The A.A. Grapevine — February 1947 | Volume III, No. 9

An original February 1947 issue of The A.A. Grapevine, published during the formative years of Alcoholics Anonymous and filled with material reflecting the Fellowship’s growth, early service work, spiritual development, and expanding national reach.

The cover article, “A Word to the Wise A.A. Parent,” was written from the perspective of the 21-year-old daughter of an A.A. member. It offers a thoughtful look at the effect alcoholism and recovery could have on family relationships, especially between a recovering parent and child.

The article is especially interesting because it addresses A.A. not only as a program for the alcoholic, but as something that could reshape damaged family relationships through patience, consistency, trust, and changed behavior.

Editorial on the Fourth Step

This issue also includes the editorial:

“On the 4th Step”

centered on the familiar wording:

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

The editorial discusses personal inventory, honesty, resentment, motives, self-examination, and the practical work of applying the Fourth Step in early A.A.

It is a strong example of how the Steps were being interpreted and discussed in The Grapevine during the 1940s, while the Fellowship was still relatively young.

“Facing the Future Without Alcohol”

Another major article, “Facing the Future Without Alcohol,” reflects on the experience of building a sober life after years of drinking.

The article discusses the emotional adjustment to sobriety, the return of self-respect, improved family relationships, renewed usefulness, and the growing realization that life without alcohol could become something to look forward to rather than fear.

It also includes discussion of the tremendous growth of Alcoholics Anonymous and the increasing number of men and women finding recovery through the Fellowship.

A.A.’s Country-Wide News Circuit

The issue provides an excellent snapshot of A.A.’s rapid expansion in early 1947.

Reports include:

• A.A. literature being translated and distributed in Spanish
• Growth of A.A. groups in Canada
• New groups forming in San Francisco
• Meetings and activity among veterans
• Growth in Omaha and other Midwestern communities
• A.A. activity in Miami
• Group anniversaries and celebrations across the country
• New groups forming in Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida, West Virginia, New Jersey, and elsewhere

These brief reports are especially valuable to collectors because they document the Fellowship while many local groups were still in their earliest years.

Additional Content

Other notable material includes:

• “Sobriety Foundation of Whole New Life”
• “Vino Vignette: The Story of Slap-Happy Sal”
• “Mail Call for All A.A.s at Home or Abroad”
• “A.A. Digest — Excerpts from Group Publications”
• “The Last Round-Up — On Subject of Gossip”
• “The Pleasures of Reading”
• Reports on prison and welfare publications carrying articles about A.A.
• Early group correspondence and member experiences
• News regarding A.A. meetings, anniversaries, and outreach efforts

Issue Details

Publication: The A.A. Grapevine
Date: February 1947
Volume: III
Number: 9
Publisher: A.A. Grapevine, Inc.
Format: Original monthly magazine
Cover Article: “A Word to the Wise A.A. Parent”
Notable Content: Fourth Step editorial, “Facing the Future Without Alcohol,” early A.A. group news, family recovery, prison and welfare outreach

Condition

This issue remains in very good condition overall for its age.

The covers and interior pages show light age toning, scattered small spots and stains, minor edge wear, and occasional creasing. There are a few small edge tears and light areas of paper disturbance, but the issue remains well-preserved and fully readable.

The interior pages are clean and clear overall, with strong printing and no significant damage affecting the text.

Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition and appearance.

A strong early issue of The A.A. Grapevine with excellent content relating to the Steps, family recovery, sober living, and the rapid spread of Alcoholics Anonymous during the late 1940s.