Preface / Forward to the 1st Edition

Read the Preface to the Big Book.
According to the Big Book, how many copies were sold of the…
1. First Edition of the Big Book
2. Second Edition of the Big Book
3. Third Edition of the Big Book
Name the two reasons for the strong sentiment against any radical changes being mad to the first portion of the Big Book?
What does the first portion of the Big Book (Preface, Forwards, and the first 164 Pages) describe?
What did the 2nd Edition add to the Big Book?
What changes were made to the Big Book in the 3rd Edition?
What changes were made to the Big Book in the 4th Edition?
What is the reason for the changes made to the Personal Story section of the Big Book?
If you have a drinking problem, why would you read some of the personal stories in the back of the Big Book?

Forward to the First Edition

Read the Forward the the First Edition of the Big Book.
What have “more than one hundred men and women” recovered from, specifically?
What is the main purpose of this book?
Why do “many not comprehend that the alcoholic is a very sick person”?
Why did the early members remain anonymous?
Define the word, “Avocation”.
When should we omit our personal name?
What is a personal name?
What would these early members be “greatly handicapped” by, if the press did not honor their request?
What was the membership’s request?
Define the work, “Organization.”
Are there any dues or fees requires to be a member of Alcoholics Anonymous?
What is the only requirement for membership in Alcoholics Anonymous?
Define the word, “Allied”.
Which faiths, sects or denominations is Alcoholics Anonymous affiliated with?
1. Do you think this is good or bad?
2. Why or Why not?
Whom do we oppose?
1. Do you think this is good or bad?
2. Why or why not?
What do these early members wish for?
Is that a strange wish for an alcoholic to have?
1. Why or why not?
From whom would these members like to hear from?
There is no statement to those who are getting results from “meeting attendance”. Why or why not?