Two-Book Package Inscribed by Bill Wilson - AA Comes of Age - Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (2nd Printing, 1957) & Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age (1st Printing, 1957)
Both Inscribed by A.A. Cofounder Bill Wilson to Katherine and Carroll Aikins
Description
This remarkable two-book package brings together a pair of volumes personally inscribed by Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill Wilson to Katherine and Carroll Aikins.
The books — a Second Printing of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and a First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age — had remained preserved within the Aikins family for more than sixty years.
Both inscriptions are warm and personal, reflecting Bill’s gratitude and friendship toward Carroll Aikins, a Canadian playwright and orchardist with whom he shared a close bond.
Background: Carroll Aikins
Carroll Aikins (1888–1964) was a distinguished Canadian playwright, theater director, and gentleman orchardist from British Columbia. He was a key figure in early Canadian drama, celebrated for his plays in the 1920s and 1930s.
Like many Canadians of his era, Aikins spent winters in the southern United States and Mexico — particularly near Nogales, Arizona, and possibly Oaxaca. It was during one of these southern visits that Aikins met and befriended Bill Wilson, the cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
It is not believed that Aikins was a member of A.A., which makes these inscriptions especially significant. Bill often signed his full name when writing to non-A.A. members — as he did here — a mark of both personal respect and friendship.
(More on Carroll Aikins can be read in this article: “Carroll Aikins and the First National Theatre in Canada”.)
Book 1 — Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (Second Printing, 1957)
Inscription:
“To Katherine & Carroll —
This, in gratitude for your friendship.
Ever, Bill Wilson
NY | 4/30/57”
This is a Second Printing of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc.
The Second and Third Printings of the 12 & 12 can be easily distinguished by the final line on page 18 — which in this copy reads:
“Grand Central Terminal Annex, New York City, U.S.A.”
This confirms it as a true Second Printing.
Condition: Excellent. The book shows minimal wear and light fading to the cover color. The interior is clean and unmarked except for Bill Wilson’s beautiful handwritten inscription. The original dust jacket is present and well-preserved, showing only light edge wear and mild fading.
Book 2 — Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age (First Printing, 1957)
Inscription:
“Dear Carroll —
This in memory of our cherished friendship!
Ever, Bill Wilson
NY | Sept. 9/57”
A First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., 1957.
Condition: Excellent overall, with minimal wear to the book itself. The original dust jacket is present with edge wear and several tears, including a tear across the back flap and cover. Interior pages are clean, binding tight, and the inscription bright and bold.
Significance
Together, these two inscribed volumes stand as an extraordinary pairing of A.A. history and personal friendship. Each inscription captures Bill Wilson’s warmth, humility, and genuine appreciation for those who supported his life’s work.
Authentic inscribed books from Bill Wilson are scarce — but to find two companion volumes dedicated to the same friends, both dating from the 1957 publication year, is exceptionally rare.
Condition Summary
Both books are in very good condition overall, clean and tightly bound, with their original dust jackets showing only minor to moderate wear.
Please review all photographs for further details.
An unparalleled historical and collector’s set — two 1957 A.A. volumes personally inscribed by Bill Wilson to friends Katherine and Carroll Aikins. A deeply meaningful and museum-worthy offering for A.A. literature collectors and historians alike.
