How to Know an Alcoholic — Marty Mann — Based on New Primer on Alcoholism | 1958
Offered here is an attractive vintage copy of How to Know an Alcoholic by Marty Mann, one of the most important early advocates for alcoholism education and recovery.
Adapted from Mann’s 1958 book New Primer on Alcoholism, this illustrated pamphlet was created to help families, friends, employers, and alcoholics themselves better understand the nature and progression of alcoholism. Rather than treating alcoholism simply as bad behavior or a lack of willpower, Mann presents it as a progressive illness that can be recognized and treated.
The pamphlet addresses practical questions including:
- What is an alcoholic?
- Who is an alcoholic?
- Who is not an alcoholic?
- How can alcoholism be recognized?
- How can someone help an alcoholic?
- What can family members, friends, and employers do?
Especially interesting are the illustrated sections describing early, middle, and late symptoms, along with guidance specifically directed toward friends, employers, and the alcoholic.
Marty Mann and the Alcoholism Movement
Marty Mann was a pioneering figure in both Alcoholics Anonymous history and the broader movement to change public understanding of alcoholism. As founder of what became the National Council on Alcoholism, she devoted much of her life to replacing stigma and moral judgment with education, treatment, and the understanding of alcoholism as an illness.
This pamphlet is an excellent example of that educational work and captures the language and public-health approach being used during the period when attitudes toward alcoholism were beginning to change significantly.
Publication Details
Title: How to Know an Alcoholic
Author: Marty Mann
Related Work: Adapted from New Primer on Alcoholism
Copyright: 1958
Reprinted by Permission of: Rinehart & Company, Inc., New York
Format: Illustrated softcover pamphlet
Design: Pink, black, and white illustrated wrappers
Condition
This pamphlet is in very good condition, particularly considering its age and original ephemeral format.
The covers remain bright and attractive with only light edge and corner wear. The interior pages are clean and well preserved with light age toning and only minor handling wear. The illustrated pink-and-black graphics remain strong and visually appealing.
No significant damage or heavy wear is apparent in the photographs.
Please review all photographs carefully for the most complete representation of condition.
An appealing piece of Marty Mann and early alcoholism-education history, and a nice companion collectible to Primer on Alcoholism, New Primer on Alcoholism, and other early literature documenting the changing understanding of alcoholism in America.
