Signed by Nell Wing - Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, First Printing (1939) | Reproduction Dust Jacket

Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book)

First Edition — First Printing (April 1939)
Signed by Nell Wing
Reproduction Dust Jacket

Original Red Cloth Binding | Works Publishing Company

Overview

Offered here is an authentic First Edition, First Printing (April 1939) copy of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is the earliest and most historically significant printing of AA literature.

This copy is inscribed by Nell Wing, longtime secretary to Bill W. and one of the most important figures in early AA history, adding a meaningful layer of provenance and historical interest.

The book retains its original 1939 red cloth binding and is housed in a high-quality reproduction of the original red-and-yellow “circus” dust jacket.

Inscription

"3/3/47

Hi, dear Earl!

So good to see you again, and Debbie, too. Stay well, and hope we can get together before too long... Much affection to you both.

Nell Wing"

This inscription by Nell is dated 3/3/47, which is the date that Nell began working in the office of the Alcoholic Foundation (now the General Service Office). It is likely that this book was signed at a later date and Nell used the date of her start with AA for this inscription. It is not known who the "Earl" that this book was inscribed to.

Publication Details

Title: Alcoholics Anonymous

Edition: First Edition

Printing: First Printing

Publisher: Works Publishing Company

Publication Date: April 1939

Printer: Cornwall Press, Cornwall, New York

Binding: Original red cloth hardcover

Dust Jacket: Reproduction (not original)

Key First Printing Identification Points

• Red cloth boards with gilt “Alcoholics Anonymous” on front cover and spine.

• Title page dated 1939 with no additional printings noted.

• Page 1 begins with The Doctor’s Opinion (moved to Roman numeral pages in later editions).

• Known First Printing typographical features present, including the double-printed line on page 234.

• “Lone Endeavor” story included (removed from all later editions).

• Printed by Cornwall Press, Cornwall, N.Y.

• Large-format pages with wide margins.

• Original organizational contact information for the Alcoholic Foundation included.

• One blank front end page and four blank rear end pages.

Only approximately 4,650 copies of the First Printing were produced.

Condition

Book: Original red cloth boards are beautiful and bright with minimal staining and fading for a book over 85 years old. Spine and cover gilt lettering remain bright and legible. Corners lightly bumped. Binding is generally solid; slight splitting at the title page visible. All pages present and complete.

Interior: Signed by Nell Wing on the front endpaper. No additional writing, notes, or markings found. Text pages are clean and readable with expected age toning.

Dust Jacket: High-quality reproduction of the original 1939 “circus” jacket. Included for protection and display purposes.

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

Historical Significance

The 1939 First Printing represents the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous in print, written and assembled when AA was fewer than four years old.

The signature of Nell Wing is especially significant. As Bill W.’s secretary for decades, she preserved AA’s correspondence, history, and archives, and was deeply trusted within the fellowship. Her signed copies are widely respected and collected.

Collector Notes

First Printing Big Books are the cornerstone collectible of AA history. Signed examples are substantially scarcer. Copies with original red cloth covers and bindings with intact interiors continue to decline in availability. This book is in remarkable condition as there has been no repairs or alterations needed to preserve this artifact.

Summary

A genuine 1939 First Edition, First Printing Big Book, signed by Nell Wing, with original red cloth binding and a reproduction dust jacket. While showing honest wear consistent with age and use, this copy remains a powerful and historically important artifact from the earliest days of Alcoholics Anonymous.

A rare opportunity to acquire a foundational piece of recovery history.