Newsletter Archives

Dear A.A. Friends:

The response to the release of the Plain Language Big Book has been heartwarming.
The initial print run of just over 70,000 copies sold out in only two weeks!

In preparation for a second printing, the General Service Board noted revisions that better
align with the 74th General Service Conference’s recommendation (Advisory Action) to
move ahead with the printing of the book.

Prior to the first printing, the General Service Board made adjustments to align with the
Conference’s direction. However, the Board now realizes the adjustments that were made
fell short. A regrettable and unintentional mistake had been made. We have worked
together to correct those mistakes quickly.

The changes outlined below may be very consequential for some, and less significant for
others, but the Board feels responsible to see that the Advisory Action from the
Conference is carried out.

In addition to the changes to the text of the Plain Language Big Book outlined below, the
language on the back flap will be amended to better reflect the progress of this project.
The third sentence will now read, “The 72nd GSC reviewed a progress report, and sample
chapters were reviewed at the 73rd GSC.”

My sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused any of our members,
and I appreciate your patience and understanding. The order for the second printing has
been placed to include the changes outlined below. We expect the book to be back in
stock in approximately 4-6 weeks.

Thank you again for your understanding. I hope you find the Plain Language Big Book a
useful tool for reading the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, and helpful with carrying our
life saving message.

Scott H.
Chair, General Service Board

• On page 64, remove the sentence “It seems to control and punish people who are addicted to it” from the last paragraph.
• On page 9, remove the definition of “Addiction” from the Glossary section.
• On page 11, revise the sentence “Dr. Silkworth ran the Charles B. Towns Hospital for Drug and Alcohol Addictions in New York City during the 1930s.”
  To read:
  “Dr. Silkworth ran the Charles B. Towns Hospital for alcoholism and drug addiction in New York City during the 1930s.”
• On page 14, revise the sentence “I help people recover from their alcohol and drug addictions”
  To read:
  “I help people recover from their alcoholism and drug addiction.”
• “On page 139, revise the sentence “In one of these cities there is a well-known hospital for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction.”
  To read:
  “In one of these cities there is a well-known hospital for the treatment of alcoholism.”