How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder by Mitchell K. - 1999
How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder and the Early Days of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio
by Mitchell K.
First Published 1999 · AA Big Book Study Group · Paperback
Offered here is a paperback edition of How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder and the Early Days of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio by Mitchell K., first published in 1999 by the AA Big Book Study Group.
This important historical work tells the story of Clarence H. Snyder — founder of the third A.A. group in the world and one of the most influential figures in early Alcoholics Anonymous outside of Akron and New York. Sponsored by Dr. Bob S., A.A.’s co-founder, Clarence carried the message back to Cleveland, where A.A. experienced explosive early growth.
Clarence initiated and formalized many practices that remain foundational in A.A. today. He wrote one of the earliest pamphlets on sponsorship, developed structured “beginners classes,” and published the Cleveland Central Bulletin, which predates the founding of The A.A. Grapevine. His emphasis on personal sponsorship and disciplined study of the Big Book helped establish Cleveland as one of the Fellowship’s strongest early centers.
At Clarence’s request, his sponsee Mitchell K. wrote this factual history so that “the ordinary man” could read and understand how A.A. took root in Cleveland. The result is both biography and grassroots Fellowship history — direct, detailed, and rooted in firsthand accounts and archival material.
Edition Details
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Title: How It Worked
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Author: Mitchell K.
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Publisher: AA Big Book Study Group
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First Published: 1999
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Format: Paperback
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ISBN: 0-9663282-0-5
Condition
Paperback in excellent condition.
Light wear to the covers.
Moderate page toning consistent with age.
No writing, underlining, or markings inside the book.
Please review all photos carefully for condition details.
Collector Significance
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Comprehensive biography of Clarence H. Snyder
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Detailed history of early A.A. in Cleveland
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Documents early sponsorship structure and beginners classes
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Covers the origins of the Cleveland Central Bulletin
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Essential for collectors of early A.A. growth history
A highly regarded historical account for students of Alcoholics Anonymous history and the development of sponsorship and structured Big Book study in the Fellowship’s formative years.
