Monday, February 28, 2011

A.A. History: Where to Find it. How to Use It

The origins, history, founding, original program, and astonishing successes of early A.A. as it was established in Akron in 1935 are a vital part of recovery, of leads, of study of the Big Book, of taking the Twelve Steps, and of helping others.

Where can you find these vital facts?

First, go to A.A. General Service Conference-approved books like DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, "Pass It On," Pamphlet P-53, and Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age.

Second, soon there will be a real rebirth of the First Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, published in 1939, and from which almost all of the important stories have been removed. Therefore, one can study the new Hazelden publication of the original printer's manuscript and see the program as it was presented and then changed at the last minutes in 1939. Also, Dover Publications will shortly publish an affordable reprint of the First Edition with a good introduction to its importance, written by me. Finally, a dedicated oldtimer A.A. is about to prepare his commentary on the First Edition and work with us to make it available.

Third, I can think of no better materials of ours than the following three resources: (1) "Introductory Foundations for Christian Recovery" - 4 DVD classes. See www.dickb.com/IFCR-Class.shtml. (2) The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3rd ed., 2010. See www.dickb.com/Christian-Recover-Guide.shtml. (3) One or more of my historical titles such as When Early AAs Were Cured and Why, The Conversion of Bill W., and Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous. See www.dickb.com/titles.shtml.

God Bless, Dick B.

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