Earl T., got sober in 1938 with the help of Dr. Bob and a number of original members of the fledgling Akron group. He then took his newfound sobriety and program knowledge back to his hometown, Chicago. For more than a year, he attempted, unsuccessfully, to put together an AA group. Finally, he was able to attract a few members, but not before he had sent them to Akron to be indoctrinated into the Program by Dr. Bob and others, and then return to Chicago. It seems that Earl did not feel up to the job, or adequate to pass the program onto new members, without the help of Akron’s established AAs.  

Nonetheless, Earl’s efforts to spread AA’s message to a major city like Chicago was an important step forward and his would have been a captivating story for the First Edition. However, when calls for stories for the First Edition came out in 1938, Earl refused to write his story for the yet-to-be published Big Book. While the reasons are not entirely clear, some AA historians suggest that there was a mistrustful and somewhat toxic atmosphere in 1938 and '39 surrounding the writing of the Big Book and its use of personal stories among Akron's members.

Earl T. and Bill D. were among a faction concerned that the writing of the Big Book was more about making money for its New York author, Bill W., than anything else and refused to submit stories for the First Edition. It wasn’t until years later, well-after that notion was dispelled and when the Big Book’s true purpose was firmly established, that Earl T. and a few others allowed their stories to be published in the Second Edition for the first time. The fact that Earl T’s story has been included in every edition of the Big Book since, is proof-positive of its timeless message and significant impact.

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.