This is a tremendous help to those in the fellowship devoted to combating the ever present danger of AA devolving into a cult of personality built from myths about its founders. Keeping accurate history alive which displays the human struggle of sobriety and ethical credibility among members, warts included, is pivotal to demonstrating the great thing so many people have built together in AA.
Note for A.A. Truth Seekers - In his recent "MORE HAS BEEN REVEALED" (2) presentation Bill reveals in the section "About My Mistakes" (14min 49sec) that he had "got it wrong" about ... (see above 1h21:41) when he is speaking about August 15th "Hank didn't go to meeting" and Hank drinking in August 16th and 19th - this revelation was the result of persuasive arguments by Historian John B. (NJ). The three August dates are in fact references to a "Henry Heller" a newcomer who had stopped drinking in march of 1939.
Very intriguing. Congratulations on uncovering a lost bit of history in AA. I know in early years of AA founding New York and Akron had very different views about program. Dr. Bob heavy leaning on religion and New York not so much so. Only in nominal ways. A book about that would also be fascinating and informative. Perhaps get to the bottom of this whole dislike of Bill Wilson by early members like Clarence Snyder. There still exists a certain discounting of Bill by many of the Akron-Cleaveland- Detroit, members of AA today. A detailed history of that could be informative also. Again congratulations on the fine book you've produced.
Am most of the way thru your book and love it. I wonder if you are going to research the writing of the 12 & 12 the way you did for the Big Book. I think it would be almost as interesting .
Thank you for posting this great information. I am currently listening to the audible version of your book and aside from the narrators annoying mimicking of Bill's voice, it is a wealth of information. Perhaps you should do the narration on the next production.
I see the dynamics and I see Bill being mostly Hank's scribe. It was Hank's office Hank's secretary. Hank could tell Bill to leave at any time. Basically, fire him. So, Bill did what Hank said. Ruth knew shorthand but typed. This meant it was probably written by Hank then she typed it. Ruth wanted to keep her job after the money started coming in and she lied for Bill. Which I understand. You did say Hank edited all the stories, but you chastise his writing skill. It doesn't add up. I see in Hanks writing the non-use of unneeded words, yet very rhythmic and interesting. I could go on and on but i do have 18 years 11 months and 20 days sobriety
20 years sober. Well done. The messianic narrative of Bill W's hero's journey is not the correct narrative he had a lot of help. All idols have feet of clay.
Don't be more critical of yourself I'd doest help. Infact most like free will doesn't exist not only is your experience illusion but you also probably not in charge at all ie call it spirit god ect
Thank you. You obviously put an amazing amount of time in your AA talks and your amazing book.
I have over 30 years sober yet, I’ve learned so much from your work. Thank You, Sir!
This is a tremendous help to those in the fellowship devoted to combating the ever present danger of AA devolving into a cult of personality built from myths about its founders. Keeping accurate history alive which displays the human struggle of sobriety and ethical credibility among members, warts included, is pivotal to demonstrating the great thing so many people have built together in AA.
Thanks - Reading The Big Book will never be the same now that I’ve seen this… God Bless You
Note for A.A. Truth Seekers - In his recent "MORE HAS BEEN REVEALED" (2) presentation Bill reveals in the section "About My Mistakes" (14min 49sec) that he had "got it wrong" about ... (see above 1h21:41) when he is speaking about August 15th "Hank didn't go to meeting" and Hank drinking in August 16th and 19th - this revelation was the result of persuasive arguments by Historian John B. (NJ). The three August dates are in fact references to a "Henry Heller" a newcomer who had stopped drinking in march of 1939.
Incidentally, I got sober in 82, 85, 91, and the last time 94. Will see what happens today! The last time I got sober, it was on a prayer!!
Fascinating. Thank you.
Very intriguing. Congratulations on uncovering a lost bit of history in AA. I know in early years of AA founding New York and Akron had very different views about program. Dr. Bob heavy leaning on religion and New York not so much so. Only in nominal ways. A book about that would also be fascinating and informative. Perhaps get to the bottom of this whole dislike of Bill Wilson by early members like Clarence Snyder. There still exists a certain discounting of Bill by many of the Akron-Cleaveland- Detroit, members of AA today. A detailed history of that could be informative also. Again congratulations on the fine book you've produced.
@Eremias Ranwolf Are you speaking of Akron based or New York?
Am most of the way thru your book and love it. I wonder if you are going to research the writing of the 12 & 12 the way you did for the Big Book. I think it would be almost as interesting .
The book you authored is excellent. Many thanks. DOS 2/15/87.
Thank you. My mom is a Parkhurst.
Thank you for posting this great information. I am currently listening to the audible version of your book and aside from the narrators annoying mimicking of Bill's voice, it is a wealth of information. Perhaps you should do the narration on the next production.
Thank you!
Thank you so much
I ran into Joe with the white extended cab at the cruise. #S10MAFIA
Do you know if Hank was ever a well driller, and if he had a grandson named Marvin?
Read the book. Tough getting thru this with all that clicking. My keyboard can be silenced. A voracious reader and I enjoy getting to know authors.
I see the dynamics and I see Bill being mostly Hank's scribe. It was Hank's office Hank's secretary. Hank could tell Bill to leave at any time. Basically, fire him. So, Bill did what Hank said. Ruth knew shorthand but typed. This meant it was probably written by Hank then she typed it. Ruth wanted to keep her job after the money started coming in and she lied for Bill. Which I understand. You did say Hank edited all the stories, but you chastise his writing skill. It doesn't add up. I see in Hanks writing the non-use of unneeded words, yet very rhythmic and interesting. I could go on and on but i do have 18 years 11 months and 20 days sobriety
Amazing that the book finally happened after all that…..Mentioning Hanks contribution puts a dent in the romantic notion that it was all Bill.
20 years sober.
Well done.
The messianic narrative of Bill W's hero's journey
is not the correct narrative he had a lot of help.
All idols have feet of clay.
Atheists have some of the strongest faith I have ever seen.
Please slow down alittle.
Lol hes east coast
Don't be more critical of yourself I'd doest help. Infact most like free will doesn't exist not only is your experience illusion but you also probably not in charge at all ie call it spirit god ect