Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (1895–1971), the treatment program which has helped millions of people recover from a disease long stigmatized and regarded as irreversible. Two signed items related to Wilson and Alcoholics Anonymous: 1) TLS, signed “Bill,” two pages, 7.25 x 10.5, W. G. W. letterhead, June 27, 1961. Wilson writes to Ward [Montgomery]. In part: “Thanks very much for ... that thoughtful invitation that I try to attend the Illinois State AA Conference.... For a lot of reasons, I would certainly like to do this. But, unhappily, there are more reasons why I shouldn’t do it.... I have been obliged to give up all speaking and traveling whatever.... At this state of the game, I think it is important that I do not go on the speaking circuit again. At this late date, I fear this would create an unhealthy dependence upon me personally at the very time when A.A. should be getting far more dependent upon the Principles, upon each other, and upon God.... Nor is it possible ... for us to go to meetings without participation. People at the meeting are hurt if you don’t participate and if you don’t show up at all, then you have the same number of invitations coming from all quarters of the compass.... I’m also divesting myself of all managerial duties at the office.... So my remaining communication with A.A.—the only possible one—seems to be in writing. Sometimes I think there is another major book in me—one on ‘Practicing These Principles in all Our Affairs’.... In a way I would feel like a guy who has heard a lot about good cooking, but isn’t yet quite sure of a four-minute egg!... 2) Vintage 8 x 9.75 photo of Wilson with his wife, Lois, signed and inscribed in ink, “To Oscar, In gratitude, Love Bill.” Also included are several unsigned items: 1960 TLS to Montgomery signed “Bill” by Wilson’s secretary, Nell Wing; 1961 TLS to Montgomery from Judge Thomas Boland, mentioning Wilson; printed 1955 promotional AA letter; and an unsigned 1948 candid photo of Wilson. The signed photo is good, with indistinct contrast of writing against the botanical background, trimming to top edge, faint staining, corner creases and edge tears, and permanent lamination. Apart from a hint of mild handling wear and a few staple holes, the letters are clean and fine. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
