Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" Inscribed by Bill W. with Multiple AA Trustee Signatures, 1962, Plus Original Signed Letter

Alcoholics Anonymous (Bill W., primary author)

Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 1960

About this Item

Second edition, fourth printing (1960) hardcover of the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book," inscribed by AA co-founder Bill W. in April 1962, believed to have been signed at the 12th Annual General Service Conference in New York City the conference at which the Twelve Concepts for World Service were formally adopted.

The inscription reads: "Dear Glenn, With this my great thanks for your example of all that is AA, Ever, Bill Apr/62." The book was inscribed to Glenn Smith, an AA old-timer from Portsmouth, NH, and also bears the signatures of Dr. Jack Norris (then Medical Director at Eastman Kodak and Trustee/Chairman of the GSO Board), Allan Bachman (Class B trustee to the GSO), and Herb Morse (Class B trustee and GSO Manager), who added the inscription "Hail Caponero! With all the best."

The original dust jacket is present but shows significant wear and chipping; it is stored in an archival-quality mylar wrap for protection. There is masking tape on the spine marked "Glenn's Special Copy."

Included with the book is a related item: an original typed letter from Bill W., dated June 18, 1962, written on official GSO letterhead and typed by his personal assistant Ruth Hock (noted by the "WGW/rh" designation), apparently in reply to a letter from Glenn Smith. The letter and its envelope are on period onion-skin paper with a "Valley Forge Rag Content USA" watermark, postmarked June 21, 1962.

Provenance is supported by a notarized Statement of Provenance from Glenn Smith's daughter-in-law, along with a copy of a local newspaper article from Portsmouth, NH published upon Glenn's death. A photo from the March 1962 GSO newsletter is also included, referencing Dr. Jack Norris.

A remarkable, well documented piece of AA history connected directly to the organization's founder and several of its earliest trustees.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1790164794243

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" Inscribed by Bill W. with Multiple AA Trustee Signatures, 1962, Plus Original Signed Letter
• Publisher: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
• Publication Date: 1960
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Printing: 4th Printing
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)