This is one of only 5 stories to show up in all 4 Editions. The author is John Henry Fitzhugh Mayo, known to his contemporaries as “Fitz” M. Unlike some of the previous Personal Stories, quite a lot is known about Fitz and his contribution to early AA and the Big Book. Fitz got sober in October 1935, after a visit from Bill W. in Townes Hospital in New York City, and is reputedly the third person whom Bill helped to get sober after he returned to New York from Akron. He was among the earliest AA members who helped Bill make the transition from the Oxford Group to the 12 steps of AA in the late 1930s and was heavily involved in the formative years of the Program.

Interestingly, Fitz originally submitted a much shorter version of this story which he titled “Me and John”, as in John Barleycorn, in 1938. Bill asked him to expand the story. After being renamed, the story, more than twice the length of the original, was published in the First Edition of the Big Book as one of the longest stories in that 1939 Edition. Its most famous passage is Fitz’s revelatory thought “Who are you to say there is no God?” and the falling to his knees to experience hope and a great sense of peace. Just why the First Edition story was pared down for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions is a mystery, but its enduring message still rings true today.

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 and Second Editions 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.

Check out Howard L.'s newest podcast, "AA Recovery Interviews".