July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014
First edition, first printing of ''Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism'', Works Publishing: New York: 1939. This is one of just approximately 1,900 surviving from the scant 4,860 printed in April of 1939. All first printing points are present: Half-title page is followed by the title page and pages v-viii, with another half-title page before the text begins; complete text is followed by three blank leaves. Seminal book by ''Bill W.'' kindled AA as an organization, outlining the famous 12 steps to sobriety and helping the nascent group reach membership in the millions globally. Runs 400pp. and measures 6.25'' x 9.25''. Bound in crimson cloth boards with gilt lettering. Exterior shows rubbing to gilt lettering, light soiling to boards and rippling to bottom of front board. Interior shows separation to fly-leaf, toning and pencil notations to leaves, prior owner's name to front pastedown and clipped front free endpaper beside ''Property of'' notation, a common practice done to honor anonymity of deceased owners of the book. In very good condition overall. With a reproduction dustjacket and a fine red cloth clam-shell slipcase with gilt lettering. One of the most important non-fiction works of the 20th century.
''Alcoholics Anonymous'' First Edition, First Printing of the Revolutionary ''Big Book'' From Which the Substance Treatment Program Derives Its Name -- One of Only About 1,900 in Existence
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