Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 8th Printing from 1945 - RDJ

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

“Wartime” Small-Format Big Book with Reproduction 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: Reproduction

Condition

Overall Condition: Fair

Boards: Noticeable wear consistent with age and use

Spine: Loose and splitting, with webbing exposed near the front cover

Spine Lettering: Gilt slightly faded

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

Pages: Complete, with toning typical of wartime paper stock

Dust Jacket: Reproduction dust jacket

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

Collector Significance

Despite its condition, this book remains a highly collectible First Edition Big Book due to:

• 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

An important opportunity for collectors seeking an authentic wartime First Edition Big Book—valued more for historical significance and scarcity than cosmetic perfection.