Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition 4th Printing from 1960 - ODJ

Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition (1955) | Fourth Printing, 1960

Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. | New York City, 1960

Hardcover with Original Dust Jacket

This is the Fourth Printing (1960) of the Second Edition (1955) of Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism — affectionately known as “The Big Book.”

The Second Edition marked a major milestone in A.A. history. Originally published in 1955 at the 20th Anniversary Convention in St. Louis, this edition reflected the Fellowship’s rapid global expansion and maturation since the First Edition of 1939.

While the core text of the program (pages 1–164) remains unchanged, this edition introduced: A new Foreword, chronicling A.A.’s growth from fewer than 100 members to more than 150,000 recovered alcoholics worldwide. A revised and expanded Personal Stories section, adding 110,000 words of new material, including the section “They Stopped in Time.” Updates on A.A.’s relationship with medicine, religion, and international outreach. The first formal statement of the A.A. Tradition in the Appendix.

The dust jacket carries one of the most memorable historical notes in A.A. literature:

“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.”

This practical anonymity feature has since become a beloved detail for collectors and historians alike.

Condition: This copy is in very good condition overall. The original dust jacket is present and displays moderate edge wear with small chips but retains its deep blue color and clean lettering.

The blue cloth boards are bright and well-preserved with minimal rubbing. The binding is tight, and the pages are clean with only light, even toning appropriate to age. No writing or markings noted.

Please view all photos for full details of condition.