Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, Eighth Printing (February 1945) - “Wartime” Small-Format Big Book with Original Dust Jacket

Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, Eighth Printing (February 1945)

“Wartime” Small-Format Big Book with Original Dust Jacket

Description

Offered here is a First Edition, Eighth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in February 1945 by Works Publishing Inc., New York. This is the wartime printing, produced under U.S. Government paper conservation regulations during World War II, and is the smallest format Big Book ever issued across all First Edition printings.

While the text remains complete and unabridged, the book was intentionally reduced in size and weight to comply with wartime mandates—making this printing a unique and historically significant variation within early A.A. publishing.

Historical Context — The Wartime Printings

During World War II, the U.S. Government imposed strict limitations on paper usage. In response:

• The 7th Printing (January 1945) was intended to be reduced in size but was mistakenly produced at full size. Only an estimated 300–500 copies were printed before production was halted.

• The printing press was then adjusted, and the 8th Printing was issued in February 1945, fully conforming to government regulations.

• Approximately 20,000 copies of the 8th Printing were produced.

This edition includes the “Important Notice” explaining the wartime reduction, correctly printed and paired with the smaller book format—making it the only First Edition printing where the notice and physical size properly align.

As a result, the Eighth Printing holds a special place in A.A. history as:

• The smallest First Edition Big Book

• The first printing to correctly implement wartime regulations

• A key transitional issue during A.A.’s rapid wartime growth

Edition & Printing Details

Title: Alcoholics Anonymous

Edition: First Edition

Printing: Eighth Printing

Date: February 1945

Publisher: Works Publishing Inc., New York

Printer: Cornwall Press, Cornwall, N.Y.

Format: Wartime reduced-size hardcover

Dust Jacket: Original

Condition

Overall Condition: Very Good

Boards: Minimal wear 

Binding: In tact, no wear

Spine Lettering: Gilt is bright and crisp

Interior: One handwritten name and date on the first page; no other writing or markings noted

Pages: Complete, with toning typical of wartime paper stock

Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket in very good condition with some edge wear.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Collector Significance

This book remains a highly collectible First Edition Big Book due to:

• Its beautiful condition with the original dust jacket

• Its status as the Eighth Printing of the First Edition

• Its designation as the true wartime reduced-format Big Book

• Its place in the unique 1945 transition between limited 7th Printing and standardized wartime production