Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Fourth Printing (1960)
Early Second Edition Big Book | Reproduction Dust Jacket (RDJ)
Offered here is a Second Edition, Fourth Printing (1960) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the Fellowship commonly known as the Big Book. Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., this printing represents an early issue of the revised Second Edition, introduced in 1955 during A.A.’s Twentieth Anniversary International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Second Edition reflected the Fellowship’s extraordinary growth since the original Big Book was published in 1939. While the basic text outlining A.A.’s program of recovery remained substantially unchanged, the revised edition introduced expanded historical information, updated introductory material, and a significantly revised collection of personal recovery stories.
By 1960, Alcoholics Anonymous had grown to an estimated 300,000 members in more than 8,000 groups across over 80 countries, as documented in the updated Foreword of this printing.
This copy retains its original blue cloth binding and is accompanied by a reproduction of the Second Edition dust jacket.
Identifying the Fourth Printing
Unlike the earliest Second Edition printings, the Fourth Printing is clearly identified on the copyright page with the statement:
“Fourth Printing, 1960”
This printing also marks a change in the publisher’s name, with Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. replacing Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., which appeared in the first three printings.
The updated Foreword includes a footnote documenting the Fellowship’s growth as of 1960, providing another interesting historical detail distinguishing this printing from earlier issues.
Book Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous — The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism
Author: Alcoholics Anonymous
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York
Edition: Second Edition — New and Revised
Printing: Fourth Printing
Year: 1960
Binding: Blue cloth hardcover with embossed front cover lettering and gold spine lettering
Dust Jacket: Reproduction Dust Jacket (RDJ) — Not Original
Condition
Book: Very Good overall exterior appearance, with some interior markings.
The original blue cloth boards retain an attractive, relatively bright color, with light rubbing, minor surface marks, and limited wear along the corners and edges. The embossed front cover lettering remains clearly visible, and the gold lettering on the spine is bright and legible.
The binding appears sound, with the boards and spine presenting well for a book published in 1960.
The front endpapers and preliminary pages shown are clean, with minor age-related toning. The title page, copyright page, and other interior pages photographed remain well preserved.
As noted during inspection, there is handwriting on the inside front cover and pencil markings on several pages through approximately page 60. No additional writing, markings, or underlining were observed beyond page 60.
Dust Jacket: The book is accompanied by a reproduction of the original Second Edition dust jacket. The jacket presents attractively, with light handling wear. Tape is present at the flap corners, as previously noted.
This is a reproduction dust jacket, not an original 1960 jacket.
Please examine all photographs carefully for additional condition details.
Collector’s Notes
The 1960 Fourth Printing represents an interesting early stage in the publication history of the Second Edition Big Book, including the transition to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services as publisher.
With its attractive original blue cloth binding, clearly identified printing, and reproduction dust jacket, this copy offers a desirable example of an early Second Edition Big Book for collectors and readers interested in Alcoholics Anonymous history.
