Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 14th Printing from 1951 - ODJ
First Edition, Fourteenth Printing of The Big Book with Original Dust Jacket from July 1951.
This listing features a highly sought-after first edition, fourteenth printing of The Big Book—the foundational text of Alcoholics Anonymous. This particular edition is particularly significant as it is the last printing produced under the auspices of Works Publishing, Inc. Starting with the fifteenth printing in 1954, Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. took over the publishing of this influential work. As a result, the fourteenth printing holds special historical value as one of the final editions under the original publisher’s name.
Condition Overview:
Book: In good condition for its age, the blue cover displays some minor wear, consistent with a well-loved but carefully maintained volume. The gold lettering on the spine remains vibrant and legible, a testament to the durability of this first edition.
Pages: The book is fully intact with no missing pages, ensuring the completeness of this historic edition. The pages themselves are remarkably clean and in great condition, with only minor tape markings inside the front cover and some handwriting on the first page. Notably, there are no other markings or writing within the interior, maintaining the integrity of the text.
Dust Jacket: The original dust jacket, which has protected the book for decades, shows signs of wear with staining, chipping, and some small tears around the edges. Despite these imperfections, the jacket still retains much of its original charm and serves as a protective shield for the text itself.
Significance of this Printing:
The Big Book—the cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous—has played a pivotal role in the recovery of millions of individuals over the past several decades. First published in 1939, this text continues to provide guidance and solace to those struggling with alcoholism, and it remains a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the AA fellowship.
The fourteenth printing is particularly notable because it marks the last release under Works Publishing, Inc., making it a rare piece for collectors and AA history enthusiasts. The transition to Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. with the fifteenth printing marked a new chapter for the fellowship.
This particular edition carries the weight of this transitional period, making it a rare and valuable addition to any collection of AA memorabilia.
Key Details:
• Edition: First Edition, Fourteenth Printing
• Publisher: Works Publishing, Inc.
• Condition: Good, with minor wear on the cover, clean pages, and a dust jacket showing age-related wear
• Important Features: Last printing under Works Publishing, Inc. before the transition to Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. in 1954
Please view all photos for detailed condition.
