April 10 in A.A. History

In 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous [right] was published in a run of 4,650 copies (some say 4,730). The publisher, Cornwall Press, was instructed to use the thickest paper available. This large, bulky volume became known as the “Big Book,” a name that has endured. Bill W. later wrote that the intention behind the thick, substantial paper was to assure alcoholics that they were getting their money’s worth. Given Works Publishing's financial situation, Cornwall Press decided to minimize its risk by binding only 1,000 copies, leaving the rest loose. Works Publishing was billed $1,783.15 [~$40,750 in 2025], of which nearly half—$884.26—had already been paid. Bill and Hank P. drove to the Cornwall Press bookbinder’s office in New York City to pick up 112 copies, returning the next day for three more. Bill set aside the first copy from the first box to give to Lois for Christmas.

    Apparently, little thought was given to copyright before the book was published. Once copies became available, Ruth Hock sent a package to Fitz M.—who, along with Florence R., was in Washington, D.C., trying to establish the first local A.A. group—containing two copies of the first printing of the first edition and a letter with instructions [left: application for copyright registration]:

    We are forwarding to you today, two copies of “Alcoholics Anonymous” and a check for $2.00 [~$46 in 2025], and wonder if you would do something which would be very helpful at this end. It is important that “Alcoholics Anonymous” be registered at the Copywright [sic] Office in Washington, D.C. in the name of Works Publishing Company at the earliest possible moment…
    The two books for copywright [sic] purposes are coming forward to you marked special handling, special delivery, so will you rush them through for us?
    A book for you and also one for Florence are also in the mail, but regular delivery.
    Will you let us know the minute you have “Alcoholics Anonymous” registered?

In 1958, the International Conference of Young People in A.A. (ICYPAA) issued a press release [right] for its inaugural conference, scheduled to take place at the Niagara Hotel in Niagara Falls, NY, on 26–27 Apr 1958.

In 1979, Barry L. signed a notarized letter [left] donating his original spiral-bound multilith copy of Alcoholics Anonymous, which had been given to him by Lois W.—he had been a close companion of hers. Barry stated that he would keep the copy until his death, at which point it would be transferred to A.A. World Services, Inc.