Narcotics Anonymous — “Baby Blue” Basic Text
Narcotics Anonymous — “Baby Blue” Basic Text
Third Edition, Revised
With Original 4th & 9th Traditions
Fellowship Approved · Free Basic Text · Donation Suggested
Circa 1990–1991
Description
Offered here is a scarce copy of the well-known “Baby Blue” Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, a controversial and highly collectible piece of N.A. literature history.
This edition reproduces the Third Edition, Revised of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, including the original 4th and 9th Traditions. It was commonly referred to as the “Baby Blue” because of its light blue cover. The cover reads:
Narcotics Anonymous
Third Edition, Revised
with original 4th & 9th Traditions
Free Basic Text
Donation Suggested
The “Baby Blue” occupies a unique place in N.A. history. The Third Edition, Revised remained the approved Basic Text until the late 1980s, when the professionally edited Fourth Edition was introduced. Many members and Areas objected to the Fourth Edition, believing it represented significant changes to the Basic Text and that it had not gone through the same Fellowship group conscience approval process as earlier literature.
In response, supporters of the Third Edition, Revised began distributing this “Baby Blue” version around 1990–1991. It is associated with the Fellowship Literature Committee, or F.L.C., a group of members who supported continued use of the group conscience process in N.A. literature. Reports suggest approximately 9,000 copies were produced.
The “Baby Blue” was later the subject of legal action by N.A. World Service Office. As part of the settlement, remaining copies and production materials were reportedly ordered destroyed, making surviving examples difficult to locate today.
Historical Significance
The “Baby Blue” is more than a reprint of the Basic Text. It represents one of the most significant literature controversies in Narcotics Anonymous history.
For many members, the Third Edition, Revised represented the last fully informed Fellowship group conscience version of the Basic Text before later editions and editorial changes. The “Baby Blue” became a symbol of the debate over literature approval, group conscience, Fellowship autonomy, and the relationship between N.A. members, Areas, World Service, and outside publishing concerns.
Because of its short period of distribution, legal controversy, and reported destruction of remaining copies, the “Baby Blue” has become one of the most interesting and desirable non-standard Basic Text editions for N.A. collectors.
Contents & Features
This edition includes the familiar structure of the Third Edition, Revised Basic Text, including:
“Our Symbol”
Foreword
Introduction
“Who Is An Addict?”
“What Is the N.A. Program?”
“Why Are We Here?”
“How It Works”
“What Can I Do?”
“The Twelve Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous”
“Recovery and Relapse”
“We Do Recover”
“Just For Today Living the Program”
“More Will Be Revealed”
The cover specifically notes that it includes the original 4th and 9th Traditions, one of the central points of controversy surrounding later editions.
Edition Details
Title: Narcotics Anonymous
Common Name: “Baby Blue” Basic Text
Edition: Third Edition, Revised
Cover Note: “with original 4th & 9th Traditions”
Format: Softcover
Cover Color: Light blue
Marked: Fellowship Approved
Price Statement: Free Basic Text / Donation Suggested
Estimated Distribution Period: Circa 1990–1991
Condition
This booklet is in very good condition overall.
The light blue cover presents nicely with light age and handling wear. Interior pages are clean and well-preserved. The binding remains intact, and the booklet displays very well.
Please view all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.
Collector’s Note
The “Baby Blue” Basic Text is a rare and historically important piece of Narcotics Anonymous literature. It reflects a major moment of tension in the Fellowship over literature, group conscience, editorial changes, and the future direction of N.A.’s written message.
Surviving copies are not commonly encountered, especially in this condition. For collectors of Narcotics Anonymous history, Basic Text variants, Fellowship literature controversies, and Twelve Step publishing history, this is a standout item.
A rare opportunity to obtain one of the most controversial and fascinating editions connected to the N.A. Basic Text.
