Alcoholics Anonymous: An Interpretation of our Twelve Steps

Early Undated Pamphlet — Likely Early 1940s • No Publisher Listed • Possibly One of the Earliest Variants

This is an early, undated printing of Alcoholics Anonymous: An Interpretation of our Twelve Steps, one of the foundational Twelve Step study guides used by AA groups in the mid-1940s. With no publisher imprint, no added illustrations, and no supplemental poems or prayers, this copy may represent one of the earliest and most original forms of the pamphlet before expanded city-specific versions were produced.

During the early 1940s, AA groups around the United States began creating structured step-study classes to help newcomers understand and apply the Twelve Steps. These classes typically ran over four weeks and were led by experienced members using printed guides—precursors to what would later become The Little Red Book and, decades later, Back to Basics.

This pamphlet reflects that earliest format.

Historical Background

Between 1942 and 1946, AA members in cities like Minneapolis, Detroit, Washington D.C., Oklahoma City, Corpus Christi, and others produced variations of this four-part study guide.

The earliest known version appeared in Minneapolis in May 1942, titled the Instructor’s Outline. It laid out four discussion sessions:

1. Discussion No. 1 — The Admission (Step 1)

2. Discussion No. 2 — The Spiritual Phase (Steps 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11)

3. Discussion No. 3 — Inventory & Restitution (Steps 4, 8, 9, 10)

4. Discussion No. 4 — Active Work (Step 12)

By 1946, Minneapolis members Barry C. and Ed W. expanded the material into a hardcover book titled An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program. By 1949, this book adopted the name familiar to AA history enthusiasts: The Little Red Book.

Meanwhile, other cities created their own versions of the pamphlet, sometimes adding poems, illustrations, note pages, or local touches. Titles varied, including:

An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps

An Interpretation of Our Twelve Steps

The Tablemate

The Table Leader’s Guide

This copy appears before that expansion—lean, text-only, and focused solely on the discussions themselves.

Of note: In Discussion No. 1, the “Suggested Test Questions” credit Johns Hopkins University Hospital for the first 35 questions, another hallmark of early printings.

Contents of This Pamphlet

Preface

Discussion No. 1: The Admission

Discussion No. 2: The Spiritual Phase

Discussion No. 3: Inventory and Restitution

Discussion No. 4: Active Work

Suggested Test Questions (with Johns Hopkins attribution)

No illustrations, prayers, poems, or added graphic elements—supporting its place among the earliest minimalist versions.

Rarity & Collectibility

Early AA study guides are highly sought after. This guide is recognized as a historically significant precursor to The Little Red Book and all later step-study formats.

For collectors of early AA literature, pamphlets from the 1940s, and materials related to the study of the Twelve Steps, this is a rare and highly meaningful survivor.

Condition

This pamphlet is in very good condition that has been preserved beautifully with no writing or markings inside. Please review all photos for the most accurate depiction of the pamphlet’s condition.