Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition Big Book 14th Printing from 1973 - ODJ
Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition Big Book
Fourteenth Printing (1973) with Original Dust Jacket
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
Edition: Second Edition
Printing: Fourteenth Printing
Year: 1973
Binding: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Original Second Edition jacket (ODJ)
Description
Offered here is an authentic Second Edition, Fourteenth Printing (1973) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the A.A. Fellowship, complete with its original dust jacket.
The Second Edition of the Big Book represents one of the most important transitional moments in A.A. history. Originally published in 1939 when A.A. membership numbered fewer than one hundred, the text had grown alongside the Fellowship. By the time of the Second Edition, A.A. membership had expanded to more than half a million members worldwide.
While the core text (pages 1–165) remains substantially unchanged from the First Edition, the Second Edition introduced significant updates that reflect A.A.’s rapid growth and maturation.
Second Edition Highlights
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Expanded front matter, including an updated historical sketch
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Additional endorsements from religion and medicine
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A greatly enlarged Appendix, including the Twelve Traditions and worldwide contact information
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A completely revised Personal Stories section, expanded to thirty-seven case histories
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Introduction of “They Stopped in Time,” stories aimed at readers questioning whether they may be alcoholic
These changes added more than 110,000 words of new material, offering readers a clearer picture of A.A.’s evolving membership and message.
This edition was officially authorized by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, marking it as a major milestone in A.A. publishing history.
Dust Jacket & Anonymity Feature
This copy retains its original Second Edition dust jacket, which includes the famous anonymity instruction printed on all Second Edition jackets:
“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.”
Notably, the bottom of the back flap bears the printing code “100M-2/73 (C)”, a designation unique to Fourteenth Printings of the Second Edition and a key identifying point for collectors.
Condition
Book: Very good condition. Light wear to the cover consistent with age. Binding is solid and square. Clean throughout with no writing, names, or markings noted.
Dust Jacket: Original and intact, showing light handling wear consistent with use.
Please review all photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Summary
A genuine 1973 Second Edition, Fourteenth Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous with its original dust jacket. Clean, complete, and well-preserved, this volume represents a key stage in the evolution of A.A. literature and remains an important collectible for anyone building a A.A. or recovery history collection.
