Portland Public Library

"Pass it on", the story of Bill Wilson and how the A.A. message reached the world

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 410-414) and index

individual biography

portraitsillustrations

index present

non fiction

"Pass it on"

bibliography

12308065

the story of Bill Wilson and how the A.A. message reached the world

About Alcoholics Anonymous, its early struggles and its amazing growth, entwined with Bill Wilson's life. As the co-founder of A.A., he was never allowed to be a member. This is a story about a boy growing up in Vermont, his life as a soldier, a husband, alcohol and a spiritual experience"Here is Bill W., the man everybody knew and nobody knew. Here too, inextricably entwined with his life, is the dramatic story of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, its early struggles and amazing growth. Bill's character was complex and contradictory. Although we always tried to place him on a pedestal, he strove for genuine humility, declining honors and stressing the spiritual value of anonymity. The cofounder of A.A., he was never a member of A.A., because we never allowed him to be. Ego-driven, he nevertheless always gave credit to others: to Ebby, to Dr. Bob, to Lois, as appropriate. A charismatic leader, he eschewed power and 'was willing to let go of us before we were willing to let go of him' (in Dr. Jack Norris' words). He has been hailed as one of the most significant figures of the 20th century; yet a nonalcoholic typist for the manuscript of this book commented, 'Isn't it too had he never did anything with his life!' In these pages is the full and rounded story of a remarkable life: The boy growing up in Vermont, always striving to he Number One. The Army officer serving 'over there' in World War I. Bill's romance and marriage with Lois. The fair-haired boy of Wall Street plummeting to rum-soaked despair. Ebby T. and Dr. Silkworth, Bill's spiritual experience, and his meeting with Dr. Bob. And of special significance to the A.A. reader, Bill's role in Alcoholics Anonymous. In preparation over five years, this is the definitive biography of Bill W. Every word is documented, every source checked. For the scholar this volume is invaluable. For all of us, it is exciting reading."--Jacket

The early years in Vermont -- The war years -- Building a life -- On "the Street" -- From hell to the mountaintop -- On the bridge back to life -- "Make it snappy ..." -- Lost and found -- Passing it on -- "Won't money spoil this thing?" -- "Alcoholics Anonymous" -- One door closes and another opens -- Divine dissatisfaction -- On the map -- A home of their own -- "Spiritual kindergarten" -- On the road -- Beating upwind emotionally -- Assuring the future -- Trusting trusted servants -- "Not to govern but to serve" -- Coming of age -- "Anything that helps alcoholics ..." -- A second journey -- The final chord