The Collector’s Guide to First Edition Big Books
Alcoholics Anonymous, 1939–1954
Sixteen printings. Twenty-one recognized binding variants. Fifteen years of early Alcoholics Anonymous history.
This free 48-page illustrated reference guide was created by Recovery Collectibles to help collectors, historians, researchers, and A.A. members identify and better understand the First Edition Big Books published between 1939 and 1954—including their printings, binding variants, dust jackets, identification points, and historical changes.
More Than One First Edition
When collectors speak of a “First Edition Big Book,” they aren’t necessarily describing a single book.
Between April 1939 and August 1954, the First Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was printed sixteen times. Variations in cloth color and binding produced twenty-one recognized binding variants, while the books themselves evolved in size, paper, typography, publisher information, dust jackets, and even the language used to describe the growing Fellowship.
Those differences do more than help identify when a particular book was produced. Taken together, the sixteen printings preserve a remarkable period in the development of Alcoholics Anonymous—from a fellowship of roughly 100 members when the book first appeared in 1939 to an international movement numbering well into the tens of thousands by the time the First Edition was retired in 1954.
The Collector’s Guide to First Edition Big Books was created to make that history easier to identify, understand, and explore.
The 21 Recognized First Edition Binding Variants
What’s Inside the Guide
The Collector’s Guide to First Edition Big Books is a 48-page illustrated reference designed to help identify, understand, and collect the First Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Inside the guide you’ll find:
A Printing-by-Printing History
Explore all sixteen First Edition printings—from the April 1939 First Printing through the August 1954 Sixteenth Printing—with identifying characteristics and historical context.
The 21 Recognized Binding Variants
See the different cloth colors and binding variations found across the sixteen printings.
Quick Identification Guides
Reference charts covering publication dates, physical formats, major changes, publisher information, and other important identification points.
Dust Jackets, Authenticity & Restoration
Learn about original and reproduction dust jackets, restoration, authenticity, and the importance of proper disclosure.
Building & Preserving a Collection
Practical information about condition, storage, handling, documentation, and different approaches to building a First Edition collection.
Printable Collector Checklists
Track either the sixteen First Edition printings or all twenty-one recognized binding variants as you build your collection.