A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous “Akron Manual” - First Printing

A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous

First Edition / First Printing · Akron Group No. 1 “King School Group”

Akron Progressive Printing Co. · Early A.A. Pamphlet

Description

Offered here is a rare First Edition / First Printing of A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous, one of the most important early pamphlets in A.A. history. Often referred to by collectors as the “Akron Manual,” this booklet was produced by Akron Group No. 1, the original A.A. group, also known as the King School Group.

This manual was written and edited by early Akron A.A. members as a practical guide for newcomers and sponsors. Unlike later A.A. literature that became more formalized, this pamphlet gives a direct look into how early A.A. was actually practiced in Akron during the founding era: sponsorship, hospitalization, daily sober living, meetings, Twelve Step work, and carrying the message to the next suffering alcoholic.

The front cover contains a remarkable statement of provenance:

“This pamphlet was written and edited by members of Alcoholics Anonymous Akron Group No. 1, popularly known as the King School Group. Akron Group No. 1 is the original chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous and includes in its active membership one of the organization’s founders, the first person to accept the program, and a large number of other members whose sobriety dates back five, six and seven years. The text of this pamphlet has been approved by the membership.”

That statement alone makes this one of the most historically meaningful early A.A. pamphlets, directly connecting the booklet to Akron Group No. 1, Dr. Bob’s circle, and the original working fellowship in Akron.

Historical Significance

A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous was designed to be a hands-on guide for the new member and the sponsor. It explains what the newcomer could expect, what the sponsor should do, how A.A. members worked with hospitalized alcoholics, and how early sobriety was supported through daily practices, fellowship, service, and personal responsibility.

The pamphlet also includes the Twelve Steps, references the Four Absolutes, offers guidance for sponsors, and includes practical sections such as “Visitors,” where newcomers could record names, addresses, and phone numbers.

This is early A.A. at ground level—plain, direct, and practical.

Collector’s Significance

This First Printing is a major piece for collectors of early Alcoholics Anonymous history because it represents:

A scarce early Akron A.A. pamphlet
A direct connection to Akron Group No. 1, the original A.A. group
Practical sponsor/newcomer guidance from the earliest years of the Fellowship
A window into A.A. practice during Dr. Bob’s lifetime
A collectible printed by Akron Progressive Printing Co.
A strong companion piece to early Big Books, Oxford Group material, and Dr. Bob/Akron-related items

For collectors of foundational A.A. literature, the Akron Manual is one of the key pieces of early printed A.A. history.

Edition Details

Title: A Manual for Alcoholics Anonymous
Edition: First Edition / First Printing
Group: Akron Group No. 1, King School Group
Printer: Akron Progressive Printing Co.
Format: Stapled pamphlet/booklet
Cover: Green printed wraps
Includes: Twelve Steps, Four Absolutes, sponsor guidance, newcomer instructions, and visitor/contact pages

Condition

This pamphlet is in very good condition overall with general age wear.

The green cover shows light handling wear, small stains, and minor wear consistent with age. A white card with handwritten names/address information is stapled to the inside front cover. Interior pages show expected toning but remain clean, readable, and intact. Small stains are visible on the front and back cover.

Please view all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Closing Note

A rare and highly important early A.A. pamphlet from Akron Group No. 1—the original chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is a meaningful piece of recovery history and a standout addition for any A.A., Dr. Bob, Akron, or early Fellowship collection.