The first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was published in April 1939. It rapidly became known as the “Big Book” and launched the AA Program that has helped millions of people around the world get and stay sober. As the basic text of AA, its chapters show other alcoholics precisely how 100 men and women recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. It lays out a proven program of action to stop drinking, including the original Twelve Steps, devised by AA’s co-founders Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Both their stories, as well as the stories of 29 others, are told as convincing testimonials of hopeless alcoholics whose lives were saved and enriched by Alcoholics Anonymous.

This is an unabridged and unaltered copy of the first printing of the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous by the World Publishing Company in April 1939. Minor changes were made throughout 15 subsequent printings of the original first edition. These changes are not reflected in this first edition of the Big Book. The first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous is out of copyright and in the public domain.

With the advent of the second edition (1955), third edition (1976), and fourth edition (2001), there are millions of recovering alcoholics who have never seen, read, or heard the first edition of the Big Book. With 23 of its 29 personal stories omitted from subsequent editions, these first edition stories will be new to listeners. Though told from the perspective of an earlier era, the Big Book’s message of experience, strength, and hope still resonates with recovering alcoholics to this day.

Alcoholics Anonymous, first edition, is one of the most important books of the 20th century. It’s a must-have for every recovering alcoholic who seeks to better understand and appreciate AA’s humble beginnings. Since 1939, the Big Book has been a source of inspiration, guidance, and support to those seeking the gifts of sobriety.