The Book That Started It All Original Working Reprinted Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous

In January 1939, Bill Wilson and other AA founders distributed 400 copies of this typescript to everyone they could think of “who might be concerned with the problem of alcoholism,” to test out the program. As the loan copies were returned, suggestions for revision were considered and written out in colored pencil on one master copy that was eventually submitted for publication. The many changes made in black, green, and red on page after page are shown here in their original form, revealing the opinions, debates, and discussions that went into making the Big Book. This book weighs more than five pounds, is 11.25″ wide and 13.5″ tall, with a 22.5″ spance when open.