Pdf alcoholics anonymous book by alcoholics anonymous. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Wilson, one of the founders of alcoholics anonymous aa. Irma received the letter, never went back to an aa meeting, and died of alcoholism. The second edition, published in 1955, reached a total of more than 1,150,500 copies.
Since the first edition appeared, in 1939, it has helped millions of men and women recover from alcoholism. The main author of the big book, bill w, had a certain style of writing that shows up over and over again. The first edition appeared in april 1939, and in the following sixteen years, more than 300,000 copies went into circulation. There were 4 musts in the first and second editions of alcoholics anonymous. While the program is considered a suggested method for dealing with the disease of alcoholism, there are places within the big book where the authors used the word must.
This is the fifth article in the grapevines series by authors of the personal histories in the big book, alcoholics anonymous. Copyright alcoholics anonymous world services, inc. It is believed to be at least part of what inspired the third tradition. Their express purpose was to spread the lifesaving premises of alcoholics anonymous. At the time of the publication of the first edition, the big book was typically well. Sep 17, 2015 doctor, alcoholic, addict as he puts it, dr. The 164 and more book, ebook, and web site are all concordances which display passages from the big book alcoholics anonymous, the twelve steps and twelve traditions, and the a. Some people have recovered from alcoholism, though, and the big book offers a suggested outline that seems to help a few. Bob silkworth, and includes the story of how aa came into existence, and began to change the lives of those diagnosed with an otherwise untreatable disease.
This was the version of the big book distributed to friends and colleagues of aas founders before the first edition was printed. Forward to first edition this is the foreword as it appeared in the first printing of the first edition in 1939. The first section of the big book of alcoholics anonymous has not changed or been revised in any of the four editions. We, of alcoholics anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. The anonymous press study edition of alcoholics anonymous. Feb 10, 2002 like other guides for spirituality such as the bible, this is not a selfhelp book.
A alcoholics anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their. Ive been to many meetings where it is said that we only read the 1st 164 pages. Subsequently, the title alcoholics anonymous was agreed upon. The following is a list of the 40 musts from the big book. Page 4 the major changes to the big book editions have been in the selection of personal stories so that they represent a good crosssection of the aa membership. Alcoholics anonymous the big book pages 1 164 boardprep. The big book of alcoholics anonymous verywell mind.
The big book of alcoholics anonymous true recovery. The last time i picked up a mini big book i couldnt find the story section. Bill, bob and the others wrote the book in the hope that we would read it. Women are only mentioned as the wife of the alcoholic. Ive heard from many newcomers and in several chat rooms where people say their sponsors told them to only read the 1st 164 pages. The first 164 pages of the big book is the outline for recovery, which constitute the program of recovery. The heart of the big book can be found in the first 164 pages, which outlines the now famous 12 steps of. Based on the readily available reference material, bill wilson was the author of the chapter of the big book titled. The story of the creation of the bible of alcoholics anonymous, which is properly named alcoholics anonymous, popularly called the big book, is a sad tale of lies and cheating, theft and dishonesty, all done by bill wilson, and even the death of an early a. The story of how many thousands of men and women have. Now, twelve years later, the author of he who loses his life, page 540 in the revised second edition, looks back over twenty years. His is the fourth edition of the book alcoholics anonymous. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 576 pages and is available in paperback format. Videos or graphic images may not be downloaded, copied or duplicated without the express written permission of alcoholics anonymous world services, inc.
The aa big book, is meant to be honest, helpful and uplifting. A guide to collecting alcoholics anonymous big book. While aa has no requirements for membership, it strongly suggests that new or potential members read at least the first 164 pages. A little ditty on the big book, alcoholics anonymous a. Bill liked to drive home the same point several different ways.
The big book first 164 pages showing 15 of 5 messages. A vision for you, big book page 164 alcoholics anonymous. This big book is the source of the original program of aa, which saw 75% of the people who tried it succeed at longterm recovery. Aa ignores science research that sexism is linked to high risk drinking in men and women. The all new app for the big book of alcoholics anonymous.
The first few times i read it like a novel and didnt learn much. The text of the 1st 164 pages of alcoholics anonymous. It started that way, but the disagreements were endless, so bill w. Some of the promises are directly associated with completion of a step. Many people first diagnose themselves as alcohol after reading and relating to the stories in its pages.
This ebook is not a product of alcoholics anonymous. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover as of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. The 1995 general service conference recommended that, the first 164 pages of the big book, alcoholics anonymous, the preface, the forewords, the doctors opinion, dr. Maryann links the 12th tradition to the words, no human power could have relieved us from our alcoholism. Then when i started to read it with someone else, i realized that the self who wanted help was the problem.
Biographies of the authors of the stories in the big book. His story was in the first through third editions of the big book entitled the home brewmeister. The big book, the twelve steps and the twelve traditions. This petition is about saving the lives of both men and women alcoholics. We all know that the first 164 pages of the big book are the meat and potatoes this books first. W e, of alcoholics anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body.
The only story included is doctor bob nightmare, similar to the pocket edition of the book. Its one of the 20th centurys most significant books and early copies are treasured by numerous collectors. Sep 25, 2014 aa big book myths tidbits and trivia september 25, 2014 october 4, 2014 by victoria b. Perhaps bill was thinking of the example of his sponsor, ebby, when he wrote the many strong statements in the big book condemning resentments. The big book step study bbss format, based upon an aa meeting format originated in hyannis, mass. This excerpt of the alcoholics anonymous big book lets you get your hands on pages that could help you with alcohol addiction. Clarence led a revolt to separate from the oxford group and announced a special meeting of alcoholics, starting the cleveland group, may 18, 1939 at the cleveland heights home of abby g this was the first group to be called alcoholics anonymous. T he alcoholics anonymous big book is not just the most influential self help book ever published. The second part of the book contains personal stories from members of alcoholics anonymous. Petition stop printing the sexist version of the big book.
Amid covid19, we are still open and offering online addiction treatment options. I believe everyone should learn and study this book and others like it to just help them make better decisions in managing their lives. These days i am participating in a big book study group which i find immensely rewarding. Inerrant means without error, and it is a concept religious scholars have tried to apply to the christian bible, without success.
The big book of alcoholics anonymous still stands as today as the primary text for aa and is the foundation for most other 12 step programs. Marty mann 19041980 wrote the chapter women suffer too in the. Aa big book alcoholics anonymous lionrock recovery. The big book that gave alcoholics hope in 12 steps turns 75. When the first edition of the big book was written, the challenge was to find enough. Many of us have heard of the ninth step promises from page 8384 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. Nicknamed the big book by the early aa members for its thick paper and wide margins, the book s history began in 1934 when bill wilson, an alcoholic stockbroker who had found sobriety. A draft fourth edition of the big book, alcoholics anonymous be developed and a progress report be brought to the 1998 conference literature committee, keeping in mind the 1995 advisory action that. Chapter 11, a vision for you is a summary of the big book, the program of alcoholics anonymous, and the growth of the fellowship at that time1939.
Apr 10, 2014 their express purpose was to spread the lifesaving premises of alcoholics anonymous. To read a pdf version of the fourth edition of alcoholics anonymous click here. Free download or read online alcoholics anonymous pdf epub book. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions alcoholics anonymous. Today, alcoholics anonymous, the big book is unchanged. Because of this, the page numbers in this document will not correspond to page numbers in the actual book of alcoholics anonymous. In 1995 aas general service conference ruled by advisory action that, the first 164 pages of the big book, alcoholics anonymous, the preface, the forewords, the doctors opinion, doctor bobs nightmare and the appendices remain as is. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.
There are, however, additional promises in the big book. The following is a list ofapproximately 150 promises that i compiled from the first edition of the big book. This excerpt of the alcoholics anonymous big book lets you get your hands on pages that could help you with alcohol. It helped me more than the other revised editions, being wrote in first person. To share their method, wilson and other members wrote the initiallytitled book, alcoholics anonymous. Harry emerson fosdick 01004 the christian science monitor, boston, august 17, 1939.
The big book is an outline for recovery, never claiming to be a cure or a certain solution for everyone and anything. In many bbss meetings, only members who have worked the 12 steps according to this structure are permitted to share. By the very act of critiquing chapter 4, we agnostics, i admittedly commit aa heresy. Bobs nightmare and alcoholics anonymous number three personal stories the latest major update includes a variety of features like keeping a track of your sober days, autoplay and more.
Informally known as the big book with its first 164 pages virtually unchanged. The foreword of the first edition explains exactly what the first 164 pages are for, they are the program of aa. Pages 1 164 unofficial large print ebook alcoholics anonymous screen 1 of 703. Aa big book aa big book taghere the foundation progress and principles washington temperance society of baltimore the missionary spirit alcoholism recovery 3rd edition 2nd edition alcohol allergy rehabilitation of alcoholics dr. Literature a brief history of the big book f166 a brief history of the big book in may 1938, when bill w. But i will not have the benefit of contact with you who write this book.
First published in 1939, a revised, enlarged big book was published in 1955. With a stunning leap of areligious imagination, dale k. The original version of the big book included bills story, a description of alcoholism, the 12 steps, a letter to agnostics and an outline for recovery. Appendix of the big book of alcoholics anonymous, 2nd edition. The main characters of this non fiction, self help story are. Watch asl dvd version includes subtitles and audio in english. A vision for you, big book page 164 our book is meant to be suggestive only.
Bill wrote on the very last page of the first 164 pages. The heart of the big book can be found in the first 164 pages, which outlines the. Using a book published in 1939, aas core text describes how a man works the aa program in the first 164 pages of the big book. Also includes alcoholics anonymous preamble how it works 12 steps 12 traditions just for. Oct 12, 2017 one of many good places to begin is in alcoholics anonymous aka the big book, specifically chapter 4, we agnostics. The story of how more than one hundred men have recovered from alcoholism, from which aa drew its name. Is everything in the big book of alcoholics anonymous true. It contains the original program of alcoholics anonymous, as it was done by its first and founding members. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading alcoholics anonymous.
This was reaffirmed by advisory actions in 1998, 1999, 2000, and twice in 2001. But before she did, she wrote to bill wilson, who was appalled. This is a condensed version of the original long form a. For whatever the reasons, ebby never seemed to give himself completely to the simple program of alcoholics anonymous. Another answer suggests that the writing was a collaborative effort, it was not. People in alcoholics anonymous need to avoid placing their sponsor or counselor on a pedestal, only to see the inevitable fall. Its pages include the personal stories of its original founders bill wilson and dr. Sep 30, 2008 the big book is a quick history of how people can help people help them selfs with fellowship and understanding support to overcome many addictions. Oct 21, 2012 the first few times i read it like a novel and didnt learn much. Big book basic training is the only video series in existence that walks the viewer through the first 172 pages of the book alcoholics anonymous without skipping any pages. The fourth edition includes most of the original content.
For them, we think these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be. Ask him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The big book that gave alcoholics hope in 12 steps turns. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.
The big book of alcoholics anonymous the world famous eye. We covered the whole eastern united states in a year. The first edition of the novel was published in 1939, and was written by alcoholics anonymous. These are the changes that have been made in the program portion of the big book the first 164 pages and the roman numeral pages. Florence rankin was responsible for the big book not being called one hundred men.
May 01, 2000 this back grey pages it is the original which is wrote in first person as bill and the other original members had put their solution on paper for us and then later called alcoholics anonymous. Why is it suggested to read 1st 164 pgs of big book. Table of contents 01001 new york times, june 25, 1939 01002 journallancet, vol. The first 164 pages of the big book, alcoholics anonymous, the preface, the forewords, the doctors opinion, dr. Why is it suggested to read first 164 pages in big book. The text of the first 164 pages of alcoholics anonymous, unchanged since they first came off press in 1939, evolved from a process of furious debate and wise compromise. The first section contains 164 pages that are the textbook for a recovering alcoholic. The first part, known as the first 164 pages or the original manuscript explains the 12 step program and how it can be used to overcome the effects of alcoholism. Here they are, the 82 occurrences of the word must found in alcoholics anonymous 4th edition the doctors opinion 1 page xxiii.
She notes that no guru can prevent you from taking the first drink. I read alcoholics anonymous first 164 pages and it didnt help me stop. A vision for you 155 this refers to bills first visit with dr. To accomplish that purpose, the big book is divided into two main parts. Aa big book myths tidbits and trivia 800 recovery hub blog. The original, undiluted solution remains intact in the first 164 pages.
How ridiculous would it be if people tried to do the same with the big book. The big book of alcoholics anonymous forward to the 1st. Forgiveness in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions alcoholics anonymous alcoholics anonymous this is the fourth edition of the big book, the basic text for alcoholics anonymous. The first 164 pages essentially describe what an alcoholic is and an outline of the program of alcoholics anonymous. Dec 07, 2014 but it was never meant to be inerrant. Jul 17, 2019 to accomplish that purpose, the big book is divided into two main parts. Informally known as the big book with its first 164 pages virtually unchanged since the 1939 edition, it suggests a twelvestep program. Words contained within the first 164 pages of the big book. This is the second article in the grapevines new series by authors of the personal histories in the big book, alcoholics anonymous. There are many others who achieve periods of sobriety yet relapse from time to time.
302 356 1021 288 1172 1506 1007 88 897 179 487 472 53 1295 42 115 521 364 240 508 1494 1231 1427 433 339 1512 455 532 284 636 1376 1439 1298 1145 365 1223 910 257