The Original AA Grapevine Issues (June 1944 – August 1948)
A Rare and Complete Set of the Early Large-Format Editions
This bound volume is a treasure trove of Alcoholics Anonymous history, containing the complete set of Grapevine issues from its inception in June 1944 through August 1948—when the publication shifted to a smaller, more compact format. These early issues are printed in the original larger format and are rich with the voices and visions of AA’s early members and pioneers.
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Why the Grapevine Was Created
In the summer of 1944, amid the turbulence of World War II, a group of AA members in New York recognized a pressing need: to create a centralized communication tool that would connect AA members and groups across the United States and abroad. At the time, the Fellowship was growing rapidly, but isolated pockets of sobriety had little contact with one another. The solution was the AA Grapevine, envisioned as “a meeting in print.”
Its first issue—June 1944—was sent to every known group in the U.S. and overseas military bases. With war-torn soldiers writing back from the front lines, grateful for the shared strength it provided, the Grapevine quickly became a lifeline for connection, guidance, and unity. In 1945, AA co-founder Bill W. proposed that the Grapevine become the official journal of Alcoholics Anonymous—a role it continues to play to this day.
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Historical Significance
This bound collection captures the spirit, struggle, and successes of AA’s formative years, including:
• Early stories of recovery from members in various regions, offering a window into how the message was being carried.
• Foundational articles on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions as they were being developed and tested.
• Insight into the practical challenges faced by new groups, including leadership, anonymity, and group conscience.
• Military and wartime reflections, offering perspective on sobriety under extreme conditions.
• Editorial notes and updates from AA headquarters, giving context to the Fellowship’s rapid growth and internal discussions.
This is AA history in real-time, documented by its earliest voices.
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Key Contributors and Historical Voices
The pages of these early Grapevine issues are filled with articles, letters, and reflections by some of the most influential members of Alcoholics Anonymous, including:
• Bill Wilson (Bill W.) – AA co-founder, who wrote frequent essays, editorials, and forward-looking reflections on unity, service, and spiritual growth.
• Dr. Bob Smith (Dr. Bob) – Though less prolific in writing, his influence and spirit were often referenced in stories from Akron and the Midwest.
• Ralph T., Marty M., Tom Y., and Fitz M. – Prominent early members who shared their experiences and helped shape AA’s identity.
• Military servicemen and women – Many powerful stories came from AA members stationed in Europe, the Pacific, and remote outposts, showing the far-reaching effect of AA’s message.
• Lois Wilson – While not a frequent contributor to these early Grapevines, her work and presence as co-founder of Al-Anon is often acknowledged and respected in letters and articles.
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Condition and Presentation
This volume is beautifully bound and carefully preserved, offering not only a continuous run of the earliest Grapevine issues, but also an aesthetic and archival quality that makes it suitable for display in a collection, library, or historical archive. It is an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and long-time members who wish to understand AA’s early growth from the inside out.
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A Unique Opportunity
Very few complete runs of these early, large-format AA Grapevine issues exist—fewer still in a single, professionally bound volume. This is more than a book; it is a living archive of Alcoholics Anonymous, documenting its heart, soul, and evolving mission during a time of great transformation.
