Alcoholism: A Source Book for the Priest — An Anthology (c. 1960) — NCCA “Blue Book” — Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket
Description
Offered here is a compelling and increasingly hard-to-find clergy resource from the mid-century alcoholism movement: Alcoholism: A Source Book for the Priest — An Anthology, issued by the National Clergy Conference on Alcoholism (NCCA).
Often referred to by collectors as an NCCA “Blue Book,” this substantial volume gathers talks, essays, and practical materials intended to help priests and clergy understand alcoholism as an illness—and respond with informed pastoral care, education, and referral rather than moral condemnation. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the period when churches, medicine, and the emerging recovery community were learning how to speak the same language about alcoholism.
One of the most notable features for recovery-history collectors is the book’s clear engagement with Alcoholics Anonymous as a major force in treatment and public understanding. The contents include well-known names from the clergy-and-alcoholism world, and it reflects a time when AA’s lived experience was increasingly being recognized and discussed in professional and religious settings.
Highlights / Historical Interest
- Published under the umbrella of the NCCA (National Clergy Conference on Alcoholism)
- Designed specifically for priests and clergy working with alcoholism in parishes and communities
- Strong AA-adjacent historical value (clergy perspective on AA, recovery, and treatment thinking of the era)
- A true research/reference-style anthology with substantial length
- A terrific companion piece for collectors of early alcoholism education, pastoral counseling, and recovery-history material
Book Details
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Title: Alcoholism: A Source Book for the Priest — An Anthology
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Organization/Publisher: NCCA (National Clergy Conference on Alcoholism)
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Date: c. 1960 (as referenced)
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Format: Hardcover (blue boards)
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Dust Jacket: Present (original)
Condition
Book: Very good overall. Blue boards are clean and presentable with light handling wear. Binding is solid and the text block appears clean and complete.
Dust Jacket: Good. Displays rubbing/soiling, edge wear, and small tears/chips—especially along folds and extremities—consistent with age and use. Still attractive and fully readable.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector Notes
This is a wonderful mid-century clergy alcoholism reference that sits right at the intersection of faith, public education, and recovery history. For collectors of AA-related material, the NCCA “Blue Books” are especially interesting because they document how AA’s approach was being interpreted—and recommended—outside the rooms during a formative era.
- Historic Feature: Early coverage of Alcoholics Anonymous in a major national magazine.
- Rockefeller Connection: Details the crucial dinner that helped establish A.A.’s legitimacy.
- Early A.A. History: Documents the fellowship just five years after its founding.
- Condition: Well-preserved copy, good overall with only wear to front cover.
This issue is a historically significant artifact, capturing the moment Alcoholics Anonymous first entered the public spotlight, an event that shaped the fellowship’s future growth into a worldwide movement.
