September Remember by Eliot Taintor - 1945 - ODJ

September Remember – A Forgotten Landmark in Early AA Literature

In the rich tapestry of recovery literature, few titles capture the spirit, courage, and cultural awakening of early Alcoholics Anonymous as powerfully as Eliot Taintor’s 1945 novel, September Remember. This rare first printing—especially in its original dust jacket—is more than just a collectible. It is a living snapshot of a time when AA’s message of hope and redemption was only beginning to find its way into mainstream consciousness. For collectors and students of recovery history, owning this book is like holding a piece of AA’s emerging voice.

A Historical Breakthrough

Published in 1945 by Prentice-Hall, September Remember stands among the earliest known novels to feature Alcoholics Anonymous as a central theme. Written under the pseudonym Eliot Taintor—a pen name for co-authors Ruth Fitch and Gregory Mason—the book was introduced to readers during an era when alcoholism was still a taboo subject, and AA itself was less than a decade old.

What makes September Remember remarkable is its timing. America was just emerging from the trauma of World War II, and conversations around recovery, mental health, and spiritual renewal were still nascent. Into this cultural climate came a story that dared to portray alcoholism not as a moral failure, but as a human struggle capable of transformation. In doing so, it helped bridge the gap between private recovery and public understanding.

The Grapevine Connection

In April 1945, AA’s Grapevine magazine published excerpts from September Remember —not as an official endorsement, but as a serialized preview for its readership. The magazine announced: “September Remember, by Eliot Taintor (a writing team, one of whom is an A.A.), will be published April 16th by Prentice-Hall.” This was a significant moment in AA history—the first time a mainstream publisher’s fiction about alcoholism and recovery was introduced directly to the Fellowship.

It’s important to note that The Grapevine did not endorse or promote the novel as official AA literature. However, its inclusion in the magazine and the acknowledgment that one of its authors was an AA member lend the book a deep historical authenticity. The serialization served as an informal bridge between AA’s growing community and the world of contemporary fiction.

A Story of Darkness, Awakening, and Redemption

The novel opens with a visceral depiction of a blackout—the chaos, humor, and fear familiar to anyone who has faced the depths of addiction. Its protagonist, Avery Rickham, is an explorer and drinker who finds himself in a police station after a devastating bender. Through his recovery journey and introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous, the novel takes readers from despair to rebirth, illustrating how connection, fellowship, and spiritual awakening can transform a life.

While set in a time when social prejudices and outdated views were common, the novel’s underlying message is timeless: that hope can rise from the wreckage of defeat, and that redemption is available to anyone willing to reach for it. For modern readers, September Remember offers a rare and moving window into how the miracle of recovery was understood—and misunderstood—in its infancy.

A Collector’s Treasure

A first edition of September Remember with its original dust jacket is an extraordinary find. Most surviving copies have long lost their jackets, and the fragile wartime paper has made well-preserved examples exceedingly rare. In very good condition, with no missing pages and minimal fading, such copies are prized by collectors of AA and early recovery literature.

Beyond its rarity, this novel’s value lies in what it represents—a time capsule from the formative years of the recovery movement. It was among the earliest attempts to fictionalize the experience of alcoholism and the hope offered through AA. For collectors, owning this book is not merely about acquisition; it’s about stewardship—preserving a vital link to the story of how recovery entered the American imagination.

Ruth Fitch & Gregory Mason – The Writers Behind 'Eliot Taintor'

The pseudonym "Eliot Taintor" masked a remarkable literary partnership between husband-and-wife writers Ruth Fitch Mason and Gregory Mason. Together, they authored September Remember (1945), a groundbreaking novel that became one of the first fictional works to introduce Alcoholics Anonymous into mainstream American literature. Their collaboration reflects both creative synergy and a shared sensitivity to the spiritual and human challenges of addiction and recovery.

Ruth Fitch Mason (1890–1974)

Ruth Fitch Mason was an accomplished writer, literary agent, and Vassar College alumna (Class of 1912). She earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and built a respected career in the publishing world. After an early marriage to journalist Walter S. Bartlett and later to novelist Thomas Boyd, Ruth worked as a literary agent in the 1930s before marrying Gregory Mason in 1937.

Archival materials preserved at Vassar College confirm that Ruth collaborated with her husband on at least two novels: Danbury Curve and September Remember. These manuscripts, along with correspondence and literary notes, form the core of the Ruth Fitch Mason Papers (1908–1962) housed in the Vassar College Archives. She was deeply engaged in the craft of writing and in the intellectual world of early 20th-century American letters.

Gregory Mason

Gregory Mason was an anthropologist, journalist, and author who worked in both academic and literary circles. He taught at New York University and was known for his studies in anthropology and cross-cultural writing. His creative partnership with Ruth produced September Remember, written under the shared pseudonym 'Eliot Taintor.'

While less is known about Mason’s personal life than Ruth’s, records confirm his professional collaboration with her and his active participation in the research and writing of their novels. His interest in human experience and transformation is evident in the depth and realism of September Remember’s portrayal of alcoholism and recovery.

Connection to Alcoholics Anonymous

In April 1945, The AA Grapevine introduced September Remember to its readership, noting that it was written by “a writing team, one of whom is an A.A.” Although the magazine did not specify which author was the member, this connection adds an intriguing layer of authenticity to the novel’s portrayal of recovery and rebirth.

No definitive archival evidence identifies which of the two authors was the AA member. However, given Ruth Fitch Mason’s extensive literary background and her focus on human transformation in her work, it is possible she had close personal insight into the Fellowship’s principles. Regardless, their joint contribution to the recovery canon remains profound.

Legacy and Significance

Together, Ruth and Gregory Mason helped bridge the gap between private recovery experience and public understanding. Their novel September Remember stands as an early cultural document that captured the spirit of redemption and renewal central to Alcoholics Anonymous. Though much about their private lives remains a mystery, their collaboration left a literary footprint that continues to inspire collectors, historians, and readers alike.

 Condition

This book is in very good condition. There is some fading and small marks on the cover. The book is fully intact with no torn or missing pages. There is moderate page toning. There is handwriting on the first page of the book. There is no other writing or markings in the book. The dust jacket has some edge wear.

Please view all of the photos for the conditions.