{"product_id":"signed-samuel-shoemaker-theyre-on-the-way-first-edition-1951","title":"They’re on the Way — Samuel M. Shoemaker | Signed","description":"\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFirst Edition, 1951 | Signed and Dated by Samuel Shoemaker | Original Dust Jacket\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn Important Figure in the Spiritual Foundations of Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eOffered here is a \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e1951 First Edition of \u003cb\u003eThey’re on the Way: Modern Spiritual Experiences\u003c\/b\u003e by Samuel M. Shoemaker\u003c\/span\u003e, complete with its original dust jacket and personally signed and dated by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eShoemaker’s inscription appears on the front endpaper and reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e“S.M.S. 11\/11\/52”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eDated November 11, 1952, the inscription was written approximately one year after the book’s publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSamuel Shoemaker was an Episcopal minister, a leading American figure in the Oxford Group, and one of the most influential spiritual figures in the early development of Alcoholics Anonymous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003ePublished in 1951, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThey’re on the Way\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e brings together personal accounts of spiritual transformation drawn from Shoemaker’s years of ministry and counseling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThrough the experiences of individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and circumstances, Shoemaker explores the challenges of finding faith, purpose, and spiritual direction in everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe book includes accounts of students, ministers, widows, intellectuals, and others confronting personal difficulties and searching for meaningful change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eShoemaker presents these experiences as examples of how spiritual principles can influence personal conduct, relationships, and the direction of one’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAlthough not specifically written about Alcoholics Anonymous, the book reflects the spiritual philosophy and practical approach to personal transformation that made Shoemaker an important influence on the early Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSamuel Shoemaker and Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSamuel M. Shoemaker (1893–1963) served as rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City, where his ministry became closely associated with the Oxford Group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eDuring the formative years of Alcoholics Anonymous, Shoemaker’s teachings helped shape the spiritual principles that Bill Wilson and other early members incorporated into the emerging recovery program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eHis emphasis on personal honesty, self-examination, confession, surrender, and service closely paralleled concepts that would become central to A.A.’s Twelve Steps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eBill Wilson publicly acknowledged Shoemaker’s importance to the Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to the spiritual foundations of Alcoholics Anonymous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eWhile Shoemaker was not an A.A. member or one of its founders, his influence on its early development was substantial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eHis books remain important historical resources for understanding the spiritual movements and individuals who helped shape Alcoholics Anonymous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBook Details\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThey’re on the Way: Modern Spiritual Experiences\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Samuel M. Shoemaker\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eEdition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e First Edition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication Year:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 1951\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Hardcover\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDust Jacket:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Original Dust Jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSigned:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Yes — Signed and dated by Samuel M. Shoemaker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInscription:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e “S.M.S. 11\/11\/52”\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInscription Date:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e November 11, 1952\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSubject:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Christian Spirituality, Oxford Group, Early Influences on Alcoholics Anonymous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe hardcover book is in excellent overall condition, with little visible wear to the binding and covers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe original dust jacket exhibits age-related wear, including edgewear, chipping, and minor losses. A small green sticker is present on the front of the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eShoemaker’s dated inscription appears on the front endpaper. No additional writing or markings have been noted in the interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003ePlease review the accompanying photographs for a detailed assessment of the book, signature, and original dust jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCollector Significance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThis copy combines three desirable features: \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ea First Edition, the original dust jacket, and a dated signature from Samuel Shoemaker.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eFor collectors of Alcoholics Anonymous history, Shoemaker’s signed publications offer a direct connection to one of the individuals whose teachings helped shape the Fellowship’s early spiritual principles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe November 1952 inscription adds a personal historical element, dating this copy to Shoemaker’s lifetime and shortly after the book’s original publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAn appealing addition to a collection focused on the Oxford Group, early A.A. influences, Samuel Shoemaker, or the broader spiritual history of recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Recovery Collectibles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45996285788402,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0328\/4625\/0120\/files\/F011F01E-D7B8-4BDD-A9C2-5513EA1FCF84.jpg?v=1715401596","url":"https:\/\/recoverycollectibles.com\/products\/signed-samuel-shoemaker-theyre-on-the-way-first-edition-1951","provider":"Recovery Collectibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}