In Their Own Hands
Original Letters from Early Alcoholics Anonymous Figures
Handwritten correspondence from Bill Wilson, Dr. Bob Smith, Jim Burwell, and Hank Parkhurst. These letters preserve the voices and personal relationships behind the Fellowship’s formative years.
Offered intact as one collection. Available for private acquisition.
Bill Wilson on Leadership and Personal Veneration
Bill Wilson to Nell Wing · Antigua, 1968
Responding to a proposed visit from Guatemala, Bill explains the need to set boundaries around access to himself and G.S.O.
His concern moves beyond scheduling:
“On this trip I’ve seen much evidence of a desire to deify me to a degree that could really get out of hand.”
The letter provides a remarkably candid view of Wilson grappling with his own position inside the movement he helped create — balancing hospitality, Fellowship expectations, institutional responsibilities, and his discomfort with being personally elevated.
Dr. Bob and The Little Red Book
Dr. Bob Smith to Ed Webster · December 29, 1946
Writing on his Akron medical stationery, Dr. Bob praises Webster’s newly released The Little Red Book and anticipates its usefulness to others.
Thanks for gifts, news of mutual acquaintances, and travel plans accompany his encouragement. The two-sided letter places an important early recovery publication within a warm personal friendship.
Starting A.A. in Philadelphia
Jim Burwell to Clarence & Dorothy Snyder · February 1940
Writing from Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, Jim reports starting a Philadelphia A.A. group: attendance grew from three to seven within a week.
He asks Clarence about Cleveland’s experience with publicity and what he would change about its beginnings. Accompanied by its original Air Mail envelope, the letter documents pioneers exchanging practical advice as A.A. reached another city.
The Complete Collection
Seven original handwritten letters, presented in six entries.
Jim Burwell to Clarence & Dorothy Snyder
February 1940
Dr. Bob Smith to Ed Webster
December 29, 1946
Dr. Bob Smith to Sarah Klein
April 19, 1949
Hank Parkhurst — Two Family Letters
January 1 & 4, 1952
Bill Wilson to Nell Wing — Empress of England
Undated
Bill Wilson to Nell Wing — G.S.O. Visitors
1968
Available for Private Acquisition
In Their Own Hands is offered intact as a collection of original correspondence.
Contact Tim Fitzpatrick to request the full illustrated portfolio, additional photographs, and documentation, or to discuss pricing and acquisition.
Please mention “In Their Own Hands” in your inquiry.