Came to Believe - First Printing from 1973
Came to Believe
First Printing — 1973
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
This is a First Printing (1973) of Came to Believe, published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Early first printings of Came to Believe are scarce, as the booklet was widely used, heavily read, and seldom preserved in collectible condition.
Came to Believe explores the spiritual foundations of Alcoholics Anonymous through the lived experiences of individual members. Rather than prescribing belief, the book offers a wide and inclusive range of perspectives on spirituality, prayer, surrender, and personal awakening — reflecting the diversity of thought within the Fellowship.
The content draws from original essays written expressly for this volume, as well as select reprints from early AA publications including the AA Grapevine and The Tom-Tom. Bill W.’s influence is present throughout, with section introductions reflecting his outlook as already recorded in As Bill Sees It.
Book Details
Title: Came to Believe
Subtitle: The Spiritual Adventure of A.A. as Experienced by Individual Members
Edition: First Printing
Year: 1973
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York
Format: Softcover (original wraps)
Conference Approval: General Service Conference–approved literature
Historical & Collector Significance
First Printing copies from 1973 are very difficult to find. Represents AA’s most direct exploration of spirituality outside the Big Book. Reflects Fellowship-wide input rather than a single authorial voice. Closely connected to Bill W.’s later spiritual writings. An important companion volume to As Bill Sees It and Living Sober.
For collectors of AA history, Came to Believe marks a meaningful moment in the Fellowship’s maturation — addressing spirituality in a broad, non-dogmatic way during a period of expanding global membership.
Condition
Very Good. Light overall wear consistent with age and careful use. Minor wear to the cover. Old handwritten price noted on the first page. No other writing, highlighting, or markings. Pages clean and complete. Binding sound and intact.
Please review all photos carefully for an accurate representation of condition.
Collector Notes
First Printing copies of Came to Believe rarely surface in this condition. Most examples were heavily circulated within groups or discarded after use, making surviving early copies increasingly desirable.
A strong addition to any AA, recovery, or spiritual literature collection — particularly for those assembling a representative set of early AA-approved publications.
