Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Ninth Printing — 1967
Original Dust Jacket | Collectible Second Edition Big Book
Offered here is a Second Edition, Ninth Printing (1967) 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 Ninth Printing appeared during an important period in Alcoholics Anonymous history, as the Fellowship continued its remarkable growth throughout the United States and around the world.
When the original Big Book was published in 1939, A.A. consisted of fewer than one hundred members. By the introduction of the Second Edition in 1955, membership had grown to more than 150,000, with thousands of groups established internationally.
The Second Edition reflected this transformation. While preserving the original program of recovery, the revised book introduced a new Foreword, expanded historical material, and a substantially revised collection of personal recovery stories.
By 1967, Alcoholics Anonymous had become a well-established international fellowship, and the Big Book remained central to carrying its message of recovery.
This Ninth Printing represents an important period in the Second Edition’s publication history, when A.A. was continuing to reach new communities and expanding its worldwide presence.
An Original 1967 Dust Jacket
An important feature of this copy is its original blue Second Edition dust jacket, retaining the familiar cream-colored lettering and circle-and-triangle emblem associated with the Big Book.
The rear jacket flap bears the printing code 50M–11/67(C), corresponding to the November 1967 production of the Ninth Printing.
Like other Second Edition jackets, it includes a distinctive feature intended to protect the anonymity of its owner. Readers were encouraged to turn the jacket inside out when carrying the book publicly, concealing its identifying cover.
This thoughtful design reflects the importance of personal anonymity within A.A.’s traditions and remains an interesting feature of original Second Edition dust jackets.
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: Ninth Printing
Year: 1967
Binding: Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
Dust Jacket: Original blue Second Edition dust jacket
Dust Jacket Code: 50M–11/67(C)
Condition
Excellent hardcover with a worn original dust jacket.
The original blue cloth hardcover is exceptionally well preserved, showing very little handling wear. The binding remains attractive and intact.
There was handwriting on the first page that has been scratched out. No other interior writing or markings are noted in the existing description.
The original dust jacket shows age-related wear, including rubbing, tears, and chipping along the edges. A portion of the rear jacket flap has been cut away and is missing. Despite this damage, the jacket retains its original design and remains an important feature of the book.
Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.
Collector Significance
The Second Edition Big Book remained in publication from 1955 until the introduction of the Third Edition in 1976, documenting an important period in the worldwide growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.
This 1967 Ninth Printing, accompanied by its original dust jacket, offers collectors an appealing example from the Second Edition’s publication history.
The exceptionally well-preserved hardcover and surviving original jacket make this a worthwhile addition to a collection of Alcoholics Anonymous Big Books and recovery history.
