Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 16th Printing from 1954 with ODJ
Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book — First Edition, Sixteenth Printing (August 1954) — Original Dust Jacket
Description
Offered here is a First Edition, Sixteenth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in August 1954 by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. This printing is notable as the final printing of the First Edition Big Book, issued shortly before the release of the Second Edition in 1955.
Although the Fifteenth Printing was intended to conclude the First Edition, demand for the Big Book remained strong. As a result, A.A. authorized this unexpected Sixteenth Printing to ensure continued availability ahead of the planned edition change. Only 15,700 copies were produced, making this one of the smaller press runs of the First Edition.
This printing marks the closing chapter of the original Big Book text that carried the Fellowship through its early growth years.
Edition Details
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First Edition, Sixteenth Printing
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August 1954
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Final printing of the First Edition Big Book
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Published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc.
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Printed by Cornwall Press, Cornwall, New York
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Navy blue cloth boards with gilt spine lettering
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Original dust jacket present
Condition
Book: Good condition overall. The navy-blue cloth cover shows wear, including stains, fading, and damage to the cloth at the bottom corners of both the front and back covers. Gilt lettering on the spine is noticeably faded. The binding remains intact and complete with no missing pages. Pen markings are present at the front of the book.
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present. Shows general wear with a torn section affecting the front cover and spine. Jacket remains a genuine period example but is incomplete.
This copy is best described as a well-used survivor, reflecting the way these books were commonly handled and read.
Collector Notes
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Final printing of the First Edition Big Book
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Smaller press run of 15,700 copies
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Historically significant transitional printing
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Offered here in readable, intact condition with original dust jacket
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Priced appropriately for condition relative to higher-grade examples
An affordable opportunity to own the last First Edition Big Book—ideal for collectors seeking a representative copy or for those who value history over cosmetic perfection.
