This is the third article in the Grapevine’s series by authors of the personal histories in the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book was published in 1939; the revised, enlarged version came out in 1955. Now, the author of “Stars Don’t Fall,” page 401 in the revised edition, reports on the vital experience–some of it roughContinue reading “At Last No Longer Apart – Grapevine Article November 1967 by F.M.”
Category Archives: AA History
Problems Other Than Alcohol – Bill W 1958
From an article written by A.A. co-founderBill W. in 1958. Therefore, some of the language may be dated, but the issues addressed are prevalent today Perhaps there is no suffering more horrible than drug addiction, especially that kind which is produced by morphine, heroin, and other narcotics. Such drugs twist the mind, and the awfulContinue reading “Problems Other Than Alcohol – Bill W 1958”
Big Book Is Born – Grapevine Article May 2019; 80 Years After It’s Original Publication
TIMELINE WRITTEN BY BILL S. | FAIRFIELD, CONN. Middle of Oct., 1937Our cofounder Bill W. travels to Akron where the group meets and approves raising funds for paid missionaries, a chain of national hospitals and the writing of a book. The Ohio members do not, however, intend to contribute any money themselves, and they sendContinue reading “Big Book Is Born – Grapevine Article May 2019; 80 Years After It’s Original Publication”
AFTER – Grapevine Article April 1989 by Anonymous
It’s a well-know AA fact that the Big Book underwent intense scrutiny and exhaustive discussion before reaching print in its final form. In fact, Bill W. often referred to himself as the referee of these “discussions” rather then the Big Book’s author. Below, excerpted from chapter five, are some examples of the changes that cameContinue reading “AFTER – Grapevine Article April 1989 by Anonymous”
The Whisper of Humility – Grapevine Article March 1955 by E.M., MD.
ONE PART of our great program–the Twelve Traditions–has come to mean life itself to me. The Traditions, as written by our co-founder Bill, define for me clearly and precisely how to get well and stay well. They tell me who God is, what He does, and where He functions. They show me what spirituality isContinue reading “The Whisper of Humility – Grapevine Article March 1955 by E.M., MD.”
The Empty Tank – Grapevine Article June 1955 by Anonymous
THE engine on my car snorted, coughed and died. I knew my wife was glaring at me. Of course, I wasn’t looking at her. I was intently studying the road dead ahead. It had suddenly become very interesting now that I couldn’t get there. The springs on the seat beside me squawked and then cameContinue reading “The Empty Tank – Grapevine Article June 1955 by Anonymous”
Bill’s New Friend – Big Book pages 13, 14
At the hospital I was separated from alcohol for the last time. Treatment seemed wise, for I showed signs of delirium tremens. There I humbly offered myself to God, as I then understood Him, to do with me as He would. I placed myself unreservedly under His care and direction. I admitted for the firstContinue reading “Bill’s New Friend – Big Book pages 13, 14”
Moral Responsibility – As Bill Sees It #32
“Some strongly object to the A.A. position that alcoholism is an illness. This concept, they feel, removes moral responsibility from alcoholics. As any A.A. knows, this is far from true. We do not use the concept of sickness to absolve our members from responsibility. On the contrary, we use the fact of fatal illness toContinue reading “Moral Responsibility – As Bill Sees It #32”
Final Words & Wisdom – Big Book Page 164
Last Two Paragraphs Of AA Big Book Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come,Continue reading “Final Words & Wisdom – Big Book Page 164”
Hula Hoop Larry And The Serenity Prayer – Grapevine Article by Becky P.
The riddle of the Serenity Prayer explained It’s amusing and endearing to me that we do not get hung up about knowing someone’s last name in our program, but we do often use descriptors to tell the Bobs, Bills and Daves apart. The Serenity Prayer has haunted me for almost 60 years. It hung inContinue reading “Hula Hoop Larry And The Serenity Prayer – Grapevine Article by Becky P.”