Experience, Strength & Hope

Stories From the First Three Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous

Fifty-six retired stories from the first three editions of the Big Book come back in print in this anthology.

From the inside cover: “This collection of stories offers back to the A.A. Fellowship the experience of 56 members whose stories are no longer available in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous”.   Co-founder Bill W. was keenly aware of the importance of personal stories, and as he began work on collecting new material for the second edition, he wrote: “The story section of the Big Book…is our principal means of identifying with the reader outside of A.A..it is the written equivalent of hearing speakers at an A.A. meeting; it is our show window of results.”

Today, these stories provide a fascinating glimpse into A.A.’s past… Alcoholics Anonymous’ membership continues to grow and change, but these stories form the past will never be outdated.   The essential A.A. story –“what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now” –is a constant.”   This book contains stories of the past and stories that are more current from the 3rd edition.