" It was only a matter of being willing to believe in a power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning ." —Bill W. A lifeline to millions worldwide, many have benefited from "The Big Book" and its simple but profound explanation of the doctrines behind Alcoholics Anonymous. A chance meeting in 1935 between two alcoholics—Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Bob Smith, a surgeon based in Akron, Ohio—led to the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous. The pair developed the 12-step program and began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one day at a time. In 1939, they published "The Big Book," one of the bestselling books of all time and a lifeline to millions worldwide. "The Big Book" has gone through numerous editions and remains the most widely used resource for recovering alcoholics. Only this original 1939 edition includes all 29 stories of the program's pioneers , which share the details of their full journey to sobriety, including initial recovery, sometimes followed by relapse, and eventual success. This edition also features the key to the solution claimed by Bill Wilson: a vital spiritual experience that allows followers to rediscover, or discover, God.   ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WAS FOUNDED IN 1935 – Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith organized A.A. and developed a program to help achieve sobriety. - “THE BIG BOOK” HAS BECOME ONE OF THE BESTSELLING BOOKS OF ALL TIME – Publishing their stories was a way to share their experiences with alcohol addiction with the world. - OUTLINES THE FAMOUS 12 STEPS – The original 1939 edition of "The Big Book" outlines the famous 12 steps and offers counsel for those who wish to join the program but doubt the existence of a higher power. - ONLY THIS ORIGINAL EDITION INCLUDES ALL 29 STORIES – The program's pioneers share the details of their full journey to sobriety, including initial recovery, sometimes followed by relapse and eventual success. - THIS EDITION ALSO FEATURES THE KEY TO THE SOLUTION CLAIMED BY BILL WILSON : A vital spiritual experience that allows followers to rediscover, or discover, God. - A REALISTIC PORTRAYAL OF THE PROGRAM – This realistic depiction of the program as presented by its founders has been omitted from subsequent editions of the work; it is restored here as originally offered, as a reminder that success can take many forms. - A LIFELINE TO MILLIONS WORLDWIDE – With its down-to-earth tone, this classic offers wisdom, guidance, and inspiration that still remains relevant today.   A chance meeting in 1935 between two alcoholics — Bill Wilson, a New York stockbroker, and Bob Smith, a surgeon based in Akron, Ohio — led to the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous. The pair developed the 12-step program and began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one day at a time. In 1939 they published "The Big Book," one of the bestselling books of all time and a lifeline to millions worldwide. Alcoholics Anonymous The Big Book By BILL W. Dover Publications, Inc. Copyright © 2011 Dick B. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-486-83417-7 Contents Introduction, v, Foreword, xxix, The Doctor's Opinion, 1, I. Bill's Story, 9, II. There Is A Solution, 23, III. More About Alcoholism, 34, IV. We Agnostics, 47, V. How It Works, 59, VI. Into Action, 71, VII. Working With Others, 86, VIII. To Wives, 99, IX. The Family Afterward, 114, X. To Employers, 126, XI. A Vision for You, 139, CHAPTER 1 BILL'S STORY War fever ran high in the New England town to which we new, young officers from Plattsburg were assigned, and we were flattered when the first citizens took us to their homes, making us feel heroic. Here was love, applause, war; moments sublime with intervals hilarious. I was part of life at last, and in the midst of the excitement I discovered liquor. I forgot the strong warnings and the prejudices of my people concerning drink. In time we sailed for "Over There." I was very lonely and again turned to alcohol. We landed in England. I visited Winchester Cathedral. Much moved, I wandered outside. My attention was caught by a doggerel on an old tombstone: "Here lies a Hampshire Grenadier Who caught his death Drinking cold small beer. A good soldier is ne'er forgot Whether he dieth by musket Or by pot." Ominous warning — which I failed to heed. Twenty-two, and a veteran of foreign wars, I went home at last. I fancied myself a leader, for had not the men of my battery given me a special token of appreciation? My talent for leadership, I imagined, would place me at the head of vast enterprises which I would manage with utmost assurance. I took a night law course, and obtained employment as investigator for a surety company. The drive for success was on. I'd prove to the world I was important. My work took me about Wall Street and little by little I became interested in the market. Many people lost money — but some became very rich