God’s Dividend - Signed by author David L.
God’s Dividend — David L. (1950) | Signed & Inscribed Copy
Author: David L.
Publisher: House-Warven, Los Angeles, CA
Publication Year: 1950
Edition: Publisher’s Edition
Binding: Hardcover
Signed: Yes — warmly inscribed and signed by David L., dated 12/29/1950
Condition: Very Good — light age wear; clean interior; strong binding
Description
Offered here is a scarce signed copy of God’s Dividend (1950), a deeply personal and little-known work of recovery-related fiction written by David L., an early Los Angeles member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Published by the small Los Angeles imprint House-Warven, the book reflects the culture, language, and spiritual vision of mid-20th-century A.A. in Southern California. What sets this copy apart is its warm author inscription, written just months after publication:
“To Laura and Charles Burrows. A couple of nice people. From ‘David L.’ Forges(?) PA, 6977 — 12/29/50”
David L. — a Los Angeles cab driver and eight-year sober A.A. member at the time — blends memoir, testimony, and fiction to explore the struggle of alcoholism, the surrender to God, and the redemption found in recovery. The book is dedicated to the memory of a fine little Irishman, grounding the narrative in real lives and real sobriety.
While not published by Alcoholics Anonymous, God’s Dividend reflects the spiritual ethos of early A.A. literature: reliance on a Higher Power, honest self-examination, personal change, and service to others. It stands as one of the few creative works of fiction produced by an early A.A. member, offering a rare narrative window into the fellowship’s early culture.
Signed copies are seldom seen, especially those inscribed so close to publication. For collectors of early A.A., Los Angeles A.A. history, or mid-century recovery literature, this is an exceptional and meaningful find.
Condition Notes
Binding: Tight, secure, and well-preserved
Covers: Light general wear consistent with age
Interior: Clean throughout; no marks beyond the author’s inscription
Signature: Bold, clear inscription dated December 29, 1950
Please review all photos for condition specifics.
Summary
A rare, signed 1950 hardcover by an early A.A. member, God’s Dividend offers an intimate blend of storytelling and spiritual recovery. Rich in historical value and increasingly difficult to find — especially inscribed — this copy represents an important artifact of early Alcoholics Anonymous culture and literature.
