Time Magazine – November 27, 1950 Featuring the Death Notice of Dr. Bob Smith
Time Magazine – November 27, 1950
Featuring the Death Notice of Dr. Bob Smith, Co-Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
Publication: TIME – The Weekly Newsmagazine
Date: November 27, 1950
Volume / Issue: Vol. LVI, No. 22
Format: Complete original issue with cover
Notable Content: Death notice of Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith (“Dr. Bob”), AA co-founder
Description
This original November 27, 1950 issue of Time magazine contains the death notice of Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith (“Dr. Bob”), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, marking one of the most solemn and historically significant moments in AA history.
Appearing in Time’s Milestones section, the notice acknowledges Dr. Bob’s passing and succinctly summarizes the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous alongside Bill Wilson. The entry recognizes AA’s rapid growth and impact, noting its success in helping thousands of alcoholics achieve sobriety—just fifteen years after its founding.
Dr. Bob passed away on November 16, 1950, making this issue one of the earliest mainstream acknowledgments of his death and legacy in a major national publication.
Historical Significance
By 1950, Alcoholics Anonymous had emerged as a transformative force in recovery, and Time magazine’s recognition of Dr. Bob’s life and work reflects AA’s growing legitimacy and public awareness.
This issue is especially meaningful because it documents the passing of one of AA’s two founders, affirms AA’s impact within a mainstream national publication, preserves a contemporary account of AA’s early success, and represents a transition moment in Fellowship history, as AA moved forward without Dr. Bob
Issue Highlights
Original Time cover dated November 27, 1950
Complete issue with all pages intact
Milestones section featuring Dr. Bob Smith’s death notice
Period advertisements and editorial content reflecting post-war America
Condition
Overall condition: Good to Very Good for age. Cover shows expected wear consistent with a 1950 magazine. Pages intact and readable. Age toning present throughout. No loose pages observed.
Please review all photographs carefully to assess exact condition.
