Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book — First Edition, First Printing — April 1939
Offered here is an original First Edition, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published by the Works Publishing Company in April 1939.
This is the earliest printing of the book that gave Alcoholics Anonymous its name and introduced its program of recovery to the world. Published when A.A. was still a small and largely unknown fellowship, the 1939 First Printing represents the true beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous in published form.
The unusually large book was bound in red cloth with gilt lettering and soon became known simply as the “Big Book.” Today, surviving First Printings are among the most important and desirable artifacts in A.A. and recovery history.
First Printing Identification
This copy displays the recognized features of the April 1939 First Printing, including:
- Original red cloth binding with gilt lettering
- Works Publishing Company imprint
- April 1939 copyright statement
- The Doctor’s Opinion beginning on page 1
- Original First Printing text and personal stories
- Repeated-line printing error on page 234
- “Lone Endeavor,” appearing only in the First Printing
Book Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
Edition: First Edition
Printing: First Printing
Publication Date: April 1939
Publisher: Works Publishing Company
Place: New York City
Printer: The Cornwall Press, Inc.
Binding: Original red cloth with gilt lettering
Dust Jacket: Reproduction
Condition
This is an exceptionally attractive and well-preserved example of the 1939 First Printing.
The original red cloth remains remarkably bright and vibrant, with very little of the fading commonly encountered on these books. The gilt lettering on both the front cover and spine remains strong and beautiful. There is only light exterior wear, primarily at the corners and spine ends.
The binding is solid and secure, and the interior remains clean and well preserved with expected age toning. There is an ownership blind stamp on the preliminary pages and some age-related discoloration to the endpapers.
Scattered pencil underlining, margin marks, and occasional brief notations appear within the text. Rather than an untouched shelf copy, this was clearly a Big Book that was actually read and used. The markings are unobtrusive and offer a wonderful reminder of the purpose for which this book was originally published—to be studied, shared, and used in recovery.
Overall, this is one of the more impressive original First Printings we have encountered, particularly for the vibrant red cloth, strong gilt, solid binding, and outstanding overall presentation.
A reproduction dust jacket is included.
Please review all photographs carefully for additional condition details.
Historical Significance
The First Edition, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous is the cornerstone of A.A. collecting—the original book through which a small fellowship of recovering alcoholics first presented its solution to the world.
More than 85 years later, this copy remains remarkably well preserved while still carrying evidence that an earlier reader actually engaged with its message.
An outstanding example of the April 1939 First Printing and a centerpiece-level book for a serious collection of Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery history.
