Bill W: My First 40 Years

Bill W: My First 40 Years is an autobiographical work originally written by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, as a series of manuscripts intended for internal reflection and early AA archives. The text traces Wilson’s upbringing in Vermont, his experiences during the First World War, his entry into the business world, and his struggle with alcoholism, eventually culminating in the events that led to the founding of AA in 1935. It provides an intimate look at the formative years of a man who would go on to shape modern addiction recovery.

This 2010 edition, published by Hazelden, was released to provide the public with a comprehensive look at the historical roots of the Twelve Step movement. The book serves as a vital historical document for those interested in the evolution of recovery literature. Design-wise, Hazelden maintained a modest, archival aesthetic suitable for the subject matter, ensuring the focus remained squarely on the historical integrity of Wilson’s personal account rather than flashy commercial appeal.