Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition 4th Printing from 1960 - ODJ
Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book)
Second Edition — Fourth Printing (1960)
Hardcover with Original Dust Jacket
Overview
Offered here is a Fourth Printing (1960) of the Second Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous—the landmark 1955 “New and Revised” revision of the Big Book—complete with its original dust jacket.
Second Edition printings capture a pivotal era in Fellowship history: the core program text (pages 1–165) is preserved essentially as first written, while the surrounding material reflects A.A.’s dramatic growth and the need to speak to an expanding membership and a widening public.
Historical Significance of the Second Edition
When the Second Edition was introduced in 1955, A.A. membership had grown from fewer than one hundred in 1939 to well over 300,000 worldwide. While the basic text remained substantially unchanged, the Second Edition introduced important expansions:
- Re-edited and enlarged front matter, including an historical sketch
- Additional recommendations from religion and medicine
- A larger Appendix recording the A.A. Traditions and updated contact information
- A significantly revised and expanded Personal Story section
The story section grew to thirty-seven case histories, adding approximately 110,000 words of new material. Special attention was drawn to Part II, “They Stopped in Time,” written for those questioning whether they were alcoholics and whether A.A. might be for them.
This edition was authorized by the General Service Conference in the hope that it would mark a new milestone in A.A.’s continued growth and service worldwide.
Dust Jacket Historical Note
All original Second Edition dust jackets include the well-known anonymity statement:
“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 thoughtful “inside-out” jacket design remains one of the most recognizable features of the Second Edition era.
Edition Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
Edition: Second Edition (New and Revised, 1955)
Printing: Fourth Printing
Year: 1960
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Format: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present
Condition
Book: Very Good condition with minimal wear to the cover. Name handwritten on the inside front cover. No other writing, markings, or underlining noted. Pages clean and intact.
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present with edge wear and small tears consistent with age and handling.
Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
A strong example of a 1960 Fourth Printing Second Edition Big Book with its original dust jacket—an excellent mid-century copy for A.A. members, historians, and collectors of classic Big Book printings.
