The selfhelp landmark that has led millions from addiction into revitalized lives is now faithfully condensed and introduced by PEN Awardwinning historian Mitch Horowitz. Since its publication in 1939 Alcoholics Anonymous has brought a ray of light into the world rescuing countless people from the grinding compulsion of addiction and inspiring the global twelvestep movement. Now historian and New Thought writer Mitch Horowitz provides a concise yet wholly faithful abridgement and introduction to the Big Book suited to newcomers who are first encountering its ideas veterans looking for a refresher and anyone curious about this classic of spiritual selfrenewal. This twelvestep program can be applied to any addiction or area of life where one is crippled by compulsion whether gambling drugs debtspending chronic overeating or whatever endangers your wellness and deters you from a life of vitality. The way out is in these pages.