While I didn't find this as captivating as AA's companion bio of the program's co-founder, Bill Wilson, this was still a good read. Bill was the idea guy and Dr. Bob the practical guy, and together they made a great team.
The book is rich in reminiscences by old-timers who were active in the early groups in Akron and Cleveland, and it presented a vivid portrait of the trials and tribulations by which AA grew into the successful program that created the prototype for them many 12-step programs that thrive today. ( )

Excellent information about one of the unlikely co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. ( )

Issued by AA World Services in New York, this quality hardback is well written and gives a simple and entertaining history of how Alcoholics Anonymous was born and wrenched from the Oxford Group, its place of birth. A must read for anyone interested in the AA spiritual program.

One also gains a deeper understanding of Robert Holcomb Smith as a man. His picture shows a convivial old man on the walls of many an AA Clubhouse, but he was much more than just that. He was the anchor of the fledgling organization that only accepted rock bottom alkies who must first be hospitalzied and must humble themselves on their knees to their Almighty God. This is why the organization was two people in June and July, 1935, then 3 in August, and had no more than 10 a year later; 40 two years later. Cleveland's alkies ripped AA away from the Oxford group and when the big book was published, there were 110 - 130 AAs in the fold. Now AA numbers more than two million members in more than 80 countries. ( )