Description
Pamphlet P-53, titled “The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous,” is an official publication of A.A. World Services. It features brief biographical sketches of Bill W. (William G. Wilson) and Dr. Bob (Dr. Robert H. Smith) along with transcripts of their final major addresses to the A.A. Fellowship. 1, 2,
The Men Behind the Movement
- Bill W.: A stockbroker from New York who found sobriety and co-founded A.A. in 1935. In his later years, Bill became the primary architect of the Twelve Steps and the guiding force behind the organization’s growth. 1, 2
- Dr. Bob: An Akron, Ohio-based proctologist and surgeon who struggled with alcoholism for years before co-founding the program with Bill. He is deeply remembered for his tireless work helping thousands of alcoholics in the early days of the Fellowship. 2
Core Sections of the Pamphlet
- Biographies: Short historical overviews detailing their individual struggles with alcohol, their fateful meeting in Akron, and the early formation of the group. [1]
- Dr. Bob’s Last Major Talk: Includes his iconic 1950 address to the International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where he stressed the importance of keeping the program simple and maintaining the core principles of A.A. 1
- Bill W.’s Last Major Talk: Features his 1970 address (often referred to as his last message to the Fellowship), where he passed on the torch, discussed the importance of recovery and unity, and expressed his gratitude.
