Alcoholics Anonymous — First Edition, Tenth Printing (August 1946)
Original Dust Jacket | Works Publishing, Inc.
Offered here is a First Edition, Tenth Printing (August 1946) of Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly known as the Big Book, published by Works Publishing, Inc., New York. This copy retains its original red-and-yellow dust jacket, an important feature for collectors of early A.A. literature.
Published shortly after World War II, the Tenth Printing reflects a period of extraordinary growth for Alcoholics Anonymous. From fewer than 100 members when the Big Book first appeared in 1939, A.A. had grown into a nationwide fellowship with an expanding international presence.
The Tenth Printing was issued in August 1946, with approximately 25,000 copies produced, as the demand for recovery literature continued to increase.
Historical & Printing Significance
An identifying feature of the Tenth Printing is found on page 391, where the heading reads “Now We Are Thousands.” Earlier First Edition printings had updated this heading to reflect the Fellowship’s growing membership. Beginning with the Tenth Printing, this wording remained unchanged through the final First Edition printing in 1954.
This copy also preserves the original First Edition text, typography, and personal recovery stories that helped establish Alcoholics Anonymous during its formative years.
Book Details
- Title: Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
- Publisher: Works Publishing, Inc., New York
- Edition: First Edition
- Printing: Tenth Printing
- Publication Date: August 1946
- Binding: Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
- Dust Jacket: Original red-and-yellow First Edition dust jacket
- Printer: Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, New York
- Notable Feature: Page 391 titled “Now We Are Thousands”
Condition
Book: Very Good Condition
The original blue cloth hardcover is well preserved, with mild rubbing and handling wear to the boards and light wear along the edges and spine extremities. The embossed front-cover lettering remains visible, and the gilt spine lettering is attractive.
The binding appears firm and intact. Interior pages show light, age-appropriate toning. A rectangular area of discoloration or adhesive residue is visible on the front pastedown, likely from a previously attached label or bookplate.
No handwritten inscriptions or annotations are visible in the photographs provided.
Original Dust Jacket: Fair Condition
The original dust jacket remains present and retains its distinctive red, yellow, black, and white design.
The jacket shows considerable age-related wear, including rubbing, surface soiling, creasing, edge tears, and chipping, particularly along the upper and lower edges. Several areas of paper loss and splitting are visible, including at the spine and flap folds.
Despite this wear, the jacket retains its recognizable original artwork, spine identification, and printed flap material.
Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector Significance
First Edition Big Books with surviving original dust jackets remain desirable among collectors of Alcoholics Anonymous history.
This August 1946 Tenth Printing offers an opportunity to acquire an early postwar Big Book with its original publisher’s jacket. The attractive blue cloth hardcover and historically significant printing make it a worthwhile addition to a collection of early A.A. literature.
