Bill W. by Francis Hartigan - 2000

Bill W.: A Biography of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder Bill Wilson by Francis Hartigan. This is a First printing from 2000.

When Bill Wilson, with his friend Dr. Bob Smith, founded Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935, his hope was that AA would become a safe haven for those who suffered from this disease. Thirty years after his death, AA continues to help millions of alcoholics recover from what had been commonly regarded as a hopeless addiction. Still, while Wilson was a visionary for millions, he was no saint. After cofounding Alcoholics Anonymous, he stayed sober for over thirty-five years, helping countless thousands rebuild their lives. But at the same time, Wilson suffered from debilitating bouts of clinical depression, was a womanizer, and experimented with LSD.

Francis Hartigan, the former secretary and confidant to Wilson's wife, Lois, has exhaustively researched his subject, writing with a complete insider's knowledge. Drawing on extensive interviews with Lois Wilson and scores of early members of AA, he fully explores Wilson's organizational genius, his devotion to the cause, and almost martyr-like selflessness. That Wilson, like all of us, had to struggle with his own personal demons makes this biography all the more moving and inspirational. Hartigan reveals the story of Wilson's life to be as humorous, horrific, and powerful as any of the AA vignettes told daily around the world.

This book is in very good condition. This is a former library book with markings from the library inside the front and back covers. The dust jacket was taped to the cover of the book and the tape has since been removed leaving marks on the front and back covers of where the tape was placed. There is library sticker and some light edge wear to the dust jacket. 

Please view all of the photos for the conditions.