Liberty Magazine — September 30, 1939 “Alcoholics and God” by Morris Markey

Published just months after the first printing of Alcoholics Anonymous, this September 30, 1939 issue of Liberty magazine contains Morris Markey’s important two-page article, “Alcoholics and God.”

Widely recognized as the first article about Alcoholics Anonymous to appear in a nationally circulated magazine, Markey’s piece introduced readers to the still-new fellowship and its unusual approach to alcoholism. The article describes a program built around one alcoholic helping another, spiritual dependence, personal responsibility, and continued work with those still suffering.

Appearing during A.A.’s earliest period, when the fellowship was small and largely unknown outside a handful of communities, the article offers a rare contemporary view of Alcoholics Anonymous before its major national exposure through Jack Alexander’s 1941 Saturday Evening Post article.

The two-page feature is complete and includes the original illustrated artwork. The magazine also retains its colorful September 30, 1939 cover, which advertises “Alcoholics and God by Morris Markey.”

Publication Details

Magazine: Liberty
Date: September 30, 1939
Article: “Alcoholics and God”
Author: Morris Markey
Length: Two pages
Format: Original complete magazine issue

Condition

This magazine is in fair condition and shows substantial age and handling wear.

The covers and interior pages have edge wear, small tears, chipping, and age toning. The front cover and several pages near the beginning are detached from the spine, and the back cover is also detached. The article itself is present and complete.

Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition.