Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition 15th Printing from 1973 - ODJ
Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition
15th Printing (1973)
With Original Dust Jacket
Description
Offered here is a Second Edition, Fifteenth Printing (1973) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the Fellowship commonly known as the “Big Book.” This edition represents a critical period in A.A. history, reflecting the Fellowship’s enormous growth and its evolving effort to speak to an expanding, worldwide membership.
Originally published in 1939 when A.A. consisted of fewer than one hundred members, the Big Book had surpassed 300,000 copies by the time the Second Edition was issued. While the core text—pages 1 through 165—remained intentionally unchanged, the Second Edition introduced significant additions and revisions designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Fellowship.
Historical Significance of the Second Edition
Unchanged Core Text: The original program of recovery (pages 1–165) was preserved as first written, honoring its foundational importance.
Expanded Front Matter: Includes revised and enlarged introductory material, along with an updated historical sketch of A.A.’s development.
New Endorsements: Additional recommendations from leaders in religion and medicine.
Expanded Appendix: Documents the Twelve Traditions and provides guidance on how A.A. may be reached worldwide.
Revised Personal Stories: The story section was substantially updated to reflect a membership that had grown from fewer than 100 to over 650,000.
“They Stopped in Time”: Special emphasis was placed on this section of the stories, aimed at those questioning whether they are alcoholics and whether A.A. may be right for them.
Over 110,000 Words of New Material: Thirty-seven personal stories offering a broader and more representative picture of A.A. membership.
This edition was formally authorized by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous and was intended to mark a new milestone in the Fellowship’s progress.
Notable Dust Jacket Feature
All Second Edition Big Books include a unique anonymity feature printed on the dust jacket:
“If you wish to preserve complete personal anonymity when carrying this book, just turn this jacket inside out. It has been especially designed for your convenience.”
This statement reflects the cultural and historical importance of anonymity during A.A.’s mid-20th-century expansion and is a defining characteristic of Second Edition dust jackets.
Publication Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
Edition: Second Edition
Printing: Fifteenth Printing — 1973
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Binding: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Original
Condition
Book: Very Good. Solid binding with general wear consistent with age. One handwritten name on the first page. No other writing or markings inside.
Dust Jacket: Original and intact, showing edge wear and small tears. An honest, presentable example for its age.
Please review all photos carefully for full condition details.
Collector Significance
Second Edition Big Books are highly collectible, particularly examples with original dust jackets. They represent the bridge between A.A.’s small, early fellowship and its emergence as a global recovery movement.
A solid, original-jacket example of a historically important printing — well suited for collectors of A.A. literature, recovery history, or mid-century spiritual works.
