GSO Gifted Special Bound Third Edition dedicated to John D. Bealer, M.D.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Third Edition — Sixth Printing, 1979
Special Navy Blue Leather Presentation Binding
Gifted to John D. Bealer, M.D.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. · New York City
Description
Offered here is an exceptionally rare and beautiful special-bound presentation copy of Alcoholics Anonymous, Third Edition, Sixth Printing, published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. in 1979.
This copy belongs to a fascinating presentation tradition in Alcoholics Anonymous history. Bill W. is known to have given specially bound Big Books to meaningful friends of his and important friends of A.A. After Bill’s lifetime, Alcoholics Anonymous continued this custom by presenting similar special-bound copies to trustees, General Service Board members, and individuals who had given significant service to the Fellowship.
This copy follows that same style very closely: navy blue leather binding, elaborate gold gilt decoration, raised spine bands, gilt page edges, marbled endpapers, and a built-in silk bookmark. The front cover is personalized in gilt with the name:
John D. Bealer, M.D.
This was not a standard public edition of the Big Book. It appears to be a special presentation copy created for Dr. Bealer in recognition of his service to Alcoholics Anonymous and the broader field of alcoholism work.
The book is made even more significant by the handwritten inscriptions inside from associates, friends, and members connected to A.A. service, the General Service Board, and the wider alcoholism field. There are approximately 19 handwritten inscriptions, many addressed personally to Dr. Bealer, expressing gratitude for his friendship, service, leadership, and contribution to A.A.
About John D. Bealer, M.D.
John D. Bealer, M.D. was an important non-alcoholic friend of Alcoholics Anonymous. He served as a non-alcoholic trustee of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous and was later named a corporate director of A.A. World Services, Inc. — the legal entity responsible for General Service Office business operations and A.A. publishing.
A.A. historical reporting identified Dr. Bealer as the first non-alcoholic corporate director of A.A. World Services, Inc., making his connection to this special presentation Big Book especially meaningful.
Dr. Bealer was also active in the wider alcoholism field, serving on the executive committee of the National Council on Alcoholism’s Board of Directors. Professionally, he had a distinguished medical background in occupational medicine, including service as assistant medical director of Bethlehem Steel. His obituary also notes that while serving at the Naval Base in Hawaii, he supervised an early large-scale polio vaccination effort using vaccine flown from California during the period when Dr. Jonas Salk was conducting his research.
This presentation Big Book reflects the respect and appreciation shown to Dr. Bealer by those who served alongside him in A.A. and related alcoholism work.
Notable Inscriptions
This copy contains numerous handwritten inscriptions from individuals connected to A.A. service and the broader recovery field. These inscriptions speak warmly of Dr. Bealer’s service, friendship, leadership, and presence among them.
One notable inscription appears to be from Dr. Jack Norris, a non-alcoholic physician, A.A. trustee, and longtime Chairman of the General Service Board. Dr. Norris played an important role in A.A.’s public and professional relationships and served for many years in A.A.’s national service structure.
The inscriptions collectively make this more than a finely bound Big Book. They document a moment of gratitude from A.A. service leaders, friends, and colleagues toward a respected non-alcoholic trustee and medical professional.
Binding & Presentation Features
This special presentation copy includes:
Navy blue leather binding
Gold gilt cover borders and corner decoration
Personalized gilt name on front cover: John D. Bealer, M.D.
Raised spine bands
Gold gilt spine lettering and ornamentation
Gilt page edges
Marbled endpapers
Built-in silk bookmark
Approximately 19 handwritten inscriptions from A.A. associates and board/service connections
The craftsmanship gives the book a formal presentation quality rarely seen in A.A. literature.
Edition Details
Title: Alcoholics Anonymous
Edition: Third Edition
Printing: Sixth Printing
Year: 1979
Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Place: New York City
Format: Hardcover
Binding: Special navy blue leather presentation binding
Personalized To: John D. Bealer, M.D.
Special Features: Gilt decoration, marbled endpapers, gilt page edges, silk bookmark, multiple handwritten inscriptions
Condition
This book is in very good condition overall.
The navy blue leather binding presents beautifully, with bright gilt decoration and strong shelf appeal. There is light handling wear to the binding, including minor rubbing at corners and edges. A small area of wear is visible near the top of the spine/front joint area, as shown in the photos.
The marbled endpapers are attractive and well-preserved. The gilt page edges remain bright with some normal age and handling wear.
There are numerous handwritten inscriptions on the front endpapers and preliminary pages, as expected for this presentation copy. The main text is clean and well-preserved.
Please view all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector’s Note
Special-bound presentation copies of the Big Book are among the most unusual and desirable forms of A.A. literature. Unlike standard trade editions, these copies were not produced for general sale and appear to have been made in very small numbers for meaningful friends of A.A., trustees, General Service Board members, and honored service figures.
This copy is especially compelling because it continues a presentation tradition associated with Bill W. himself — the gifting of finely bound Big Books to important friends of A.A. The similar navy leather binding, marbled endpapers, gilt decoration, gilt page edges, and formal presentation quality place this copy within that rare and highly collectible category of special A.A. presentation books.
Personalized to John D. Bealer, M.D., a non-alcoholic trustee, corporate director of A.A. World Services, Inc., and respected medical figure, this is a highly distinctive and display-worthy item. The numerous handwritten inscriptions add a powerful association element, preserving the gratitude of those who served alongside him.
For collectors of Alcoholics Anonymous history, General Service Board material, A.A. World Services history, non-alcoholic trustees, signed association copies, and special presentation Big Books, this is a remarkable piece.
