The history of AA can be both educational and fascinating and help in making the recovery process a fruitful one.
The study of the history of Alcoholics Anonymous begins way before its actual founding.
Bill met Dr. Bob and the seed that was to become Alcoholics Anonymous was planted at Henrietta's Gatehouse home.
Some details of AA literature do not add up under the weight of rigorous scrutiny by historians.
Bob sponsored more than 5,000 AA members and left the legacy of his life as an example. But was his last drink on June 10, 1935?
Early events and early members that formed the beginning of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Books foundations lay in a variety of earlier writings by noted authors, psychiatrists, philosophers and religious figures.
There many quotes from earlier books which can be found, almost verbatim in the Big Book. Bill W. had a lot to choose from when he set forth in his writing.
Bill W. and Hank P. sought help in financing the production of the Big Book. Rockefeller was among their first prospects to provide funding.
The idea of self support had its roots in thoughts by Dr. Bob and John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Mitchell leads us to The Cleveland Central Bulletin of December 1942 that discusses the First Step.
Thoughts on the disgraceful activities of AAWS and AAeV regarding some of the various German Litigations.
The court date delay by AAeV and other issues of concern about AAWS inappropriate activities.
After many revisions and heated discussions, the book is ready to go to press.
This early 1998 letter encourages AA members to take notice of mis-adventures by GSBAA and AAWS and to contact their delegates or other service representative in order to openly address GSBAA antics that are contrary to AA Principles.
The publishing of the Big Book doesn't meet the sales expectations.
The
Jack Alexander article in the Saturday Evening Post was a great boost to the plans made by Bill W. and others.
The Saturday Evening Post article greatly increased sales of books and increased information and help requests but the Alcoholic Foundation remained in heavy debt.
Growth in new AA members during the early 1940s and the new torrent of requests for help led to the formation of local Intergroups and Central Offices to handle all the requests, answer letters, and do 12th Step work.
It's true that AAWS is involved in various German litigations. They are acting in a punitive manner and are behaving like a governement.
Good news and bad news on various German Court cases.
AAeV (German GSO) threats force AOL in Germany to shut down the AA Big Book Study Group's web site and email addresses.