Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Second Printing (c. 1957)
Early Second Edition Big Book | Reproduction Dust Jacket (RDJ)
Offered here is a Second Edition, Second Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, believed to have been published around 1957 by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. This early printing of the Big Book represents an important period in A.A.’s history, following the introduction of the revised Second Edition in 1955.
The Second Edition marked the first major revision of the Big Book since its original publication in 1939. By 1955, Alcoholics Anonymous had grown to more than 150,000 members worldwide, and the revised edition introduced an expanded Foreword, updated historical material, and a substantially revised collection of personal recovery stories while preserving the original basic text of the A.A. program.
This copy is accompanied by a reproduction of the original Second Edition dust jacket.
Identifying the Second Printing
The earliest printings of the Second Edition do not identify their printing numbers on the copyright page, making several internal characteristics important for collectors.
This copy is identified as a Second Printing through the following features:
- Publisher: The title page identifies Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., consistent with the first three printings of the Second Edition.
- Page xx: The word “really” is spelled correctly, distinguishing this copy from the First Printing, which contains the misspelling “realy.”
- Page 16: The footnote states, “A.A. is now composed of nearly 6000 groups (1955).” This distinguishes the Second Printing from the Third Printing, which references approximately 7,000 groups in 1959.
Together, these characteristics establish this copy as the Second Printing of the Second Edition.
Book Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous — The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
Author: Alcoholics Anonymous
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., New York
Edition: Second Edition — New and Revised
Printing: Second Printing
Publication Date: Circa 1957 (undated)
Binding: Blue cloth hardcover with embossed front cover lettering
Dust Jacket: Reproduction Dust Jacket (RDJ) — Not Original
Condition
Book: Fair to Good condition overall, showing considerable exterior wear and age-related deterioration.
The original blue cloth boards exhibit substantial fading, discoloration, rubbing, and scattered staining. The spine is heavily faded to a tan color, with the original lettering still faintly visible. There is wear and fraying along the spine extremities, board edges, and corners.
The embossed front cover lettering remains visible, although significantly faded. The binding appears intact.
The front free endpaper contains a handwritten name, “Jackie,” dated June 25, 1958, in red ink. The surrounding paper shows noticeable discoloration and evidence of a previously attached or removed item.
Inside the book, portions of the text contain pink highlighting, including passages in the chapter “There Is a Solution.” No additional highlighting was observed beyond the early pages of that chapter, although the entire text has not been verified page by page.
The rear pastedown contains a handwritten notation dated March 25, 1960, referencing the Alano Clubhouse and a telephone number. The rear free endpaper is missing, with visible paper remnants and adhesive discoloration along the rear hinge.
The interior pages show general age toning, occasional spotting, and handling wear.
Dust Jacket: The book is accompanied by a reproduction of the original Second Edition dust jacket. The reproduction presents attractively and provides the appearance of the original blue jacket design.
The dust jacket is a reproduction and is not original to the book.
Please examine the accompanying photographs for additional details regarding condition.
Collector’s Notes
The Second Printing is one of the earliest issues of the revised 1955 Big Book and is distinguished by the corrected spelling on page xx and the original 1955 Fellowship statistics on page 16.
Although this copy shows substantial wear, personal inscriptions, limited highlighting, and a missing rear endpaper, it remains an identifiable early Second Edition printing.
For collectors seeking an affordable example of an early Second Edition Big Book, this copy offers historical interest without the premium associated with higher-grade copies retaining their original dust jackets.
