A.A. (Cover title of 1943 Alcoholics Anonymous booklet, published by the Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., New York)

Rare 1943 Alcoholics Anonymous booklet predating the A.A. Tradition…

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Although similar in appearance, this rare 1943 Alcoholics Anonymous item should not be confused with the more common 48-page booklet titled A.A. Tradition, issued in 1947. In fact, the text is entirely separate.

The present booklet consists of an introduction and the following sections: “Am I an Alcoholic?” and then three anonymous and anecdotal stories from four individuals: “The Doctor’s Nightmare”, “The European Drinker”, and “Women Suffer Too” and “Bill’s Story” (Bill Wilson). This is followed by “Medicine, Religion and Alcoholics Anonymous” and a page listing the “The Twelve Steps.” The text concludes with testimonials from professionals and religious leaders noting group’s effective approach (“Our Friends Say”) and a 2-page “Book Review” by Harry Emerson Fosdick of The Big Book (400 pages, list price $3.50).

This ephemeral rarity is held in America by 9 institutions, the most notable being Yale, Emory University, Boston College, the National Library of Medicine, and Duke University.

Price: $1,250.00