Scribner’s Commentator — January 1941
Featuring “Alcoholics Anonymous” by Theodore English
Early A.A. Article · Pre-Jack Alexander Publicity
Description
Offered here is the January 1941 issue of Scribner’s Commentator, featuring the article “Alcoholics Anonymous” by Theodore English—a scarce and important early magazine article on A.A. published just before the famous Jack Alexander article appeared in The Saturday Evening Post in March 1941.
This article captures Alcoholics Anonymous at a pivotal early moment, when the Fellowship was still small, largely anonymous to the general public, and only beginning to attract national attention. The subtitle reads:
“New Year’s resolutions, sanitariums and so-called cures are no help to many who are afflicted with the drink habit. One plan has really worked for over 700 people, and more are being helped by it every day.”
The article introduces readers to A.A. through the story of “Bill,” describing his drinking, his spiritual awakening, the help he received from another recovered alcoholic, and the way the program was being carried from one sufferer to another. It presents A.A. as a spiritual but nonsectarian solution, emphasizing the ideas of a power greater than oneself, helping others, making amends, and passing the message along.
Historical Significance
This January 1941 article is especially desirable because it appeared during the brief window before A.A.’s national growth exploded following the Jack Alexander article in March 1941. At the time, A.A. was still relatively unknown, with the article noting approximately 700 members and groups in cities such as New York, Cleveland, Akron, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, and Houston.
The piece also provides an early outside description of the Fellowship’s method, including:
A.A.’s anonymous nature
The spiritual basis of recovery
The importance of one alcoholic helping another
The medical—not moral—view of alcoholism
The absence of dues or officers
The role of meetings and personal testimony
The rapid spread of groups through personal contact
For collectors of early A.A. publicity, this is a meaningful pre-Saturday Evening Post article that helps document how A.A. was being explained to the public just before its major national breakthrough.
Additional Issue Content
This issue also includes prominent period articles such as “Impregnable America” by Col. Charles A. Lindbergh, along with wartime and political commentary reflecting the atmosphere of early 1941 America.
Condition
This magazine is in good condition overall with general age-related wear. The cover shows rubbing, handling wear, light creasing, and edge/corner wear. The back cover shows toning, staining, and age wear. Interior pages are intact and readable, with expected age toning.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector’s Note
A strong early A.A. magazine collectible—published only months before the Jack Alexander article that helped bring Alcoholics Anonymous into national awareness. An excellent addition for collectors of early A.A. publicity, Big Book-era history, and outside magazine coverage of the young Fellowship.
