Alcoholics Anonymous — Second Edition, Third Printing (1959) — Reproduction Dust Jacket
Former School of Theology at Claremont Library Copy
Description
Offered here is a Second Edition, Third Printing (1959) of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text of the Fellowship commonly known as the “Big Book.” This copy is accompanied by a reproduction dust jacket and has an interesting history as a former library book from the School of Theology at Claremont, California.
The Third Printing was published just four years after the introduction of the Second Edition in 1955, during a period of remarkable growth for Alcoholics Anonymous. By 1959, the Fellowship had expanded to approximately 7,000 groups across more than 70 countries, with an estimated membership of 250,000.
These figures are reflected in the updated footnotes found in this printing, documenting the Fellowship’s continued expansion during its early decades.
The Second Edition itself represented an important development in A.A. publishing history. While retaining the original recovery text, the edition introduced expanded historical material, revised personal stories, and additional information about the growing international Fellowship.
An interesting feature of this particular copy is its former ownership by the School of Theology at Claremont in California.
The book retains its original institutional markings, including a library bookplate, withdrawal stamp, handwritten catalog numbers, and library catalog cards preserved in the rear pocket.
These materials provide a tangible connection to the study of Alcoholics Anonymous within an academic and theological setting, reflecting the broader interest in the Fellowship’s spiritual principles and approach to recovery.
Book Details
- Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
- Author: Alcoholics Anonymous
- Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., New York
- Edition: Second Edition
- Printing: Third Printing
- Year: 1959
- Binding: Original blue cloth hardcover with gilt spine lettering
- Dust Jacket: Reproduction dust jacket
- Provenance: Former School of Theology at Claremont library copy
- Printer: Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, New York
Condition
Book: Good condition.
The original blue cloth binding exhibits noticeable wear consistent with age and institutional use. The front cover has areas of discoloration and spotting, particularly across the upper portion. There is rubbing along the board edges and corners, with fraying at the spine ends.
The spine shows fading and wear to the gilt lettering, particularly toward the lower portion.
The interior pages are generally well preserved, with age toning and signs of handling.
As a former library copy, the book contains institutional markings, including a School of Theology at Claremont bookplate and withdrawal stamp inside the front cover, handwritten catalog numbers on the title page, library stamps on the copyright page, and catalog cards retained in the rear pocket.
Dust Jacket: Reproduction dust jacket featuring the classic blue design associated with the early Second Edition Big Books. The jacket presents attractively, with minor edge wear.
Collector’s Significance
The Third Printing of the Second Edition is an important early printing in the history of the Big Book, produced during the Fellowship’s rapid expansion in the late 1950s.
This particular example is distinguished by its former place in the School of Theology at Claremont library. The surviving institutional markings and catalog materials add an interesting layer of historical context to an already collectible early printing.
An appealing opportunity to acquire a 1959 Third Printing of the Second Edition Big Book, complete with its documented library history and a reproduction dust jacket.
