THE FOUNDER OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

BILL WILSON

INSCRIBES A COPY OF HIS HISTORY OF A.A.

WILSON, WILLIAM GRIFFITH.  (1895–1971), also known as Bill Wilson or Bill W.; American businessman who co-conceived and co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), with fellow co-founder Bob Smith. His book:  Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, A Brief History of A. A. [Bill Wilson & Various Authors].  Published by Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, Inc., New York, 1957.  Stated First edition, in excellent condition. Original dust jacket that displays in good condition, with minor chips missing as seen in illustration. This copy is Boldly Inscribed on front free-end paper: 

“To Bill [Rateliffe] / In deep appreciation of your regnal service! Ever / Bill / NY/ Apr[il] 25, [19]58.”

Also signed by Bernard B. Smith — longtime friend of Alcoholics Anonymous, personal attorney to Bill Wilson, and one of the most important non-alcoholic voices in AA history. Smith joined the board as a nonalcoholic trustee in 1946.  He signs the half title page: “All the best / Bernard B Smith”, thus just enhancing the importance of this copy.  Also signed by various AA members on the inside front cover, and verso of a blank endpapers, evidently as testaments of well wishes by the signers.            

AA is an international mutual aid fellowship with about two million members worldwide belonging to AA groups, associations, organizations, cooperatives, and fellowships of alcoholics helping other alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety.  Following AA’s Twelfth Tradition of anonymity, within the organization Wilson is commonly known as “Bill W.” or “Bill”. After his death, with his prior written permission, his full name was included in obituaries. Wilson’s sobriety from alcohol, which he maintained until his death, began December 11, 1934.  In 1955, he turned over control of AA to a board of trustees. He died in 1971, and in 1999 Time listed him as “Bill W.: The Healer” in the Time 100 – The Most Important People of the Century.                

Presentations of any of Wilson’s books are exceedingly scarce, add Smith’s inscription and then add that this title is very hard to find in this condition and with this level of association and you get one:  Simply choice item!                                                                                                                        

 

$5750.00