The Saturday Evening Post — March 1, 1941 | Jack Alexander’s A.A. Article & Framed Cover
Offered here is an original March 1, 1941 issue of The Saturday Evening Post, featuring Jack Alexander’s landmark article on Alcoholics Anonymous, with its original cover beautifully presented in the included black frame. Few magazine issues hold such a recognizable place in the story of A.A.’s growth. This example brings that history into a striking display for a recovery library, office or personal collection.
A Turning Point in A.A. History
Alexander’s 1941 report introduced the Fellowship’s work to the readership of a major American magazine. The assignment followed publisher Curtis Bok’s interest in A.A. Bill W. helped Alexander investigate the story by opening records, arranging interviews and introducing him to the people and places behind the young movement. The resulting article gave readers an outside journalist’s account of alcoholics helping one another recover.
The response was immediate. In a March 12, 1941 letter to Dr. Bob, A.A. secretary Ruth Hock reported 918 inquiries in twelve days as a direct result of the article. The Post also received requests from readers seeking contact with local groups. These contemporary responses show why the issue occupies such an important place in the Fellowship’s history: it carried the possibility of recovery to people who had not previously known where to turn.
Its influence endured. When Bill W. approached Alexander about another article in June 1949, he credited the Post’s earlier coverage with helping transform A.A. from a pioneering fellowship into a movement. Their renewed correspondence led to Alexander’s 1950 follow-up. The magazine offered here is the original March 1941 issue associated with that earlier breakthrough.
A Piece of A.A. History for Display
The framed cover gives this historic issue a prominent place beyond the bookshelf. Its original artwork, magazine title and March 1, 1941 date create an immediate visual connection to the moment Alexander’s reporting reached readers across the country. The accompanying magazine material includes surviving pages of the article and other content from the period.
For a collector, the appeal is both historical and visual: an original publication associated with a turning point in A.A. history, paired with a handsome framed presentation that allows its significance to be appreciated every day.
Publication Details
- Publication: The Saturday Evening Post
- Issue date: March 1, 1941
- Featured article: “Alcoholics Anonymous,” by Jack Alexander
- Included: The photographed magazine material and black frame displaying the original cover
Condition
The final page of the magazine, which contains the conclusion of Alexander’s article, is missing. The magazine shows age toning, staining, creasing and edge wear, with tears and small losses, including wear at the rear. The framed cover presents beautifully for display. Please see the photographs for this copy’s condition.
Explore the History
For more about Alexander’s reporting, his correspondence with Bill W., and the lasting impact of his 1941 and 1950 articles, read our Historical Reference Center feature: From Pioneering Fellowship to National Movement: Jack Alexander’s A.A. Articles.
