your library, museum, or as a meaningful gift for someone in recovery.