Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition 3rd Printing with RDJ

Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book) — Second Edition (1955) — Third Printing (1959) — “Third Edition” Dust Jacket Misprint (Repro Jacket)

Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. | New York City | Hardcover

Overview

Offered here is a 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—the classic “Big Book.” This copy is housed in a bright reproduction dust jacket that replicates one of the most intriguing quirks in A.A. publishing history: the 1959 jacket that mistakenly reads “Third Edition.”

The “Third Edition” Jacket Misprint

This 1959 Third Printing is famous among collectors for a production anomaly: some copies were issued with a dust jacket boldly labeled “Third Edition,” even though the true Third Edition would not be published until 1976.

How collectors identify this misprint (and this printing):

• Dust jacket front and flap read “Third Edition” and are dated 1959 (this copy has a reproduction of that jacket design)
• The book itself is correctly a Second Edition and identifies Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc.
• Interior points matching the Third Printing (1959), including:
  • Page xx, line 6: “really” spelled correctly (rules out the first printing)
  • Page 16: asterisk note referencing “some 7,000 groups (1959)”

Why the Second Edition Matters (1955–1976)

The Second Edition marked the Fellowship’s first major revision of its foundational text, preserving the core spiritual message while reflecting rapid postwar growth. Key changes included:

• A new Foreword describing expansion from a small fellowship to hundreds of thousands worldwide
• A majorly revised Personal Stories section (substantial new material)
• Expanded appendices, including the Twelve Traditions and additional statements from medical and religious leaders

The classic anonymity note appears on Second Edition jackets:
“If you wish to preserve complete personal anonymity when carrying this book, just turn this jacket inside out…”

Condition

Book: Good. Blue cloth boards with staining and surface wear present. Gilt spine lettering remains legible. Interior is clean and unmarked; binding sound; light, even toning consistent with age

Reproduction dust jacket: bright, clean, and very displayable (faithful to the misprinted “Third Edition” design)

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.