Matt Talbot — by Eddie Doherty
(1953) First Printing — Hardcover w/ Original Dust Jacket
Overview
Offered here is a First Printing (1953) of Matt Talbot by Eddie Doherty—an inspiring Catholic biography of Matt Talbot (1856–1925), the Irish workingman whose hard-won sobriety and deep faith made him a lasting symbol of hope for alcoholics and their families.
Often called the Patron of Alcoholics, Matt Talbot’s story has traveled widely in recovery circles, and his name still appears on meeting schedules today—especially in A.A. communities with strong Catholic roots.
About the Book
Eddie Doherty tells Talbot’s remarkable transformation with warmth and momentum: a man once ruled by drink becomes known for penance, humility, and perseverance—one day at a time. For collectors of alcoholism and recovery history, this is a meaningful “bridge” title—an influential sobriety narrative that has long resonated alongside A.A. culture and language.
Edition Details
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Title: Matt Talbot
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Author: Eddie Doherty
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Publisher: The Bruce Publishing Company (Milwaukee)
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Year: 1953
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Printing: First Printing
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Format: Hardcover
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Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present
Condition
Book: Very Good — clean and well-kept with minimal wear. Bookplate affixed to the first page.
Dust Jacket: Original jacket with edge wear (see photos).
Overall: A sharp, displayable copy for its age.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector Notes
A desirable first printing with original dust jacket of a classic Catholic sobriety biography—highly appealing to collectors of recovery literature, Catholic temperance history, and spiritually oriented alcoholism narratives.
- 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.
