The AA Way of Life - First Printing from 1967 - ODJ

This book is the First Printing of The AA Way of Life: a reader by Bill from 1967. The first and second printings of this book are the only two printings that feature the grey dust jacket with no mention of the title “As Bill Sees It.” This book was later renamed As Bill Sees It starting with the Third Printing of the book featuring a different dust jacket which was orange and included the title “As Bill Sees It”.

"As Bill Sees It" is a collection of writings and reflections by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This book presents a compilation of Bill Wilson's thoughts, musings, and insights on various aspects of recovery from alcoholism and spiritual growth. It includes excerpts from his letters, talks, and articles, offering wisdom and guidance to individuals navigating the challenges of addiction and seeking a path to sobriety.

The book is divided into thematic sections, covering topics such as acceptance, humility, gratitude, spiritual awakening, and the Twelve Steps of AA. Each section contains short passages or excerpts from Bill Wilson's writings, along with reflections and commentary that provide context and further insights into his teachings.

"As Bill Sees It" serves as a companion for individuals in recovery, offering inspiration, encouragement, and practical guidance drawn from Bill Wilson's own experiences and the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is widely regarded as a valuable resource for those seeking spiritual growth and sobriety within the framework of the Twelve Step program.

Here is the Foreword written by Bill:

“DEAR FRIENDS:

This volume includes several hundred excerpts from our literature, touching nearly every aspect of A.A.'s way of life. It is felt that this material may become an aid to individual meditation and a stimulant to group discussion, and may well lead to a still wider reading of all our literature.

Over the past twenty-five years, it has been my privilege to write these books about A.A.: the text of "Alcoholics Anonymous," "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions," "Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age," and "Twelve Concepts for World Service," the last as part of our "Third Legacy Manual." Many pieces have been written for our monthly magazine, the A.A. Grapevine, and I have always carried on a large personal correspondence.

These are the chief sources from which the content was chosen for this volume. Because the quotations used were lifted out of their original context, it has been necessary in the interest of clarity to edit, and sometimes to rewrite, a number of them.

Of course, all this material reflects my personal viewpoint on A.A.'s way of life. As such, it is bound to have its limitations and imperfections. Nevertheless, one may hope that this new publication will meet a genuine need.“

From the July 1967 issue of The A.A. Grapevine:

At the April General Service Conference, reported in the "Around AA" section of this issue, AA's World Services introduced a new hardcover book, The AA Way of Life, a "reader" of short selections from the writings — published and unpublished — of Bill W., revered co-founder of AA.

Delegates were the first to see the small volume; their reaction was enthusiastic. One of the GSO staff who worked closely with preparation of the volume had this to say about it:

"Here between the covers of this book are excepts from the Big Book, Twelve and Twelve, AA Comes of Age, Bill's Grapevine articles — excerpts that we loved once but had forgotten or almost forgotten. Here also is much new material from Bill's letters and talks. This is a book for readers and nonreaders alike.

"If you are a great reader, there are 332 pages of words and thoughts and ideas to devour and digest. If you are a now-and-then reader, there are 332 pages of short pieces covering all the attitudes and states of mind from

'Acceptance' to 'Worry' with a handy-reference guide to lead you there quickly."

We would like to add that this is a volume for all seasons and all places — it is bedside reader, traveling companion, daily reminder to live the sober, meditative life. We think most AAs will want a copy. Supplies are ready now. GSO is filling group orders at $3.15 per copy; individual orders at $3.50 per copy. Write GSO, P.O. Box 459, Grand Central

Station, New York, N. Y.

- The Editors

From: Final Report, Twenty-Ninth General Service Conference of A.A., 1979, pg. 44:

Q: Why was "The A.A. Way of Life" changed to "As Bill Sees It"?

A: The original title contained both phrases. They were reversed several years ago, because "As Bill Sees It" better expresses what is in the book. Incidentally, this change resulted in an immediate increase in sales, which continues to this day.

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This book is in excellent condition. A previous owner of the book wrote their name on the inside of the front cover. There are two small strips of paper glued onto page “v”. There is no other writing or markings inside the book. This book has the original dust jacket. The jacket has experienced wear with edge tears.

Please view all of the photos for the conditions.