The TWELVE TRADITIONS Illustrated - AA Pamphlet from 1972
Title: The Twelve Traditions Illustrated
Author: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Publication Date: 1972 (Copyright 1971, printed 1972)
Format: Pamphlet, staple-bound
Pages: Approx. 28 pages
Condition: Very Good – light edge wear and handling, interior pages clean and fully intact. Please review all photos for exact condition details.
The Twelve Traditions Illustrated
This vintage A.A. pamphlet, first copyrighted in 1971 and printed in 1972, presents the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous in an engaging illustrated format. Designed to make A.A.’s guiding principles accessible and easy to understand, the pamphlet uses humorous and insightful cartoons alongside explanatory text to show how the Traditions safeguard unity, preserve anonymity, and keep A.A. focused on its primary purpose—helping alcoholics achieve sobriety.
Each Tradition is presented with a short explanation and vivid illustrations that highlight real-world examples of the principles in action, from self-support through group contributions to the importance of anonymity at the public level. The approachable style made this one of the most popular pieces of A.A. literature during the 1970s, widely used in meetings and sponsorship work.
Collector’s Significance
- Historic A.A. Literature: One of the earliest illustrated interpretations of the Twelve Traditions, approved by the A.A. General Service Conference.
- Educational Tool: Beloved for decades as a teaching aid for groups and sponsors introducing newcomers to the Traditions.
- Scarcity: Early printings from the early 1970s are increasingly uncommon, especially in well-preserved condition.
- Condition: This copy retains clean pages and secure staples, ensuring lasting value for collectors of A.A. history and ephemera.
This 1972 printing of The Twelve Traditions Illustrated captures a pivotal moment in A.A. publishing history, when the fellowship sought new, creative ways to communicate its spiritual principles and protect its unity for future generations.
