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Authorship of the Big Book

October 27, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Literature

Who wrote the Big Book? Discover the authors and contributors responsible for writing "The Big Book," a foundational text in Alcoholics Anonymous.


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Authorship of the Big Book

Who wrote the Big Book?

The "Big Book" refers to a text titled "Alcoholics Anonymous," which is often referred to as the "Big Book" due to its size. It is the foundational literature of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a well-known mutual aid organization for people recovering from alcoholism. The "Big Book" was primarily written by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith.

Bill Wilson, also known as Bill W., was one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was a recovering alcoholic and played a significant role in writing and organizing the content of the book. Dr. Bob Smith, often referred to as Dr. Bob, was the other co-founder of AA and contributed to the writing and development of the book.

The "Big Book" was first published in 1939 and has since been revised and expanded in subsequent editions. It outlines the principles and steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program, shares personal stories of alcoholics in recovery, and provides guidance for individuals seeking sobriety and help for alcoholism. It has been a cornerstone of the AA program and has been instrumental in helping countless individuals recover from alcohol addiction.

Exploring the authors and contributors of the "Big Book" in Alcoholics Anonymous

The "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the foundational text of the AA program. It was first published in 1939 and has since sold over 40 million copies worldwide. The book is a compilation of personal stories from early AA members, as well as a guide to the AA program.

The authors of the "Big Book" are:

  • Bill W. (William Griffith Wilson): Bill W. was one of the co-founders of AA. He was a successful businessman who struggled with alcoholism for many years. In 1934, he had a spiritual experience that helped him to achieve sobriety. He then met Dr. Bob Smith, another alcoholic who was seeking recovery. Together, Bill W. and Dr. Bob helped to develop the 12-step program of AA.
  • Dr. Bob Smith (Robert Holbrook Smith): Dr. Bob Smith was a physician who struggled with alcoholism for many years. He was also one of the co-founders of AA. In 1934, he met Bill W., and together they helped to develop the 12-step program of AA.
  • William D. Silkworth: Dr. Silkworth was a psychiatrist who treated Bill W. for alcoholism. He was a strong supporter of AA and helped to promote the program to other professionals.
  • Ebby T. (Everett L. Thorpe): Ebby T. was an early AA member who shared his story in the "Big Book." He was a successful stockbroker who struggled with alcoholism for many years. He achieved sobriety in 1935 and went on to become a prominent AA member.

In addition to these four authors, many other people contributed to the writing and publication of the "Big Book." These contributors include:

  • Lois W. (Lois Burnham Wilson): Lois W. was Bill W.'s wife and a co-founder of AA. She played a key role in the editing and production of the "Big Book."
  • Hank P. (Henry Parkhurst Jr.): Hank P. was an early AA member who shared his story in the "Big Book." He was a writer and editor who helped to shape the final version of the book.
  • Anne B. (Anne Beauchamp): Anne B. was an early AA member who shared her story in the "Big Book." She was a professional writer who helped to edit the book.

The individuals who played key roles in the writing and publication of the book

Bill W., Dr. Bob Smith, Dr. William D. Silkworth, and Ebby T. were the four individuals who played the most key roles in the writing and publication of the "Big Book."

Bill W. was the driving force behind the book. He was the one who came up with the idea of writing a book about AA's experiences, and he oversaw the entire writing and publication process.

Dr. Bob Smith was a key contributor to the book. He shared his own story in the book, and he also provided valuable feedback on the other stories.

Dr. William D. Silkworth was a strong supporter of the book. He helped to promote the book to other professionals and encouraged them to read it.

Ebby T. was a gifted writer who shared his story in the book in a way that was both inspiring and informative.

Their personal journeys and motivations for creating the "Big Book"

All four of the authors of the "Big Book" had their own personal journeys and motivations for creating the book.

Bill W. was motivated by his desire to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. He had experienced the power of AA's program firsthand, and he wanted to share that power with others.

Dr. Bob Smith was motivated by his desire to help others and to make a difference in the world. He saw AA as a way to help people who were struggling with alcoholism, and he wanted to help promote the program.

Dr. William D. Silkworth was motivated by his belief in the power of AA's program. He had seen how the program had helped his patients achieve sobriety, and he wanted to help other professionals learn about AA.

Ebby T. was motivated by his desire to share his story and to help other alcoholics. He felt that his story could inspire others to seek help for their alcoholism.

The legacy and recognition of the authors within the recovery community

The authors of the "Big Book" are highly respected and admired within the recovery community. They are seen as pioneers of the recovery movement, and their work has helped millions of people achieve sobriety.

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People also ask

  • How does the Big Book came about?

    “Alcoholics Anonymous” which we in AA affectionately call “The Big Book.” Co-founder Bill Wilson began writing it in April 1938 at the business office of New York member Hank P. (Parkhurst) at Honors Dealers, 17 William St, Newark, New Jersey. Hank P, whose Big Book Story is “The Unbeliever”, started AA in New Jersey. He also had a
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  • What does the Big Book say?

    The Big Book lays out the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and includes personal stories of those who found recovery in the program. Many recovering alcoholics work the 12 steps with a sponsor. The process includes believing in a power greater than yourself, admitting past mistakes, making amends to people you have harmed through alcoholism and continuing to focus on spiritual growth.
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