Category: 2nd Edition Big Book – Main Section
Chapter 11 – A VISION FOR YOU – 2nd Edition
Bill Wilson wrote the 11th chapter in the fall of 1938, while still wrestling with other chapters of the book. Years later, in the book “Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age”, Bill admitted to having been…
Chapter 10 – TO EMPLOYERS – Second Edition
Unlike previous chapters, Chapter 10 was not written entirely by Bill Wilson. In fact, it was penned by Hank Parkhurst, a friend and business associate of Bill’s who got sober in 1935. In the annals…
Chapter 9 – THE FAMILY AFTERWARD – Second Edition
With few edits , Chapter 9 was republished in the Second Edition in 1955 as as a powerful and practical guide for families of alcoholics. Originally written by Bill W in the fall of 1938,…
Chapter 8 – TO WIVES – Second Edition
Chapter 8’s actual authorship has been widely speculated upon since it was first written in 1938. Many believe that Bill W.’s wife, Lois Wilson, may have written or contributed to the writing of this seminal…
Chapter 7 – WORKING WITH OTHERS – 2nd Edition
Chapter 7, entitled Working With Others, from the 2nd edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was originally published in 1955. Again, few changes were made to this chapter between the first and second editions, but its powerful…
Chapter 6 – INTO ACTION – Second Edition
With few changes from the First Edition, Chapter 6 remains a powerful guide for working the 5th through 11th steps of the AA Program. Interestingly, the 6th and 7th step were treated to only two…
Chapter 5 – HOW IT WORKS – Second Edition
Chapter 5 is so important to Alcoholics Anonymous, that the first three pages of “How It Works” are commonly read at the beginning of many AA meetings. The chapter clearly lays out the 12 steps…
Chapter 4 – WE AGNOSTICS – Second Edition
With few changes from the First Edition, Chapter 4’s main objective is to enable readers to find a Power greater than themselves that would solve their problem. Though Chapter 4 was originally written to describe…
Chapter 3 – MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM – Second Edition
Though few changes were made to Chapter 3 in the Second Edition published in 1955, there’s an interesting and notable asterisk at the end of a few sentences on the top of page 34 in…
Chapter 2 -THERE IS A SOLUTION – Second Edition
A significant change was made to Chapter 2 when the Second Edition was printed in 1955. The First Edition referred to a “celebrated physician” who treated the American businessman, (later known as Rowland H). The…
Chapter 1 – BILL’S STORY – Second Edition
The amazing story of AA’s co-founder, Bill W., continues to inspire and guide Alcoholics Anonymous more than 85 years after its founding and 49 years after Bill’s death in 1971. Bill’s Story, Chapter 1 in…
THE DOCTOR’S OPINION – SECOND EDITION
Dr. William D. Silkworth was referred to as “our great medical benefactor” by the founders of A.A. His initial letter of endorsement and follow-up statement of support became a permanent part of the Big Book…
PREFACE & FORWARD TO SECOND EDITION
Episode 35 begins the cover-to-cover reading of the 2nd edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, originally published in 1955. It’s comprised of a preface, 2 forwards, the Doctor’s Opinion, 11 chapters in the main text, 37 Personal…