Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition 16th Printing from 1954 with ODJ
Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book — First Edition, Sixteenth Printing (August 1954) — Original Dust Jacket
Description
Offered here is a First Edition, Sixteenth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in August 1954 by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. This printing represents the final printing of the First Edition Big Book, issued just months before the release of the Second Edition in 1955.
Although the Fifteenth Printing was originally intended to be the last First Edition, demand for the Big Book continued to surge. As a result, A.A. authorized this unexpected Sixteenth Printing to ensure adequate supply ahead of the upcoming edition change. Only 15,700 copies were printed, making it one of the smaller press runs of the First Edition.
This printing stands as a true transitional milestone in A.A. publishing history—the closing chapter of the original text that carried the Fellowship from its earliest years into worldwide growth.
Edition Details
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First Edition, Sixteenth Printing
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August 1954
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Final printing of the First Edition Big Book
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Published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc.
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Printed by Cornwall Press, Cornwall, New York
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Navy blue cloth boards with gilt spine lettering
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Original dust jacket present
Condition
Book: Excellent condition. The navy-blue cloth cover shows no noticeable wear. Gilt lettering on the spine is bright and sharp. Binding is tight and square. Pages are clean with no writing, markings, or missing pages.
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present and in very good condition, showing light edge wear consistent with age. Complete and intact.
This is an unusually well-preserved example for a First Edition Big Book from this period.
Collector Significance
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Final printing of the First Edition Big Book
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Smaller press run than many earlier printings
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Issued at a pivotal moment just before the Second Edition
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Strong condition with original dust jacket
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Increasingly scarce in collectible condition
A highly desirable copy for collectors seeking to complete a First Edition run, or for those looking to acquire a clean example of the last First Edition ever issued.
