August 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2019
Bill Wilson signed first edition, first printing of ''Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered From Alcoholism''. New York: Works Publishing Company, 1939. First printings are rare in their own right, with only about 1,900 extant copies, and ones signed by the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous are extraordinary scarce. Wilson signs this copy on the front pastedown to his friends Dr. and Mrs. Forrist V. Haley, in full: ''My Dear Friends / Dr & Myrle Haley / Whose devotion has meant so much to so many - / As Ever / Bill Wilson / 11/21/43''. 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. 400pp. tome measures 6'' x 9.25''. Bound in deep red cloth boards with gilt lettering, housed in a matching slipcase and reproduction dust jacket. Ink notation by Haley appears on front free endpaper, requesting that the book be returned to him. A slip typed with the Serenity Prayer is affixed to the front pastedown above Wilson's autograph. Another slip with typed Biblical verse is affixed to the top margin of p.71. Surface abrasion to ''& Myrle'' of inscription. Professional strengthening to boards, overall in very good condition. One of the most important books of the 20th century signed by its founder.
Bill Wilson Signed First Edition, First Printing of Alcoholics Anonymous ''Big Book'' -- Scarce, With a Heartfelt Inscription by Wilson: ''...Whose devotion has meant so much to so many...''
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