Bill Schaberg Reveals the Untold History of the Big Book
No hank, no big book. I suspect we wouldn't have a program that's as widely accepted because of the way Bill first wrote those steps, that from reading the book, it was hank who kind of calmed them down a little bit.
Ever wondered about the real story behind the creation of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous? In this episode of the Sober Friends Podcast, author Bill Schaberg sits down with host Matt J to discuss his extensive research and the fascinating journey that led to his book, 'Writing the Big Book'. Spanning seven years of meticulous study, Schaberg's work uncovers the intricate details and lesser-known facts about how this pivotal piece of literature came to be.
Bill shares the origins of his project, sparked by his purchase of Jim Burwell’s copy of the original Big Book. He dives into Bill W.'s realization of the need for a book to help alcoholics and reveals the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Hank Parkhurst. Without Hank, there might not have been a Big Book at all. Schaberg also touches on the role of the Oxford Group in shaping the early days of AA.
Listeners will find Schaberg's take on who deserves a spot on the AA Mount Rushmore both controversial and thought-provoking. His insights into the differences between AA in Akron and New York add another layer to understanding this transformative movement. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone curious about the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and the making of its foundational text.
Tune in to hear Bill Schaberg's engaging recount of how one of the most influential books in addiction recovery was written.