Big Book History #5: More About Alcoholism

In this presentation, William Schaberg, author of "Writing the Big Book," spends some time on the events that transpired in the three months between the writing of “There Is A Solution” and “More About Alcoholism.” He then points out how this chapter is basically a further elaboration on the diagnosis that Bill Wilson had offered in that earlier chapter - namely, that if you are a “real” alcoholic you have NO defense against picking up the first drink. Schaberg also shows the changes made to this chapter from its first draft in late-September 1938 to its publication in the Big Book on April 10, 1939.

[@lynnglidewell7367]

Yes I agree context is all important. I don't consider it boring history. I'm fascinated by it. I'm always looking for the separation from religion AA had in its origins or at least did in the Akron groups heavy association with The Oxford group, yet not so much so in New York. Also New York was the ones wanting a book but Akron didn't. Fascinating, and context so important!

[@garyney828]

It was obvious that Akron including Bob Smith were not terribly interested in the book. As mentioned in previous segments, Akron was experiencing a great deal of success with sobering up drunks as opposed to New York. Keeping with Bob Smith's long-time motto, "Keep it simple" was at play throughout the process of the writing the Big Book.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Some of the smaller groups struggle. And I have been around long enough to see some groups disband. Thanks to covid we now have zoom meetings. And hybrid meetings.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Self support is still very important to AA. I'm not chastising groups that don't or can't afford to send money to new york. AA is in over 170 countries now. I forget how many languages the big book is printed in.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Only half the groups are sending money to new york. And the sales of the big book still helps support AA as a whole.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Thanks Bill S. For sharing.

[@alicesadler5441]

Its interesting the history of aa

[@alicesadler5441]

Its good to know history

[@chrisfonden6431]

I’ve read the Common Sense of Drinking by Richard Peabody. Bill seems to use a lot of his stuff. Word by word

[@susaniceland]

Thank you Bill 🙏

[@charliez2981]

Where are the videos 6 through 13? I have watched and listened to 1 through 5 ? But the next video is number14 through 18

[@williamschaberg9605]

Day at a time!! I'm cranking these videos on the chapters of the BB out as fast as I can. And... at the moment we are on hiatus because of a "perfect storm" of personal issues. When all of those are finally done, they will the #6-#13 gaps currently shown in the lineup. Claro?

[@charliez2981]

@@williamschaberg9605 I thank you for what you are doing. I enjoyed reading your book and I am enjoying your presentations very much. I got thrown off by numbering of the presentations as they appear. Prayers that your Issues work out. Thank you again.

[@jkyoft78]

@@williamschaberg9605 glad to hear it...I would love to see them when available...

[@jimrioslacey-baker7053]

​@@williamschaberg9605Hi Mr. Schaberg, just touching base to see how things are going. Hope all is well!