Reader’s Digest - My Return From the Half-World of Alcoholism from January 1946

Reader’s Digest – January 1946

Featuring: “My Return from the Half-World of Alcoholism” by Dick Barmity

Publisher: The Reader’s Digest Association, Pleasantville, New York

Article on Pages: 31–34

This January 1946 issue of Reader’s Digest features the historic article “My Return from the Half-World of Alcoholism” by Dick Barmity, an early member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Originally published in the December 1945 issue of The AA Grapevine, this article was one of the earliest mainstream accounts of recovery from alcoholism through the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In vivid and personal detail, Barmity recounts his battle with drinking and his remarkable path to sobriety—guided by daily correspondence through the mail with AA Headquarters in New York City.

At a time when Alcoholics Anonymous was still relatively unknown to the general public, this story helped carry the message of hope to countless readers who were struggling with alcoholism or had loved ones who were. The article stands as an important cultural document from the era when the principles of AA were first reaching a national audience.

Condition

This vintage issue is in good condition for its age. Cover shows light edge wear and mild wear along the spine. Binding remains solid and all pages are intact with no tears or missing leaves. Light, expected age toning to the paper. Please review all photos for an accurate view of the condition.

Historical Note

Articles like “My Return from the Half-World of Alcoholism” played a key role in expanding awareness of Alcoholics Anonymous during the 1940s, helping to establish its reputation as a new and effective approach to recovery. This particular piece stands as one of the earliest personal testimonies of AA published for a mass audience.