Signed by Bill and Lois Wilson – Alcoholics Anonymous First Edition, Eleventh Printing (1947) with Original Dust Jacket

This is an exceptional and highly significant early Big Book—a First Edition, Eleventh Printing (1947)—personally signed by AA Co-Founder Bill Wilson and his wife, Lois Wilson, the co-founder of Al-Anon. Together-signed copies, where both Bill and Lois sign using their last names, are extraordinarily scarce and among the most prized artifacts in all of recovery history.

Historic Signatures

On the front inside cover appears Bill’s handwritten inscription:

“As Always, Bill Wilson”
“Lois Wilson” (signed directly beneath Bill)

Having both signatures on the same page—written plainly as Bill Wilson and Lois Wilson—makes this volume uniquely desirable.

Edition & Printing

Edition: First Edition

Printing: Eleventh Printing

Publication Date: June 1947

Publisher: Works Publishing, Inc., New York

Printer: Cornwall Press, Inc., Cornwall, N.Y.

The Eleventh Printing represents the last printing before AA incorporated as Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc. in 1948. These late-1940s Big Books were produced in relatively small numbers compared to the post-1950 era. Few survive today—fewer still in signed form.

Condition

Book

Cover: Overall Fair. Navy blue cloth shows wear, rubbing, fading, and corner fraying.

Binding: Both front and rear hinges are split with webbing visible, though the text block remains attached.

Pages: Naturally toned with age; scattered minor stains; otherwise clean. A previous owner wrote their name, address, and date above the Bill & Lois inscription. No additional writing beyond the signatures and prior owner’s note.

Dust Jacket

Original 1947 jacket present.

Condition: Poor, with tears, losses, chips, and visible tape repairs. Despite flaws, a surviving jacket from this era adds significant rarity and collectible value.

Collector’s Significance

Signed by both Bill W. and Lois W. — exceptionally rare in any edition.

First Edition, Eleventh Printing — an important transitional printing as AA was entering its postwar expansion period.

Represents a deeply meaningful artifact connecting the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.

Signed First Edition Big Books consistently rank among the most valuable and historically meaningful pieces in the recovery-collectibles world. A 1947 copy—signed by both Bill and Lois —is a genuine cornerstone item for collectors, archives, or historic institutions.