Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Tenth Printing — 1969
Original Dust Jacket | Early Second Edition Big Book
Offered here is a Second Edition, Tenth Printing (1969) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the Fellowship commonly known as the Big Book. Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., this copy retains its original blue dust jacket.
The Tenth Printing appeared during an important period in Alcoholics Anonymous history, as the Fellowship continued its remarkable expansion throughout the United States and around the world.
When the original Big Book was published in 1939, A.A. consisted of fewer than one hundred members. By the introduction of the Second Edition in 1955, the Fellowship had grown to more than 150,000 members, with thousands of groups established internationally.
The Second Edition reflected this tremendous growth. While preserving the original program of recovery contained in the opening chapters, the revised book introduced expanded historical material, additional information about the Fellowship, and a substantially revised collection of personal recovery stories.
By 1969, Alcoholics Anonymous had become a well-established international fellowship. The Big Book continued to serve as its central text, carrying the message of recovery to an expanding worldwide membership.
An Original 1969 Dust Jacket
An important feature of this copy is its original blue Second Edition dust jacket, retaining the familiar lettering and circle-and-triangle emblem associated with the Big Book.
The rear jacket flap bears the printing code 60M–4/69(C), corresponding to the April 1969 production of the Tenth Printing.
Like other Second Edition jackets, it includes an interesting feature intended to protect the anonymity of its owner. Readers were encouraged to turn the jacket inside out when carrying the book publicly, concealing its identifying cover.
This distinctive design reflects the importance of personal anonymity within A.A.’s traditions and remains an interesting feature of early Big Book dust jackets.
Book Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York
Edition: Second Edition, New and Revised
Printing: Tenth Printing
Year: 1969
Binding: Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
Dust Jacket: Original blue Second Edition dust jacket
Dust Jacket Code: 60M–4/69(C)
Condition
Very good condition overall, with the original dust jacket present.
The original blue cloth hardcover shows light handling wear consistent with age. There is a noticeable stain on the spine, along with minor general wear to the binding.
The interior pages are clean and well preserved, with no writing or markings noted.
The original dust jacket is present and shows age-related handling wear. Please refer to the photographs for its exact condition, including any rubbing, creasing, or edge wear.
Collector Significance
The Second Edition Big Book remained in publication from 1955 until the introduction of the Third Edition in 1976, documenting an important period in the worldwide growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.
This 1969 Tenth Printing, accompanied by its original dust jacket, represents an appealing example from the Second Edition’s publication history.
The surviving original jacket and well-preserved interior make this a worthwhile addition to a collection of Alcoholics Anonymous Big Books and recovery history.
