Narcotics Anonymous — Fourth Edition, First Softcover Printing | 1988
Offered here is an early Fourth Edition Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, identified as the first softcover printing of the Fourth Edition, issued in 1988 by the Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office.
The Fourth Edition represents a short and important period in the publication history of the NA Basic Text. Introduced in late 1987, it remained in circulation only briefly before being replaced by the Fifth Edition in 1988, making early Fourth Edition copies particularly interesting to collectors of Narcotics Anonymous literature.
This softcover copy is identified as a first printing by the complete printing sequence on the copyright page:
The accompanying year line ends in 88, identifying this softcover printing as dating to 1988.
Fourth Edition Identification
The copyright page states:
© 1982, 1984, 1987 by World Service Office, Inc.
and:
Published 1983. Third Edition 1984. Fourth Edition 1987.
Additional identifying features include the blue glossy wrappers, World Service Office imprint from Van Nuys, California, and ISBN 1-55776-025-X.
The Fourth Edition also includes the early “Our Symbol” section explaining the meaning of the Narcotics Anonymous symbol and its relationship to Self, Society, Service, God, Goodwill, and Freedom.
Book Details
Title: Narcotics Anonymous
Edition: Fourth Edition
Printing: First Softcover Printing
Year: 1988
Publisher: World Service Office, Inc.
Location: Van Nuys, California
Binding: Softcover
ISBN: 1-55776-025-X
Language: English
Condition
This copy remains in good collectible condition.
The blue glossy wrappers show rubbing, surface wear, light scratches, and edge and corner wear consistent with use. There is some minor creasing and handling wear to the covers.
The interior remains complete and generally clean, with light age toning and occasional handling wear. Binding remains intact.
Please review all photographs carefully for the most complete representation of condition.
Collector Significance
Early editions and printings of the Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text document the rapid development of NA literature during the 1980s. The Fourth Edition had a particularly brief publication life, making identifiable early printings an appealing part of a serious Narcotics Anonymous literature collection.
This copy is especially desirable as the first softcover printing of the Fourth Edition, retaining the complete 1–10 printing line and original 1988 softcover format.
