Historic Alcoholics Anonymous 'Big Book' manuscript returning to Stepping Stones in Katonah

KATONAH, N.Y. - A pivotal piece of recovery history is returning to its rightful home.

The Stepping Stones Foundation has announced the successful acquisition of the original hand-edited manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous, better known as the "Big Book," following a competitive auction held on July 1.

The 1939 "Printer's Copy/Working Draft Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous" will now be permanently housed at Stepping Stones, the historic Katonah home of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson and Al-Anon Family Groups co-founder Lois Wilson.

The purchase was made possible through the combined efforts of The Stepping Stones Foundation and 21 donors from across the country, who came together in just one week to secure the manuscript.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential books on addiction recovery, the Big Book has guided millions of people struggling with alcoholism and addiction since its publication in 1939. The Library of Congress has recognized its significance by including it among its list of "88 Books That Shaped America."

The manuscript contains the handwritten edits that became the first published edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, including the original version of the Twelve Steps drafted by Bill Wilson. Those principles have since been adapted by hundreds of recovery organizations worldwide, including programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous, as well as newer Twelve Step groups addressing issues including screen addiction, gaming addiction and chronic pain.

For millions of people in recovery, the original manuscript represents far more than a historic document. It captures the development of a program that has helped countless individuals achieve and maintain sobriety while inspiring recovery movements across the globe.

Its return to Stepping Stones reunites the manuscript with the home where Bill and Lois Wilson lived and welcomed visitors seeking hope and recovery. The foundation said the acquisition ensures the landmark document will be preserved and made available as part of the site's ongoing mission to share the history and legacy of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Step movement.