Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers

The Untold Story of AA’s Early Years

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers is a compelling biography of Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith—known throughout the Fellowship as Dr. Bob—and a rich historical account of the formative years of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, this book traces Dr. Bob’s journey from active alcoholism to recovery and explores his pivotal role in co-founding AA alongside Bill W. in Akron, Ohio. Through personal recollections, archival photographs, letters, and stories from early members, readers gain a unique perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and spiritual principles that shaped the Fellowship.

More than a biography, this book serves as an oral history of Alcoholics Anonymous, documenting the experiences of the pioneers who carried the message of recovery in AA’s earliest years.

Product Details

• General Service Conference-approved literature
• Biography of Dr. Bob Smith
• Historical account of AA’s early years
• Includes personal recollections from early AA members
• Features archival photographs and historical documents
• Indexed for easy reference

What You’ll Learn

• The life and recovery of Dr. Bob Smith
• How Alcoholics Anonymous was founded
• The partnership between Dr. Bob and Bill W.
• The origins of the Twelve Steps and AA Fellowship
• The early growth of Alcoholics Anonymous
• The role of Akron in AA history
• Stories from AA’s first members
• How Recovery, Unity, and Service evolved

Why Is This Important?

Understanding AA’s history helps members appreciate the experiences, sacrifices, and vision that created the Fellowship.

This book preserves the voices and stories of the men and women who helped build Alcoholics Anonymous during its earliest years. Through their experiences, readers gain insight into the spiritual principles, service efforts, and dedication that allowed AA to grow into a worldwide movement of recovery.

For members interested in AA history, sponsorship, service, and the Fellowship’s roots, this book provides a deeper understanding of where AA came from and why its principles continue to work today.

Who Is This For?

• AA members interested in AA history
• Sponsors and sponsees
• Big Book students
• General Service members
• GSRs, DCMs, and Delegates
• Historians and researchers
• Readers interested in recovery movements
• Anyone wanting to learn more about Dr. Bob and the origins of AA

Key Benefits

Learn About AA’s Co-Founder

Discover the life, character, and recovery journey of Dr. Bob Smith.

Explore AA’s Early History

Gain firsthand insight into the people and events that shaped Alcoholics Anonymous.

Connect With AA’s Roots

Read the stories of the pioneers whose experiences continue to inspire recovery today.

Deepen Your Understanding of the Fellowship

Learn how AA’s principles evolved through experience, service, and shared recovery.