Rare & Historic: First Printing, First Edition Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” (April 1939) — Signed by Bill & Lois Wilson
Rare & Historic: First Printing, First Edition Alcoholics Anonymous “Big Book” (April 1939) — Signed by Bill & Lois Wilson
A Treasured Piece of AA History—Signed by Its Cofounder
We are honored to offer an extraordinary piece of Alcoholics Anonymous history: a First Printing, First Edition Big Book from April 1939, personally inscribed and signed by AA cofounder Bill Wilson and his wife, Lois Wilson, in December 1942.
Bill’s heartfelt inscription reads:
“Dear Ginny + Tom, Our dear friends and thoughtful neighbors. Lois + Bill. Christmas ‘42”
The Powers Family & Their Relationship with Bill & Lois Wilson
The inscription is believed to be addressed to Tom and Ginny Powers, early and influential members of Alcoholics Anonymous who shared a close and collaborative relationship with Bill and Lois Wilson. Tom Powers became involved with AA in October 1941 and was known for his deep commitment to the spiritual and philosophical aspects of recovery. He played a significant role in assisting Bill Wilson during the writing of the “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,” contributing to the development of AA’s spiritual foundation.
The Powers were not just acquaintances; they were among the inner circle of AA pioneers who formed deep personal and working relationships with the Wilsons. The inscription referring to them as “dear friends and thoughtful neighbors” underscores the closeness and mutual support shared between the two couples during a pivotal time in AA’s history.
Key Features of This Exceptional Copy:
• First Printing, First Edition: Published in April 1939, one of only 4,650 copies ever printed—making it the rarest and most valuable of all Big Book printings.
• Hand-Signed & Inscribed by Bill & Lois Wilson: A deeply personal inscription to Tom & Ginny Powers, early AA pioneers and close collaborators with the Wilsons.
• Original Pages Intact: All original pages are preserved, including the crucial first blank page bearing Bill and Lois’s signatures.
• Fresh Red Cloth Cover: At some point in time, new red cloth was placed on the book, giving it a clean and striking appearance while preserving its internal historical integrity.
• Reproduction Dust Jacket: A high-quality replica of the iconic “circus” dust jacket (red, yellow, black, and white) accompanies the book for display purposes.
• Protective Clamshell Case: Comes housed in an elegant red clamshell box for maximum preservation and protection.
Why This First Printing Is So Special
The April 1939 First Printing is unlike any subsequent edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill Wilson and Hank Parkhurst—who spearheaded the book’s creation—originally priced it at $3.50, equivalent to roughly $50 today. Given the financial struggles of early AA members, the printer, Cornwall Press, produced the cheapest, thickest paper available with oversized margins, giving the book its famous nickname: “The Big Book.”
Even with these cost-saving measures, the printer cut the order short due to fears of non-payment, resulting in only 4,650 copies being printed—far fewer than later editions. The First Printing is noticeably larger and thicker than later editions and includes unique errors and formatting quirks, such as the infamous page 234 misprint, where a line was accidentally printed twice.
A Window into Early AA—Rare First Edition Stories
This First Printing contains stories from the very first AA members, some of whom worked closely with Bill Wilson. Several of these stories—such as “Lone Endeavor”—were later removed from the Big Book, making their presence in this edition especially significant.
Notable first-edition stories include:
• Doctor Bob’s Nightmare – The story of AA’s cofounder, Dr. Bob Smith
• The Unbeliever – By Hank Parkhurst, who co-wrote Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age
• Home Brewmeister – By Clarence Snyder, founder of AA in Cleveland
• Lone Endeavor – A powerful story appearing only in the First Printing
Condition & Authenticity
• Very Good Condition: This First Printing retains its original content with all pages intact.
• Bright, Clean Lettering: The gilt lettering on the spine and cover is crisp and intact.
• Signed & Inscribed by Bill & Lois Wilson: Authentic signature from one of the most important figures in recovery history.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Collectible
This is not just a book—it is a museum-worthy artifact from the very foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous. Signed First Printings of the Big Book rarely appear for sale, and those that do command top-tier collector pricing. Given its historical importance, rarity, and personal connection to Bill & Lois Wilson, this copy is an absolute treasure for collectors, institutions, or anyone passionate about AA history.
Offered at: $50,000
Serious inquiries only. Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of the most significant books in addiction recovery history.
For additional details or to inquire about purchasing, please contact us at info@RecoveryCollectibles.com.
