Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book: The Original 1939 Edition

Book Synopsis: “It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning.” —Bill W.

A lifeline to millions worldwide, many have benefited from “The Big Book” and its simple but profound explanation of the doctrines behind Alcoholics Anonymous. A chance meeting in 1935 between two alcoholics—Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Bob Smith, a surgeon based in Akron, Ohio—led to the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous. The pair developed the 12-step program and began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one day at a time. In 1939, they published “The Big Book,” one of the bestselling books of all time and a lifeline to millions worldwide. “The Big Book” has gone through numerous editions and remains the most widely used resource for recovering alcoholics. Only this original 1939 edition includes all 29 stories of the program’s pioneers, which share the details of their full journey to sobriety, including initial recovery, sometimes followed by relapse, and eventual success. This edition also features the key to the solution claimed by Bill Wilson: a vital spiritual experience that allows followers to rediscover, or discover, God.

 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WAS FOUNDED IN 1935 – Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith organized A.A. and developed a program to help achieve sobriety.

“THE BIG BOOK” HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BESTSELLING BOOKS OF ALL TIME – Publishing their stories was a way to share their experiences with alcohol addiction with the world.

OUTLINES THE FAMOUS 12 STEPS – The original 1939 edition of “The Big Book” outlines the famous 12 steps and offers counsel for those who wish to join the program but doubt the existence of a higher power.

ONLY THIS ORIGINAL EDITION INCLUDES ALL 29 STORIES – The program’s pioneers share the details of their full journey to sobriety, including initial recovery, sometimes followed by relapse and eventual success.

THIS EDITION ALSO FEATURES THE KEY TO THE SOLUTION CLAIMED BY BILL WILSON: A vital spiritual experience that allows followers to rediscover, or discover, God.

A REALISTIC PORTRAYAL OF THE PROGRAM – This realistic depiction of the program as presented by its founders has been omitted from subsequent editions of the work; it is restored here as originally offered, as a reminder that success can take many forms.

A LIFELINE TO MILLIONS WORLDWIDE – With its down-to-earth tone, this classic offers wisdom, guidance, and inspiration that still remains relevant today.