Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition Big Book Eighth Printing from 1966 - RDJ

Alcoholics Anonymous

Second Edition Big Book

Eighth Printing · 1966

With Reproduction Dust Jacket

Offered here is an Eighth Printing (1966) of the Second Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the A.A. Fellowship, originally revised and expanded in 1955. This copy includes a high-quality reproduction dust jacket, faithfully replicating the original Second Edition jacket design.

Edition Details

Title: Alcoholics Anonymous

Edition: Second Edition (New and Revised, 1955)

Printing: Eighth Printing

Year: 1966

Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Dust Jacket: Reproduction jacket included

The copyright page confirms:

• “Second Edition, New and Revised, 1955”

• Eighth Printing, 1966

• Printed by Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, N.Y.

Historical Significance of the Second Edition

When the Second Edition was released in 1955, A.A. membership had grown from fewer than one hundred members in 1939 to more than 350,000 worldwide.

While the basic text (pages 1–165) remained substantially unchanged, preserving the original 1939 message, the Second Edition introduced important expansions:

• Newly edited and enlarged front matter, including an historical sketch

• Additional endorsements from religion and medicine

• A larger Appendix including the A.A. Traditions

• A significantly expanded personal story section

The revised story section added thirty-seven case histories and approximately 110,000 words of new material. Special attention was given to Part II, “They Stopped in Time,” aimed at readers questioning whether A.A. was for them.

The Second Edition marked a major milestone in A.A.’s growth and worldwide expansion.

Dust Jacket Historical Note

All original Second Edition dust jackets included 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.”

Collectors note that original Eighth Printing jackets bear the code “50M-666(C)” on the rear flap. This copy includes a reproduction dust jacket, making it an excellent display example while preserving affordability.

Condition

Book: Very good condition. Blue cloth boards show normal, honest wear consistent with age. Binding is tight and square. Pages are clean with no writing, highlighting, or markings.

Dust Jacket: Reproduction dust jacket included. Clean and well-presented.

Please review all photos carefully to assess condition.