A LETTER TO A Woman Alcoholic - AA Pamphlet - 1964
Title: A Letter to a Woman Alcoholic
Author: Margaret Lee Runbeck
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. (Reprinted by special permission of Good Housekeeping)
Publication Date: 1964 (original copyright 1954)
Pages: Approx. 12
Condition: Good – light age toning; staples show rust bleed; interior pages remain clean, legible, and intact. Please review photos for exact condition details.
“A Letter to a Woman Alcoholic” by Margaret Lee Runbeck
This pamphlet presents a groundbreaking article first published in Good Housekeeping in 1954 and later reprinted by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1964 with permission. Margaret Lee Runbeck writes directly to women suffering from alcoholism—a group largely overlooked at the time—offering compassion, honesty, and the assurance that recovery is possible.
The piece highlights the unique struggles faced by women alcoholics: secrecy, shame, and social stigma. It acknowledges the hidden pain behind outward appearances and calls for courage, honesty, and willingness to embrace sobriety. By addressing women directly in a voice of empathy and understanding, this pamphlet stands as a pioneering outreach effort in A.A. literature.
Collector’s Significance
- Historic Voice to Women in A.A.: One of the earliest pieces of A.A.-approved literature specifically directed toward women.
- Margaret Lee Runbeck Authorship: Written by a noted author whose candid tone helped bridge mainstream audiences and the recovery community.
- Cultural Context: Reflects 1950s–1960s views of alcoholism and the emerging recognition of women’s struggles with addiction.
- Condition: Solid mid-century example of a scarce and historically significant A.A. pamphlet.
This pamphlet remains a moving and historic piece of A.A. literature, both as an artifact of outreach to women alcoholics and as a symbol of the growing inclusivity within the fellowship.
