About the Big Book

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the “Big Book,” presents the A.A. program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober. Now translated into over 70 languages, it is still considered A.A.’s basic text.

Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions explains the 24 basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Known as the "Twelve and Twelve,” the book dedicates a chapter to each Step and each Tradition. Chapters provide an interpretation of these principles for personal recovery and the organization of the group.

A collection of readings that moves through the calendar year one day at a time: A.A. members reflect on favorite quotations from the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous. The volume focuses on all Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service.

General Service Conference-approved.

Literature published by A.A. World Services, Inc., is a resource for recovering alcoholics and other individuals. In our materials, you can find out more about Alcoholics Anonymous, its history, and how it works. We publish items in English, Spanish and French. We also publish and license translations in international languages for recovering alcoholics around the world. Many of our translated materials are in our literature catalog.