Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition 3rd Printing with RDJ
Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition (1955) | Third Printing, 1959
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. | New York City, 1959
Hardcover with Reproduction Dust Jacket (Labeled “Third Edition”)
This is the Third Printing (1959) of the Second Edition (1955) of Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism — known to generations as “The Big Book.”
About This Printing — The “Third Edition” Dust Jacket Misprint
This printing is one of the most fascinating production anomalies in A.A. publishing history. The 1959 Third Printing of the Second Edition was mistakenly issued with a dust jacket boldly labeled “Third Edition” — even though the true Third Edition of the Big Book would not appear until 1976, more than 15 years later.
Collectors can easily identify this misprint by the following characteristics: The front cover and front flap of the dust jacket read “Third Edition,” dated 1959. The spine and back flap list the publisher as A.A. Publishing, Inc. The book itself, correctly printed, identifies the publisher as Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., confirming it is a Second Edition printing.
For identification, the interior of this copy confirms: Page xx, line 6 — the word “really” is spelled correctly (eliminating the first printing). Page 16, asterisk note reads: “A.A. is now composed of some 7,000 groups (1959).” This definitively identifies this copy as the Third Printing of the Second Edition.
Historical Context — The Second Edition (1955–1976)
The Second Edition marked A.A.’s first major revision of its foundational text, reflecting both spiritual continuity and organizational growth since the First Edition of 1939.
Key updates included: A new Foreword describing the Fellowship’s expansion from a few hundred to more than 250,000 members worldwide. A completely revised Personal Stories section with 110,000 words of new material. Additions to the Appendices, including the Twelve Traditions and expanded commentary from medical and religious leaders.
From the dust jacket:
The jacket also retains A.A.’s now-famous anonymity note: “If you wish to preserve complete personal anonymity when carrying this book, just turn this jacket inside out. It has been especially designed for your convenience.”
Condition: This copy is in good condition overall. The reproduction dust jacket is bright and clean, faithfully replicating the historically misprinted original design. The blue cloth boards show light staining and some surface wear, particularly along the spine. Gold lettering on the spine remains legible and intact. The front two pages are missing causing the title page to be the first page in the book. The text block is clean and unmarked beyond that, with sound binding and light toning consistent with age.
Please review all photos for details of condition.
