An Interpretation Of The Twelve Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program - First Printing from 1946
An Interpretation Of The Twelve Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program. Besides the AA Big Book, this was the very first and only other book published at the time that was about the AA program. This book gained popularity in the AA community and took on the nickname “The Little Red Book”.
"An Interpretation of the Twelve Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program" by Ed Webster, is a seminal work that delves into the foundational principles of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program.
In this book, Webster provides a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of each of the twelve steps outlined in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. These steps are the core framework for recovery from alcoholism and have since become the basis for many other twelve-step programs addressing various addictions and behavioral issues.
A.A. urban legends credit Dr. Bob Smith with having a hand in the writing of this book, but there is no contemporary evidence to support this contention. What is known for certain is that the book was a favorite among Ohio A.A. members once it was released and it continues to be an excellent introduction to effectively working the Twelve Steps - suitable for both newcomers and oldtimers.
In the writing of this book, Ed Webster was likely influenced and received input from Bill Wilson as there was communication between Ed Webster and Bill around the time this book was written. Also, the 3rd copy of the "Little Red Book" that came off the press was inscribed and dedicated by Ed Webster to Bobbie Burger, AA's secretary and assistant to Bill W.
The book was nicknamed “The Little Red Book,” and eventually adopted that as its official name printed on the cover of later printings of the book which started in 1949.
The author of this book, Ed Webster, got sober in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941. He and Barry Collins formed their own publishing company, called Coll-Webb Co. which distributed The Little Red Book and others to members of AA until Ed's death in 1971.
The popularity of "The Little Red Book" in the 1940's and early 1950's was a contributing factor in Bill Wilson's desire to write and have AA publish "The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions" book which was published in 1953.
This book was printed by Coll-Webb Company. This is the First printing from 1946! You can verify it’s authenticity as a first printing by checking the year of publication markings on the title page, and August 1946 on the copyright page. The majority of first printings were printed with the wrong P.O. Box number on the title page and were crossed out with pen and box “564” was handwritten on the page. There are very few copies that did not have the box number crossed out with the handwritten box number present. This book also features the “International” stamp on the copyright page.
There are no missing pages, the binding is tight, and the text pages are clean. There is an inscription on the first blank page of the book. There are no other markings or writing at all in the book! The cover shows very little wear.
Please view all of the photos for the conditions!