The Disease Concept of Alcoholism by E.M. Jellinek
The Disease Concept of Alcoholism
by E. M. Jellinek
First Printing · 1960 · Hardcover with Original Dust Jacket
Description
Offered here is a First Printing (1960) of The Disease Concept of Alcoholism by E. M. Jellinek, complete with its original dust jacket.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential works ever published on alcoholism, this landmark volume helped solidify the scientific and medical understanding of alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing. Jellinek’s research reshaped public health policy, treatment philosophy, and academic study of alcohol dependence for decades to follow.
As Professor Jellinek once remarked:
“An honest publisher would warn on the jacket of this book that temperance societies and the alcoholic-beverage industry should not read it. It will not make them happy.”
Historical Importance
The work originated in 1957 when the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation sponsored a global study of attitudes toward alcoholism as a disease. Few scholars were better suited to undertake such a project than Dr. E. M. Jellinek — widely recognized as the dean of alcohol research.
In this definitive study, Jellinek:
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Traces the historical evolution of the disease concept
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Analyzes competing scientific approaches to alcoholism
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Examines international public and professional attitudes
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Introduces his influential classification of “the alcoholisms”
His typology and research methodology laid the groundwork for modern addiction medicine and significantly influenced treatment models adopted by medical institutions and recovery movements worldwide.
For collectors of recovery literature, public health history, or Alcoholics Anonymous–related scholarship, this volume stands as a cornerstone text.
About E. M. Jellinek
Dr. Elvin Morton Jellinek was a pioneering researcher and one of the most important figures in the scientific study of alcoholism. He:
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Founded the Center of Alcohol Studies and Summer School of Alcohol Studies (Yale → Rutgers)
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Established the Classified Abstract Archive of the Alcohol Literature
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Co-founded the National Council on Alcoholism
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Served as World Health Organization Consultant on Alcoholism
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Contributed extensively to the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol
His work shaped both academic research and public policy, bridging medicine, psychology, and emerging recovery movements.
Edition Details
Title: The Disease Concept of Alcoholism
Author: E. M. Jellinek
Publisher: Hillhouse Press, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Publication Year: 1960
Edition: First Printing
Format: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present
Condition
Very Good condition.
Book and dust jacket show edge wear and minor fading/stains. Binding solid. Pages clean and intact.
Please review all photos carefully for detailed condition.
A foundational scientific work that transformed the understanding of alcoholism in the 20th century — essential for collectors of recovery history, addiction studies, and medical scholarship.
