This story is actually the edited and re-titled version of the story “Traveler, Editor, Scholar” which was originally published in the First Edition.  A sizable portion of the beginning of that story was omitted from the second edition and there were also minor word changes throughout. If you listen to the earlier two-story episode that begins with the story “A Different Slant”, you will hear what was cut out from this story during the editing process for the Second Edition.

The “News Hawk” was written by Jim S., a pioneer member of the Akron Group, who you met in an earlier episode as the ghost writer of at least a dozen stories in the First Edition. In compiling them, Jim provided Bill W. with an ample number of stories from the Akron contingent during the year prior to the publication of the Big Book.  Jim’s indispensable work not only helped him stay sober, it was critical to the timely printing of Alcoholics Anonymous. Years later, a reminiscent Lois Wilson complimented Jim’s efforts, saying that the Akron stories in the First Edition were better written than those from New York. Interestingly, despite Jim’s historically significant contribution to the Big Book, his story was omitted from the Fourth Edition.

Howard L, sober since January 1, 1988, presents this inspired reading of the Big Book and encourages listeners to revisit earlier podcast episodes that feature the main chapters and stories in the First Edition of the Big Book. Enjoy listening on our website, BigBookPodcast.com, or download and subscribe to the podcast for free at Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. If you have a minute, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Also join our facebook group, Big Book Podcast Listeners, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with fellow listeners.