This is the Foreword as it appeared in the first printing of the first edition in 1939


We of Alcoholics Anonymous are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body To show other alcoholics (precisely how we have recovered)is the main purpose of this book. For them we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be necessary. We think this account of our experience will help everyone to better understand the alcoholic.Many do not comprehend that the alcoholic is a very sick person.And besides we are sure that( our way of living) has its advantages for all