This book was originally written in 1948 and published by Coll-Webb (owned by AA members in Florida) to help clarify the 12 steps laid out in the AA's Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. It is now published and sold by Hazelden, the biggest publisher of recovery books. It was written prior to AA's Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions which was released in 1953 and is not as condensed. What I like about this book it that it is limited to but a few pages and uses plain language for the newcomer and explains the meaning of each step in a simple and concise way. I like the older hardbound vintage books for the newcomers as they feel as though they are getting a real piece of history. I tell them to read the steps in the Big Book (and where they are) and also to go to Step Study meetings where there will be discussion of the steps from the Twelve and Twelve. This book can easily be carried around and is a good reference book.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book was written in the mid 1940s by an AA member named Ed Webster and another guy named Barry Collins/Collyer(?). The manuscript was prepared in cooperation with Dr Bob and a copy was sent to him for his approval before publication. First published in 1946, it became extremely popular among AA members in the late 40s. Bill Wilson wrote the 12 X 12 partly as a response to this book and partly to make money. Bill was never one to pass up an opportunity like that. It should be known that there is NO SUCH THING as 'AA-approved' literature; what there is is material that has been approved by the General Service Conference to be published by AAWS INC, a huge book-selling company that is supposed to be just a part of AA's Service structure. It has no authority to dictate what AA Groups must use. The long form of AA's Third Tradition says: "Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation." NO CONFORMITY means that no one is required to read anything and no AA Group has to use any particular material. There are people at AAWS INC getting salaries in excess of $120 K and AAWS INC is always begging money from AA Groups, some of which are struggling to survive.Read full review
This pocket size hardcover evolved from a series of notes & talks originally prepared as Twelve Step suggestions for A.A. beginners. Originally known as An Orthodox Interpretion of the Twelve Steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous Program with a chapter explaining how to work each of the twelve steps. Excellent for all that have not used this "tool" in their quest for sobriety. This can be most helpful as an aid in the study of the book Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter #5 and the 12 Steps - as a way of life and a daily reprieve from the "stinking thinking" of alcoholism. Ed W. wrote this in the 1940's before A.A. co-founder Bill W. wrote The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. Coll-Webb was the original publisher of The Little Red Book.
If you are early in recovery or sponsoring, this is a great book to complement other recovery literature. This book is a compilation of material and experiences from our early fellowship days. This material is written with the purity and singleness of purpose few publications can match today. AA purist have run this book out of the rooms because it is not "AA approved literature". I say, you are passing on an incredible opportunity to grow in recovery if you do not at least take a glance at these jewels of wisdom from the people who trod before us. Paul T. San Diego
These are in my humble opinion required reading for anyone interested in recovery from any addiction. Simply follow the directions as though your life depends on it. Results will follow every time without fail.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was gifted this book early in my sobriety and it really helped me understand more about my dis-ease. It covers the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in more depth and in terms I understood. I purchased this book for my sponsee as we work the steps together and she loves it. Although not AA approved, I certainly recommend it for those who need a little bit more than the Big Book and 12 x 12 give!
Great little book with profound thoughts for anyone dealing with addiction, not just alcoholism
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I found the Little Red Book to be in perfectcondition. The price was a bargin and the shipping very reasonable. Delivery of the item was prompt and the seller was very easy to deal with. A perfect transaction!
This little book IS NOT A.A. approved literature. However, it is nice for another point of view. Most of the information is the writers interpretation of the material (first 164 pages) covered in A.A.'s "Big Book". It seems to be meant as a study guide to be used along with the "Big Book". Just one drunk's opinion, but I like it. (I have the 1957 edition)
Great item
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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