{"product_id":"bottle-fatigue-1950-aa-first-international-convention-souvenir","title":"Bottle Fatigue — Official Souvenir Edition for A.A.’s First International Convention — Cleveland, 1950","description":"\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA rare official souvenir edition of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e by noted American cartoonist \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVirgil Franklin Partch\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, better known by his signature, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVIP\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis special softcover issue was prepared for the banquet held on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJuly 29, 1950\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, during the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFirst International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, celebrating A.A.’s fifteenth anniversary in Cleveland, Ohio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eUnlike the commercially issued hardcover edition of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, this advance edition was produced specifically for distribution at the convention banquet. Its printed souvenir statement directly identifies the event, dates, occasion, and purpose, making it an authentic artifact from one of the most important gatherings in early Alcoholics Anonymous history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOfficial Convention Souvenir\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe inside front cover reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSouvenir Copy\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFirst International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFifteenth Anniversary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCleveland, Ohio, July 28–30, 1950\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIt continues:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e“This is the special advance edition imprinted for The Banquet the evening of July 29. It bears the good wishes of The Vipper himself, another non-member friend of the fellowship. Its aim is entertainment, pure and simple. Not too pure, we trust, and sometimes not so simple.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe booklet was presented with the compliments of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eDuell, Sloan \u0026amp; Pearce, Inc.\u003c\/span\u003e, the New York publisher of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis printed convention statement is what distinguishes the booklet from the ordinary trade edition. It was not simply brought to the gathering by an attendee; it was prepared expressly for the banquet and distributed as part of the event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe First International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHeld in Cleveland from July 28 through July 30, 1950, the gathering celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous and became the Fellowship’s first international convention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eCleveland was a fitting location. The city had played a central role in A.A.’s earliest expansion, particularly after favorable newspaper coverage in 1939 helped introduce the young movement to a much wider public.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 1950 convention marked a defining stage in A.A.’s development. During the weekend, the Twelve Traditions were presented to and accepted by the assembled Fellowship as the guiding principles for A.A. unity and group life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe gathering also became Dr. Bob Smith’s final convention appearance. In his brief farewell message, he emphasized the simplicity of the program and the enduring importance of love and service. He died later that year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p5\"\u003eThis booklet therefore comes directly from a weekend associated with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA.A.’s fifteenth anniversary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Fellowship’s first international convention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe formal acceptance of the Twelve Traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDr. Bob’s final public appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the earliest large-scale gatherings in A.A. history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBottle Fatigue \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eand Virgil Franklin Partch\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eVirgil Franklin Partch was a widely recognized American cartoonist whose distinctive drawings appeared under the name \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVIP\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003ePublished in 1950, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a collection of original cartoons centered on drinking, bars, intoxication, hangovers, and the often absurd relationship between alcohol and human behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe introductory note presents the book as a humorous “report on alcohol and man,” supposedly based upon Partch’s own intensive research. Written by Clyde Carley, cartoon editor of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eTrue, The Man’s Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, the introduction makes clear that the volume was intended as entertainment rather than instruction or moral commentary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIts selection as a banquet souvenir was appropriately lighthearted. The convention imprint describes Partch as “another non-member friend of the fellowship” and states that the booklet’s purpose was entertainment, “pure and simple.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe cartoons are broad, irreverent, and unmistakably of their period, offering an unusual glimpse into the humor and social atmosphere surrounding the historic convention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy This Edition Is Important\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eStandard hardcover copies of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e can still be found in the general antiquarian market. This official softcover convention edition is substantially different and far scarcer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIts value lies in the original banquet imprint and its direct connection to the people who attended A.A.’s first international gathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBecause it was an event handout rather than permanent A.A. literature, many copies were likely read, carried home, folded, discarded, or lost over time. Surviving examples are seldom encountered in the public market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe booklet preserves a more informal side of early A.A. history. While the convention is remembered for major developments in A.A. unity and service, this souvenir documents the fellowship, humor, and celebration that surrounded the weekend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eItem Details\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBottle Fatigue\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor and illustrator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Virgil Franklin Partch, “VIP”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Duell, Sloan \u0026amp; Pearce, New York\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCopyright:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 1950\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEdition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Special advance souvenir edition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEvent:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e First International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccasion:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Fifteenth Anniversary banquet\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLocation:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cleveland, Ohio\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConvention dates:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e July 28–30, 1950\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBanquet date:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e July 29, 1950\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Illustrated softcover booklet\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLength:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Approximately 64 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eContents:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Black-and-white cartoons concerning drinking and alcohol-related behavior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe booklet remains in \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003every good condition\u003c\/span\u003e for an original softcover convention souvenir from 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe tan wrappers show expected age toning, surface rubbing, scattered marks, and light wear along the edges and spine. There is a dark mark near the upper-right corner of the illustrated front wrapper, along with minor creasing and handling wear consistent with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe special convention-imprint leaf remains present, firmly attached, and clearly legible. The illustrated pages are complete and generally clean, with light age toning, occasional minor spotting, and small areas of edge or corner wear. The original staples remain intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully for the most complete understanding of the booklet’s condition and appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical and Collector Significance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis is more than a rare variation of a cartoon book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIt is an official banquet souvenir from the First International Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, printed specifically for the people who gathered in Cleveland to celebrate the Fellowship’s first fifteen years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIts convention imprint connects it directly to a landmark weekend in A.A. history: the acceptance of the Twelve Traditions, Dr. Bob’s final public appearance, and the first international gathering of the Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA rare and highly desirable piece of original Alcoholics Anonymous convention memorabilia from 1950.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sean McShane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49869899792626,"sku":null,"price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0328\/4625\/0120\/files\/A61CA0F2-4158-4F06-9A34-FDE38E0D3470.jpg?v=1712175600","url":"https:\/\/recoverycollectibles.com\/products\/bottle-fatigue-1950-aa-first-international-convention-souvenir","provider":"Recovery Collectibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}