Description
First edition, first printing of Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill Wilson, in the publisher’s first state jacket. This copy is signed by Nell Wing.
Octavo, viii, [2], 400pp, [6]. Full red cloth, title in gilt on spine and front cover. No additional printings mentioned on copyright page. Includes the typographic error on page 234, line 26, which is duplicated. This copy was rebound with modern red cloth and matched with period endpapers. Solid text block, free of marks or notations. Small wormhole in lower quarter of last chapter, no impact to text. Faint dampstain to lower foredge, no impact to text. Housed in a custom red cloth clamshell, title in gilt over black morocco labels.
In the publisher’s first issue dust jacket, lacking top quarter of front panel, tape repairs to verso, light soiling and sunning to spine, a scarce dust jacket in any condition.
This copy is inscribed on the front endpaper: “Dear Don – Wishing you all the best – be well and lots to read and enjoy in this precious book…Be Well, Nell Wing (3/3/47!)”
Nell Wing (1918-2007) was the first archivist of Alcoholics Anonymous, personal secretary to Bill Wilson and author of “Grateful to Have Been There: My 42 Years with Bill & Lois & the Evolution of Alcoholics Anonymous.”
