A.A. Tradition: “Our Experience Has Taught Us…” Works Publishing, Inc. · 1947 · First Printing

An important early Alcoholics Anonymous publication documenting the development of what would become A.A.’s Second Legacy—Unity.

Published by Works Publishing, Inc. in 1947, A.A. Tradition gathers Bill W.’s early essays on the principles that would eventually be known as the Twelve Traditions. At the time, Alcoholics Anonymous was growing rapidly, and its groups were encountering difficult questions involving membership, money, anonymity, clubs, hospitals, public relations, outside affiliations, leadership, and organizational authority.

Drawing upon the shared experiences of A.A. groups, Bill began identifying the practices that appeared to protect the Fellowship’s unity and long-term survival. These principles were initially presented as “Twelve Points to Assure Our Future,” before later becoming formally known as the Twelve Traditions.

The essays first appeared individually in the A.A. Grapevine during the mid-1940s. This booklet brought them together in one publication while the Traditions were still being discussed, refined, and introduced to the wider Fellowship.

Contents include:

• “Alcoholics Anonymous Tradition: Twelve Points to Assure Our Future”
• “Who Is a Member of Alcoholics Anonymous?”
• “Anonymity”
• “Money”
• “Adequate Hospitalization—One Great Need”
• “Clubs in A.A.—Are They With Us to Stay?”
• “Dangers in Linking A.A. to Other Projects”
• “Will A.A. Ever Have a Personal Government?”
• “Incorporations: Their Uses and Misuses”
• “The A.A. General Service Center”
• “Why Can’t We Join A.A. Too!”

The booklet concludes with Bill’s discussion of the proposed General Service Conference and his hope that he and Dr. Bob might eventually step away from their special status as founders and become ordinary members among the Fellowship.

This is an especially meaningful historical piece for collectors interested in the development of the Twelve Traditions, A.A. group structure, and the early growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Publication Details

Title: A.A. Tradition: “Our Experience Has Taught Us…”
Author: Bill W.
Publisher: Works Publishing, Inc., New York
Year: 1947
Edition: First Printing
Format: Stapled softcover booklet
Length: 48 pages, including covers

Condition

Very good condition for its age, with general edge wear, age-related toning, creasing, and handling wear. A period stamp from the Fenkell & Meyers Group appears at the bottom of the front cover. The interior remains complete and readable.

Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.