Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, Sixteenth Printing (August 1954) — Original Dust Jacket
Offered here is a First Edition, Sixteenth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in August 1954 by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., New York City. This copy retains its dark-blue cloth binding and original red-and-yellow dust jacket.
The Sixteenth Printing was the final printing of the First Edition before the revised Second Edition appeared in 1955. It preserves the original edition’s text and personal-story selection at the close of that publishing period.
A handwritten presentation note on the front free endpaper thanks its recipient for their help and is signed “Bill Y.” above “Nicollet Group.” Recovery Collectibles identifies the group reference with Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Nicollet name gives the inscription a local A.A. history interest.
Book Details
- Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
- Edition: First Edition
- Printing: Sixteenth Printing, August 1954
- Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., New York City
- Binding: Dark-blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
- Dust jacket: Original red-and-yellow Sixteenth Printing jacket
- Inscription: Handwritten presentation note signed Bill Y., referring to Nicollet Group
Condition
Book: The dark cloth shows light rubbing and wear at the corners and spine ends. The gilt spine lettering remains visible. The endpapers and text have age toning, with some discoloration at the gutters and edges. The front free endpaper bears the presentation inscription and a telephone notation. The photographed text pages are readable and show no prominent annotations.
Original jacket: The jacket has rubbing, creasing, edge wear and small tears or chips at the extremities. Its red-and-yellow design remains clear. The full jacket spread is the last photograph.
Collector’s Notes
The final First Edition printing is a distinct point in the Big Book’s publication history. This copy combines the original jacket with a personal inscription naming a Minneapolis A.A. group; the group reference is offered as context, without adding unsupported provenance.
Please review all photographs for the condition of the specific copy offered.
