Look Magazine — March 4, 1958 | “A Priest’s Own Story” by Father Ralph Pfau and Al Hirshberg

Look Magazine — March 4, 1958 | “A Priest’s Own Story” by Father Ralph Pfau and Al Hirshberg

Publisher: Look Magazine | Cowles Magazines, Inc.
Date: March 4, 1958
Format: Softcover Magazine, 11" × 14"
Condition: Good — complete with no torn, missing, or loose pages. Light general wear consistent with age.

"A Priest Confesses" advertised on the front cover

Feature Article: “A Priest’s Own Story” by Father Ralph Pfau and Al Hirshberg

This issue of Look Magazine features the remarkable story of Father Ralph Pfau, a man whose honesty, humility, and humor helped countless alcoholics find a spiritual path to recovery.

“This is an honest story, told by a man of religion who believes that, by exposing his own problems and suffering, he can bring hope and help to others.”

Father Pfau’s essay, written with journalist Al Hirshberg, was among the first national magazine features to spotlight the growing influence of Alcoholics Anonymous through the personal experience of a member who also happened to be a Roman Catholic priest.

At a time when alcoholism was still cloaked in stigma and misunderstanding, Pfau’s willingness to speak openly—under his own name—was an act of immense courage and compassion.

About Father Ralph Pfau (1904–1967)

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ralph Pfau was ordained a priest in 1928. Behind his outward success as a clergyman, however, he struggled privately with alcoholism—a condition then rarely discussed in religious or medical circles.

In 1943, Pfau encountered Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found not only sobriety but a new understanding of spiritual life. He is believed to have been the first Roman Catholic priest to join A.A., and he quickly recognized that the Twelve Steps offered a universal path toward spiritual renewal, transcending denomination and dogma.

Pfau began writing under the pseudonym “Father John Doe,” publishing his beloved Golden Book series, Sobriety and Beyond, Sobriety Without End, and The Prodigal Shepherd. His writing blended psychology, spirituality, and A.A. wisdom, and his books became staples at meetings and retreats across the country.

Significance

This 1958 Look Magazine issue holds historical importance for collectors of A.A. and recovery literature, as it represents one of the earliest national media portrayals of Alcoholics Anonymous through the voice of a priest-member.

Condition Notes

• Good overall condition

• Complete and intact

• No missing, loose, or torn pages

• Light wear and toning consistent with age

Please review all photos for a detailed view of the condition.

A scarce and desirable issue — highlighting the intersection of faith, recovery, and early A.A. history through the courageous testimony of Father Ralph Pfau.