Signed by “Mr. X” (Clarence Snyder) - Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 12th Printing

Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, Twelfth Printing (October 1948)

Signed by A.A. Pioneer Clarence H. Snyder (“Mr. X”)

With Original Dust Jacket

Offered here is a First Edition, Twelfth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous (October 1948), inscribed by A.A. pioneer Clarence H. Snyder — and signed uniquely as “Mr. X.”

This is an extraordinary and historically important first edition connecting one of A.A.’s earliest and most influential pioneers to the very pamphlet identity that helped shape Cleveland A.A. in its formative years.

The Inscription

Written on the first free endpaper in Clarence Snyder’s hand:

“May you always arise every morning with a happy heart instead of remorse in your soul. God Bless You from an Ex-Drunk. Mr. X.”

This inscription is particularly significant because Snyder signs as “Mr. X” — the name by which he became known following the landmark 1939 sermon and pamphlet:

“Mr. X and Alcoholics Anonymous”

Preached November 26, 1939
By Rev. Dilworth Lupton
First Unitarian Church (Universalist–Unitarian)
Cleveland, Ohio

In that sermon, Clarence Snyder was identified as “Mr. X.” The address was later printed as one of the earliest A.A. pamphlets and circulated among Cleveland members in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

This inscription may represent the only known example of Snyder signing a Big Book as “Mr. X,” making it a potentially unique artifact of early A.A. history.

(Reprint copy of the pamphlet comes with the book)

Clarence Snyder & Cleveland A.A.

Clarence H. Snyder was one of the most influential early A.A. pioneers and founder of the Cleveland fellowship, the first group to use the Big Book in sponsorship.

Clarence Snyder found sobriety on February 11, 1938 with the help of AA Cofounder Dr. Bob Smith. Taken through the Steps by Dr. Bob, Snyder helped develop what became the model of one-on-one sponsorship — sponsor and newcomer working through the Big Book page by page.

Cleveland’s explosive early growth astonished Bill Wilson. In A.A. Comes of Age, Bill wrote:

“Yes, Cleveland’s results were of the best… The Cleveland pioneers had proved three essential things: the value of personal sponsorship; the worth of the A.A.’s Big Book in indoctrinating newcomers; and finally the tremendous fact that A.A., when the word really got around, could now soundly grow to great size.”

Snyder emphasized the spiritual foundation of recovery:

“Trust God, Clean House, and Help Others.”

He believed that without spiritual transformation, A.A. would fail. Cleveland’s emphasis on sponsorship and intensive Big Book study became the dominant model of A.A. growth across the country.

Edition Details

First Edition, Twelfth Printing

• October 1948
• 42,350 copies printed
• Navy blue cloth boards
• Gilt spine lettering
• Original dust jacket present

Condition

Book: Very good condition. Blue cloth shows fading and moderate wear at the spine. Binding remains solid. Pages are complete with no torn or missing leaves. No writing or markings other than the Clarence Snyder inscription.

Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present. Good condition with edge wear and tears consistent with age. A desirable survivor example.

Please review all photographs carefully for condition details.

Collector Significance

• Signed by Clarence H. Snyder, A.A. pioneer

• Signed uniquely as “Mr. X”

• Direct association with the 1939 Mr. X and Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlet

• Early Cleveland A.A. provenance significance

• First Edition Big Book (1948 printing)

• Original dust jacket present

• Important artifact of early sponsorship history

First Editions connected to early pioneers are among the most desirable and historically meaningful Big Books in the collectible marketplace. A Clarence Snyder inscription is rare in itself — one signed as “Mr. X” elevates this copy to a remarkable level of significance.