Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Sixteenth Printing (1974)
Final Printing of the Second Edition | Original Dust Jacket (ODJ)
Offered here is a Second Edition, Sixteenth Printing (1974) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the Fellowship commonly known as the Big Book. Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., this copy represents the final printing of the Second Edition, which was introduced in 1955 and remained in publication until the arrival of the Third Edition in 1976.
The Second Edition reflected the extraordinary growth of Alcoholics Anonymous during its first twenty years. While preserving the basic text outlining A.A.’s program of recovery, the revised edition introduced expanded historical material, updated introductory sections, and a substantially revised collection of personal recovery stories.
By 1974, A.A. had grown to more than 725,000 members in over 22,000 groups across more than 90 countries, as documented in the updated Foreword of this printing.
As the sixteenth and final printing of the Second Edition, this 1974 issue marks the conclusion of an important chapter in the publication history of the Big Book.
The Original Dust Jacket
This copy retains its original blue Second Edition dust jacket, featuring the familiar cream-colored lettering and circle-and-triangle emblem.
The jacket also includes the distinctive anonymity statement encouraging owners to turn the jacket inside out when carrying the book, concealing its title from public view.
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: Sixteenth Printing — Final Second Edition Printing
Year: 1974
Binding: Original blue hardcover with embossed front cover lettering and gold spine lettering
Dust Jacket: Original Dust Jacket (ODJ)
Condition
Book: Very Good condition overall, with an attractive and well-preserved original blue hardcover.
The blue boards retain a bright, even color with light surface rubbing and minor wear at the corners and spine extremities. The embossed front cover lettering remains prominent, and the gold spine lettering is bright and clearly legible.
The binding appears sound, with no significant structural damage visible in the photographs. The front and rear endpapers appear clean, with light age-related discoloration.
The title page, copyright page, and Foreword shown in the photographs are clean and well preserved, with minimal age toning.
The previous condition record notes a red pen marking inside the front cover, with no other writing or markings reported. Please refer to the photographs and condition information for details.
Dust Jacket: Original blue Second Edition dust jacket in Poor to Fair condition due to substantial wear and structural separation.
The jacket has split completely into two separate pieces at the spine fold, with the front cover and spine forming one section and the rear cover forming the other. Both original sections are present.
Additional wear includes considerable surface rubbing, fading, scuffing, creasing, and numerous tears and chips along the edges. There are areas of paper loss along the upper edge, corners, and spine area, along with a noticeable tear extending upward from the lower edge of the front panel.
Despite its condition, the jacket retains its original printed panels and distinctive Second Edition design. The jacket is placed in a protective clear plastic cover and presents well.
Please carefully review all accompanying photographs for additional condition details.
Collector’s Notes
The 1974 Sixteenth Printing holds particular interest as the final printing of the Second Edition Big Book, preceding the introduction of the Third Edition in 1976.
This copy combines a well-preserved original blue hardcover with its heavily worn but surviving original dust jacket.
For collectors interested in assembling a complete printing history of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Sixteenth Printing represents the conclusion of the Second Edition’s publication period and an important transition in A.A. literature.
