The Road Back: A Report on Alcoholics Anonymous by Joseph Kessel - With Original Promotional Letter

The Road Back: A Report on Alcoholics Anonymous
by Joseph Kessel
First American Edition · 1962 · Alfred A. Knopf

Description

Offered here is a First American Edition of The Road Back: A Report on Alcoholics Anonymous by acclaimed French novelist and journalist Joseph Kessel, published in 1962 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. This work was originally published in France in 1960 (Avec les Alcooliques Anonymes) and translated into English by Frances Partridge.

Kessel’s The Road Back is one of the most important early outside journalistic examinations of Alcoholics Anonymous. Writing as an observer rather than a member, Kessel provides a deeply human, unsensational account of alcoholism and recovery, documenting A.A. meetings, institutional groups, and personal conversations with alcoholics across social classes. Notably, he met and spoke with Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and observed the Fellowship at a time when it was still relatively young but rapidly expanding worldwide.

Rather than offering theory or medical speculation, Kessel focuses on lived experience—what alcoholism looks like from the inside and how Alcoholics Anonymous offered a practical, peer-based path toward recovery when traditional methods had failed. The result is a clear, empathetic, and historically valuable portrait of A.A. in action during its formative decades.

Unique Feature

This copy includes an original promotional letter laid into the book, issued by Associated Stationers Supply Company, Inc., referencing the publication of The Road Back. Such ephemera adds contextual and collectible interest, offering insight into the book’s original distribution and reception.

Edition Details

• First American Edition

• Published 1962

• Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York

• Borzoi Books imprint

• Translated from the French by Frances Partridge

Condition

• Book: Very good condition. Minimal wear to the covers. Binding tight and square. Pages clean and bright with no writing, highlighting, or markings.

• Dust Jacket: Original dust jacket present, showing minor edge wear consistent with age; complete and intact.

• Letter: Original folded letter present; age toning consistent with vintage paper.

Please review all photos carefully to assess condition.

Collector Significance

• Early non-A.A. journalistic account of Alcoholics Anonymous

• Includes direct observation of meetings and interaction with Bill W.

• First American Edition

• Original dust jacket present

• Includes original contemporary promotional letter

An excellent addition to any Alcoholics Anonymous history collection, recovery-focused library, or assemblage of significant 20th-century social reportage.