The Common Sense of Drinking by Richard R. Peabody from 1931

Book Details

• Title: The Common Sense of Drinking
• Author: Richard R. Peabody
• Signed: No
• Publisher: Little, Brown & Co. (Boston, MA)
• Edition: Second Printing
• Printing: December 1931
• Publication Year: 1931
• Binding: Red cloth hardcover with original dust jacket
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fair — edge wear and tears; front flap separated; now placed in a protective cover
• Condition: Excellent — light wear to cloth; interior clean aside from handwriting at the top of the first page; tight binding; no torn or missing pages
• Rarity / Collectibility: Influential pre-AA alcoholism treatment classic; widely recognized as a major influence on Bill W. and the Big Book

Description

First published in 1931, The Common Sense of Drinking by Richard R. Peabody became a landmark in the treatment of alcoholism. Drawing on his own experience and the Emmanuel Movement in Boston, Peabody outlined a psychological, secular approach to sobriety when effective options were limited. This Second Printing (December 1931) retains its original dust jacket, now preserved in a protective cover.

Peabody’s work had a profound impact on Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill W., who drew on its concepts (and some phrasing) in shaping the Alcoholics Anonymous text. As such, this volume stands as a pivotal precursor to modern recovery literature and a key collectible for AA historians.

Condition Notes

• Boards: Red cloth with minor wear; gilt titles present.
• Dust Jacket: Original DJ with edge wear and tears; front flap detached; now in a protective cover.
• Interior: Clean pages; handwriting at top of first page only; tight binding; no missing or torn leaves.

Please review all photos for exact condition details.