Dr. Bob's Nightmare: A Glimpse into AA's Revised Personal Stories
The general moral standard was, as I recall it, far above the average. None of what I later came to believe was the great panacea for all human ills. This resolution I kept steadfastly for the next forty years.
What happens when the foundational stories of Alcoholics Anonymous undergo a major revamp? In this episode of 'The Big Book Podcast', Howard L. takes you on a journey through the personal stories section of the 2nd edition of the Big Book, published in 1955. This episode marks a pivotal moment as it introduces the revised personal stories that reflect the diverse lives of AA members in the mid-20th century.
Howard explains how, out of the 29 stories from the original 1939 edition, only three—including 'Dr. Bob's Nightmare'—remained unchanged in the 2nd edition. Some were retitled, others edited, and a few were completely rewritten, while many were left out entirely. This overhaul aimed to better represent the broad spectrum of ages, religions, races, ethnicities, lifestyles, and occupations within AA’s growing membership at the time.
You'll hear about the meticulous process led by AA co-founder Bill W., who emphasized the importance of these personal narratives in capturing the essence of recovery. Whether you're new to AA or have been part of the community for years, this episode offers a fascinating look at how the stories that shaped AA have evolved. It's a chance to connect with the experiences of early members and see how their struggles and triumphs continue to resonate today.