Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers : The Definitive Biography of A.A.’s Midwestern Co-founder

Alcoholics Anonymous, by its very nature, could not have been founded by one person: its essence is sharing. Bill W. and Dr. Bob are always referred to within A.A. as “co-founders.” Having died in 1950, when A.A. was only 15 years old, the Ohio surgeon may be less well-known than the New York stockbroker, his influence on the whole A.A. program is permanent and profound. Filled with interviews with friends and family, this deeply researched biography follows A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob S. from his New England childhood to his days as a surgeon and father who couldn't stop drinking; to his transformative meeting with Bill W. and the birth of A.A. in Akron; and finally to his untimely death in 1950. Inextricably entwined with Bob’s life, the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Midwest is chronicled along the way. With 26 archival photographs. General Service Conference-approved. For A.A. history buffs as well as members curious to know more about the quieter co-founder, Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers offers an inside glimpse into the inspiring life of this complex, compelling character. With 39 archival photographs. Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous. Forward Childhood and college years Postgraduate work: M.D. and alcoholic Husband, father,and drunk The physician as co-workers see him The alcoholic in the Oxford Group Two alcoholics meet A. A. number three arrives The first group forms, in Akron Twelfth Step approaches evolve The co-founders face money problems Early meetings and Big Book controversies Cleveland A.A.'s leave the Oxford Group The movement spreads in the Midwest A. A. and St. Thomas Hospital Sudden growth in Cleveland Split between Akron A.A. and the Oxford Group "As Dr. Bob said . . ." The wives' role in early A.A. Minorities within A. A. gain acceptance Toledo A.A.'s find division is not disaster Group concerns and angry rumors Oldtimers' impressions of Dr. Bob His prescriptions for sobriety Dr. Bob's influence on Ohio A. A. Personal sidelights on his sober years His spiritual quest Shadows—illness and dissension Without Anne, but with loving friends The last year The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous Some Significant Dates Sources Index From the inside jacket cover... This book attempts to give a portrait of Dr. Bob as full-scale and balanced as possible--for the most part, in the words of those who knew him personally. The youngster who grew up in Vermont of the late 19th century became a hard-drinking college boy, then a medical student fighting the onset of of his own alcoholism, a respected physician, a loving but increasingly unreliable family man, and at last a desperately ill drunk, without hope until he met a stockbroker from New York--Bill W., who urgently needed a fellow alcoholic to help him maintain his own sobriety. Biography of one of the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. Respected physician, desperately ill drunk, the start of the Fellowship with Dr. Bob's last drink, a tumultuous and exhilarating book Index. About the contribution that Dr. Bob Smith, the Ohio surgeon, made to A. A.