Members of Alcoholics Anonymous, especially those who enjoy exploring the history of the origins of A.A., now have the opportunity to see first hand some of the extensive editing that went into developing the book that outlines the foundations of the all the 12-step programs. For the first time, a replication of the original working manuscript of the book, "Alcoholics Anonymous," affectionately known as the "Big Book," became available to the public today.The book was released by Hazelden, a Minnesota based publishing house that specializes in recovery-related titles.
"The Book That Started It All: The Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous" went on sale at bookstores nationwide 71 years after it was first edited by Bill W. and other early A.A. members. The Big Book itself, published by A.A., has sold more than 27 million copies and has been translated in more than 50 languages since it was first printed in 1939.
The Book Is the Program
"Many people think that meetings are the program of Alcoholics Anonymous," said one A.A. member, "Meetings are the fellowship of A.A. The Big Book is the program."
Indeed, many long-time members of A.A. have virtually memorized the book and can quote excerpts from it as if quoting Scripture. Consequently, members of A.A. and other 12 steps groups will no doubt find it fascinating to see what the original manuscript said, compared to the now familiar passages, which survived five layers of handwritten comments and revisions in black, green and red pencil.
Even the 12 steps themselves, outlined in Chapter 5 "How It Works" were edited heavily during the development of the manuscript. For example, there was no "We" in Step 1, and "spiritual awakening" in Step 12 was a "spiritual experience" instead.
12 Step Heavily Edited
Thanks to Hazelden's Paul Maccabee, two pages of the new book are available free for all to see online:
Collectors Edition Available
The four-color cloth edition of the book (pictured above) has a suggested retail price of $65, but a quick online price comparison found copies available on the first day of publication at considerable discounts.
A.A. history buffs and collectors of A.A. memorabilia will probably be the buyers Hazelden has in mind for the numbered, leather-bound limited edition (only 1,000 copies) of "The Book That Started It All," available only directly from the publisher at $125.
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More About the Manuscript: Photo: © Hazelden
