First Issue with Original White Band - Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition First Printing from 1955 with ODJ

Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book

Second Edition — First Printing (First Issue)

1955 · Original Dust Jacket with White Band

This is an authentic First Issue, First Printing of the Alcoholics Anonymous Second Edition Big Book, published in 1955, complete with its original dust jacket and original white band.

This specific first issue was released at the 1955 AA International Convention in St. Louis, making it one of the most historically significant printings of the Big Book. Copies from this initial release are highly sought after by collectors due to their limited availability and unique identifying features.

First Issue Identification

This copy retains the white band issued at the convention, which was often removed and discarded. This edition is identifiable as a First Issue First Printing through multiple confirmed bibliographic markers:

Dust Jacket (Key Identifier)

• Retains original white band which was only issued on the books released at the 1955 International Convention

• Labeled “Second Edition” on the front cover

• Publisher listed as A.A. Pub. Inc. on spine and back flap

• Back flap contains the extra paragraph of text, which appeared only on jackets distributed at the 1955 International Convention:

“This book may be ordered from the publisher upon a free examination basis. Examine for seven days and if not satisfied that the book will be helpful return and money (including postage) will be refunded.”

*This paragraph was removed from the dust jacket for books released after the convention.

Printing Authentication (Inside the Book)

Because the first three printings of the Second Edition do not list printing numbers on the copyright page, identification relies on internal text:

• Published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc.

• Page xx, line 6: the word “really” is misspelled as “realy”

  • This error appears only in the First Printing

• Page 16 asterisk reads:

  “AA is now composed of nearly 6000 groups (1955).”

Together, these details conclusively authenticate this book as a First Printing of the Second Edition.

Historical Significance

The Second Edition marked a major milestone for Alcoholics Anonymous:

• Reflects growth from fewer than 100 members to over 150,000

• Retains the original program text (pages 1–165) as first written

• Features:

  • Expanded historical foreword

  • New medical and religious perspectives

  • Enlarged Appendix including AA Traditions

  • 37 revised personal stories

  • Over 110,000 words of new material

  • Introduction of the section “They Stopped in Time”

An additional notable feature printed on all Second Edition dust jackets:

“If you wish to preserve complete personal anonymity when carrying this book, just turn this jacket inside out. It has been especially designed for your convenience.”

Condition

Book: Very Good condition. Minor wear to the cloth boards. Spine is firm and intact. No writing, markings, or underlining present.

Dust Jacket: Original and intact. Visible edge wear consistent with age.

White Band: Original with visible age toning and tear at the spine.

Overall, a very well-preserved and honest copy, especially desirable given its age and rarity. The dust jacket and white band have both been placed inside a protective plastic cover.

Please review all photos carefully to assess condition details.

Collector Notes

First Issue copies from the 1955 Convention are scarce. Original dust jackets with the extra back-flap text are particularly difficult to find. Copies retaining the original white band are a cornerstone piece for any AA or recovery history collection.