Alcoholics Anonymous — 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. Issued when A.A. was still a small and largely unknown fellowship, the first printing represents the true beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous in published form.

Printed in an unusually large format and bound in red cloth, the volume quickly became known as the “Big Book.” Only a limited number of copies were produced, and surviving examples have become among the most historically significant and desirable artifacts connected with the founding of A.A.

The Beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous in Print

The 1939 first printing contains the original presentation of the A.A. program, including the foundational chapters that introduced the Twelve Steps and explained how early members had recovered from alcoholism.

Its title page carries the original subtitle:

The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism

The book was published by the Works Publishing Company, the organization created by Bill W. and early A.A. members to finance and distribute the volume. At the time of publication, Alcoholics Anonymous had not yet developed into the worldwide fellowship it would later become.

This first printing therefore belongs directly to A.A.’s founding era.

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
• The first-printing text and original collection of personal stories
• The well-known repeated-line printing error on page 234
• “Lone Endeavor,” the story appearing only in the first printing
• Ray Campbell’s “An Artist’s Concept,” describing the original dust-jacket design

Book Details

Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
Common Name: The Big Book
Edition: First Edition
Printing: First Printing
Publication Date: April 1939
Publisher: Works Publishing Company
Place of Publication: New York City
Printer: Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, New York
Binding: Original red cloth hardcover
Lettering: Gilt lettering on the front cover and spine
Dust Jacket: Reproduction

Condition

This copy remains in very good condition, particularly impressive for an original first printing published in 1939.

The original red cloth binding remains bright and visually attractive. The front-cover gilt lettering is strong and clearly defined. The boards show only minimal surface wear, with light rubbing and a few small marks consistent with age and careful handling.

The spine shows moderate fading compared with the front and rear boards, and the gilt spine lettering has softened with age but remains visible. There is light wear at the spine ends, including minor fraying and small areas of cloth disturbance along the upper edge. The corners show only modest wear.

The binding remains solid, and the hinges appear secure. The endpapers are clean, with no ownership inscriptions, bookplates, or other markings visible. The interior is clean and well preserved, with no writing, underlining, or notable markings.

The pages show even age toning, and the exposed page edges have naturally darkened over time. Overall, the book presents exceptionally well, with a clean interior and an unusually attractive original red-cloth binding.

Reproduction dust jacket is included.

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

Historical and Collector Significance

The First Edition, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous is the foundational book of the A.A. movement and one of the most important publications in the history of recovery.

This copy is especially appealing for its:

• Original 1939 red cloth binding
• Strong front-cover gilt
• Clean, unmarked interior
• Solid binding
• Minimal overall wear
• Attractive presentation without restoration or added materials

A beautiful and well-preserved example of the book that launched Alcoholics Anonymous and permanently changed the way alcoholism and recovery were understood.