The Best of the Grapevine Collection — Four-Book Set (1985–2005)
The Language of the Heart by Bill W. | Best of the Grapevine Volumes I, II & III | Three First Printings with Original Dust Jackets
Offered here is a four-book collection of publications from The AA Grapevine, bringing together The Language of the Heart: Bill W.’s Grapevine Writings and all three volumes of The Best of the Grapevine.
First published in June 1944, The AA Grapevine became an important part of Alcoholics Anonymous, providing a place for members to share their experiences, reflections, and understanding of recovery. Over the decades, its pages have preserved countless personal stories and discussions about the principles, traditions, and development of the Fellowship.
This collection brings together some of those writings in four companion volumes, offering an opportunity to explore both the thoughts of A.A. co-founder Bill Wilson and the experiences of members whose contributions helped shape the magazine.
Three books are hardcover first printings with their original dust jackets, while Volume 3 is a 2005 paperback second printing.
Books Included
1. The Language of the Heart: Bill W.’s Grapevine Writings (1988)
First Printing — Original Dust Jacket
A collection of Bill Wilson’s writings published in The AA Grapevine, covering subjects including recovery, spirituality, the Twelve Traditions, service, and the growth of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The articles provide an interesting look at Bill’s thinking over the years and the development of many principles that became central to A.A.
- Author: Bill W. (Bill Wilson)
- Publisher: The AA Grapevine, Inc.
- Year: 1988
- Printing: First Printing
- Binding: Hardcover
- Dust Jacket: Original
Condition: The original dust jacket exhibits noticeable discoloration, particularly along the edges and spine, with rubbing, creasing, and wear at the extremities. A handwritten ownership inscription appears on the front endpaper. The interior shows light age-related wear.
2. Best of the Grapevine — Volume I (1985)
First Printing — Original Dust Jacket
The first volume in The Best of the Grapevine series gathers selected articles from the magazine, preserving personal experiences, reflections, and observations shared by A.A. members.
The collection offers a look at the variety of voices and perspectives that have appeared in The AA Grapevine over the years.
- Publisher: The AA Grapevine, Inc.
- Year: 1985
- Printing: First Printing
- Binding: Hardcover
- Dust Jacket: Original
Condition: The original purple dust jacket displays rubbing and shelf wear, with some wear along the edges and spine ends. A handwritten birthday inscription dated April 15, 1991, appears on the front endpaper. The pages exhibit age-related toning.
3. Best of the Grapevine — Volume II (1986)
First Printing — Original Dust Jacket
Published in 1986, the second volume continues the selection of writings from The AA Grapevine, including additional experiences and reflections on recovery, sponsorship, fellowship, and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
- Publisher: The AA Grapevine, Inc.
- Year: 1986
- Printing: First Printing
- Binding: Hardcover
- Dust Jacket: Original
Condition: The green original dust jacket exhibits rubbing, light surface wear, and minor wear along the edges and spine ends. The interior shows age-related toning, particularly along the page margins.
4. The Best of the Grapevine — Volume 3 (2005)
Second Printing — Paperback
The third volume continues the series with additional selections from The AA Grapevine, providing more stories and perspectives from members of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Originally published in 1998, this copy is identified as the second printing from 2005.
- Publisher: The AA Grapevine, Inc.
- Original Publication: 1998
- Printing: Second Printing, 2005
- Binding: Paperback
Condition: The blue paperback covers show light rubbing, handling wear, and minor edge and corner wear. The pages exhibit some age-related toning.
A Collection for Reading and Reference
Together, these four books offer an enjoyable introduction to the writings preserved in The AA Grapevine.
From Bill Wilson’s discussions of A.A.’s developing principles to the personal experiences shared by members throughout the Fellowship, the collection provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous literature and history.
With three hardcover first printings in their original dust jackets, this is also an attractive set for a personal A.A. library.
All four books are offered together as one collection.
Please review the accompanying photographs for additional details regarding condition.
