Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Fifth Printing — 1962
Original Dust Jacket | Early Second Edition Big Book
Offered here is a Second Edition, Fifth Printing (1962) 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 Fifth Printing was issued just seven years after the introduction of the Second Edition in 1955, during a period of remarkable growth for Alcoholics Anonymous.
When the original Big Book appeared in 1939, A.A. consisted of fewer than one hundred members. By the publication of the Second Edition in 1955, the Fellowship had grown to more than 150,000 members in approximately 6,000 groups, with A.A. becoming firmly established internationally.
The Second Edition reflected this transformation. While preserving the original program of recovery contained in the first 164 pages, the revised book introduced a new Foreword, an expanded historical account of the Fellowship, and a substantially revised collection of personal stories representing a broader range of experiences in recovery.
This 1962 Fifth Printing represents an early stage in the Second Edition’s publication history, as Alcoholics Anonymous continued its expansion throughout the United States and around the world.
An Original Second Edition Dust Jacket
An important feature of this copy is its original blue dust jacket, retaining the familiar gold lettering and circle-and-triangle emblem associated with the early Second Edition Big Books.
The original jacket also includes an interesting feature designed to protect the anonymity of its owner. Readers were encouraged to turn the jacket inside out when carrying the book publicly, allowing them to conceal its identifying cover.
This thoughtful design reflects the importance of personal anonymity in A.A.’s traditions and remains a distinctive feature of early Big Book dust jackets.
The rear jacket flap bears the printing code 40M–4/62(C), consistent with the book’s 1962 publication.
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: Fifth Printing
Year: 1962
Binding: Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
Dust Jacket: Original blue Second Edition dust jacket
Printing Identification: Fifth Printing, 1962, as stated on the copyright page
Dust Jacket Code: 40M–4/62(C)
Condition
Good condition overall, with the original dust jacket present.
The blue cloth hardcover shows general handling wear, rubbing, and some staining and discoloration to the boards. The binding remains tight.
The original dust jacket retains its attractive blue coloring and gold lettering. It shows age-related wear, including rubbing, edge wear, and tears, particularly along the edges and corners.
The front free endpaper has been removed and is missing. This is the most notable condition issue affecting the book.
The remaining interior pages are generally clean and well preserved, with light age-related toning. No significant writing or markings are reported in the original description.
Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition and appearance.
Collector Significance
Early printings of the Second Edition Big Book offer collectors a tangible connection to one of the most important periods in Alcoholics Anonymous history.
This 1962 Fifth Printing, retaining its original dust jacket, is an appealing example from the early years of the Second Edition’s publication.
Despite the missing front endpaper and general age-related wear, the presence of the original jacket makes this a worthwhile addition to a collection of early Alcoholics Anonymous Big Books.
