It Works: How and Why — Narcotics Anonymous — First Printing 1993 — ODJ
Offered here is an early First Printing of It Works: How and Why: The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous, published by the World Service Office, Inc. in 1993.
It Works: How and Why became one of the principal books of Narcotics Anonymous literature, presenting a chapter devoted to each of the Twelve Steps and each of the Twelve Traditions. The work was developed to explore the spiritual principles underlying the NA program and their practical application to recovery and the Fellowship. The 1993 hardcover contains 221 pages.
This copy is particularly desirable as an early First Printing, retaining textual characteristics associated with the initial production of the book.
First Printing Identification
The copyright page carries the early printing code:
5/93
This copy also contains two notable points found in the initial text:
The title page reads:
“The Twelve Steps and The Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous”
Additionally, the opening page of Book Two: The Twelve Traditions contains the early typographical error:
“The traditions portion if It Works: How and Why serves as a resource for NA groups…”
The word “if” appears where later text reads “of.”
These details provide useful identification points when distinguishing an early copy from the numerous later printings of It Works: How and Why.
Book Details
Title: It Works: How and Why
Subtitle: The Twelve Steps and The Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous
Publisher: World Service Office, Inc.
Publication Year: 1993
Printing: First Printing
Printing Code: 5/93
ISBN: 1-55776-181-7
Binding: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Original Dust Jacket
Pages: 221
Organization: Narcotics Anonymous
The copyright page also notes that the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions were reproduced for adaptation with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
Condition
The book itself remains attractive, with dark green boards and bright gilt lettering and NA emblem to the front cover. The binding remains intact. There is scattered foxing and spotting to the endpapers and page edges, along with a small ink mark on the front free endpaper and general signs of age and use.
The original dust jacket is present, which is an important feature of this copy. The jacket shows substantial wear from use, including rubbing, scratching, edge and corner wear, surface loss, creasing, and several long creases across the upper front panel. Despite the wear, the jacket remains complete and retains its original green-and-gold design.
Please review the photographs carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector Significance
While later printings of It Works: How and Why remain readily available, early copies document the original publication of what became an important piece of Narcotics Anonymous literature. Modern editions continue to be published by Narcotics Anonymous World Services.
This copy is particularly appealing for an N.A. history or recovery-literature collection because it combines the May 1993 printing code, identifiable early textual points, hardcover binding, and its original dust jacket.
