Signed by the Author Dr. Earle M. — Physician, Heal Thyself!
Signed by the Author Dr. Earle M. — Physician, Heal Thyself!
35 Years of Adventures in Sobriety by an A.A. “Old-Timer”
First Printing · 1989 · Foreword by David E. Smith, M.D.
Description
Offered here is a signed First Printing of Physician, Heal Thyself! by Dr. Earle M., published in 1989. This copy is especially desirable because it contains a personal handwritten inscription signed by the author on the first blank page.
Dr. Earle M. is best known to A.A. readers through his story, “Physician, Heal Thyself!,” which appears in Alcoholics Anonymous. In this later full-length memoir, he expands far beyond the Big Book story, looking back on 35 years of sobriety, recovery, service, travel, personal transformation, and the continuing adventure of sober living.
As described on the back cover, Earle M. joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1953 and became a close friend of A.A. co-founder Bill W. He went on to live an unusually full and colorful sober life as a physician, former chief of obstetrics and gynecology at a major California hospital, addiction lecturer, Kinsey sex researcher, counselor, actor, filmmaker, and world traveler.
This book is far from a dry recovery memoir. It follows Dr. Earle M. through career changes, marriages, travel, spiritual searching, and unusual tests of sobriety across the world—from the United States to Europe and Asia. Along the way, he shares recollections of A.A. life in this country and abroad, offering readers a personal glimpse into recovery as lived by a bright, driven, adventurous “old-timer.”
Signed Copy
This copy includes a handwritten inscription on the first blank page dated October 15, 1991, and signed by Earle M.
Signed copies of recovery memoirs by Big Book story authors are especially meaningful to collectors. In this case, the signature connects the book directly to the man behind one of A.A.’s known personal stories, making this not only a reading copy but a more personal and collectible association item.
A.A. & Collector Significance
This is a meaningful addition for collectors of A.A. biography, Big Book story authors, speaker history, and personal memoirs connected to early and mid-century Alcoholics Anonymous experience.
Because Dr. Earle M.’s story is part of the A.A. Big Book tradition, this memoir gives collectors and readers a deeper look at the man behind the story—his personality, his struggles, his travels, his service, and his continued growth in sobriety.
The author inscription adds an important layer of collector appeal. Rather than simply being a later memoir by a Big Book contributor, this copy carries a direct handwritten connection to Earle M. himself.
Edition Details
Title: Physician, Heal Thyself!
Subtitle: 35 Years of Adventures in Sobriety by an A.A. “Old-Timer”
Author: Dr. Earle M.
Foreword: David E. Smith, M.D.
Printing: First Printing
Year: 1989
Format: Softcover
Signed: Yes — personally inscribed and signed by the author
Condition
This book is in very good condition with minimal wear.
There is a handwritten inscription on the first blank page dated October 15, 1991, signed by Earle M. The cover remains bright and attractive, and the interior is clean and well-preserved.
Please view all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector’s Note
A signed First Printing of Physician, Heal Thyself! is a strong addition for collectors interested in A.A. Big Book story authors, long-term sobriety memoirs, and personal recovery history. The author’s signature makes this copy especially appealing—a direct connection to Dr. Earle M., whose life and recovery story continue to stand as a vivid example of adventurous, energetic, lifelong sobriety.
