(Here is a link to use to view this blog post as a PDF document: https://bit.ly/DickBonRecoveryMiniRefSetNo2HowWellDidEarlyAAinNYSucceed )
If you have heard of Dick B.’s best-selling title, “The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible,” Bridge Builders edition (1997), then you may have a sense of some of the fruits of the first seven years of researching, writing, and speaking by Dick B., JD,CDAAC, about “the rest of the story” of what he described as “the Biblical roots of A.A.”
But did you know that by the end of 1997, my dad (pen name: “Dick B.,” JD,CDAAC—29+ years of continuous sobriety in A.A.) had already had nine other titles on A.A. History published, some in multiple editions?
Did you know that Dick B. went on to write 40 more titles, 35 of which have been published; to write more than 1,750 articles; and to produce more than 100 recorded audio talks, and many videos and video series—all on A.A. History?
As I like to say when talking with folks who have heard of, and even perhaps read, “The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible,” he (and I) learned a few things since the Newton (2nd) edition of that title was published in 1997. My dad continued actively researching, writing, and speaking about A.A. History for another 18 years—he passed away in September 2015.
So what did he (and I, working by his side almost constantly during those years,) learn; and what can you learn, apply, and share with others, based on his efforts both before and after the second edition of “The Good Book and the Big Book” was published in 1997?
That’s where the new “Dick B. on Recovery Mini Reference Set Number Two” (How Well Did Early A.A. in New York Succeed?) comes in. Start with “The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible” by Dick B. and begin building your knowledge from there.
This new “Dick B. on Recovery Mini Reference Set Number Two” includes the following five titles by Dick B. for only $59.95, plus Shipping and Handling:
[1.] Dick B., “The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible,” Foreword by Bob Smith, son of A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob and his wife, Anne, Bridge Builders / 2d ed. (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 1997), 264 pp. (Regular retail list price: $23.95.).
From the back cover of “The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible”:
“An astounding seventy-five to ninety-three percent of the earl members of Alcoholics Anonymous recovered from their seemingly hopeless disease of alcoholism. They did it by relying on God and by basing their relationship with Him on the principles of the Bible. This comprehensive history discusses the biblical sources from which A.A.’s founders said they obtained their recovery ideas—focusing particularly on the Sermon on the Mount, 1 Corinthians 13, and the Book of James. For many AAs, the Bible was the standard of truth upon which they could depend for the power and guidance that they needed in their lives. Author Dick B.—an active, recovered member of A.A., a Bible student, and a sponsor of over seventy men in their recovery—here shows how a knowledge of A.A.’s Good Book roots can be used effectively to produce a high recovery rate in today’s Twelve Step program.
“The Bible and the ‘Big Book’ of Alcoholics Anonymous are not mutually exclusive, as the author, Dick B., carefully shows. The A.A. book which has helped millions with their addictions is deeply indebted to, and profoundly influenced by, biblical language, images, and themes gleaned directly from the Bible or indirectly from Bible teachers like Rev. Samuel Shoemaker, E. Stanley Jones, and Oswald Chambers. A.A. has received much from biblical Christianity, and biblical Christians can receive much from Dick’s new book about spiritual growth and victorious living. Rev. Charles B. Puskas, Jr., Ph.D., Author, ‘An Introduction to the New Testament.’
“Dick’s exhaustive research gives us a clear picture of how Dr. Bob, Anne, Bill W., and the early AAs used the Good Book to help thousands recover. Ray G., Archivist, Dr. Bob’s Home, Akron, Ohio.
“We use Dick’s book in all our counselor training centers. It is an invaluable resource. Jean LaCour, Ph.D., Dean, The N.E.T. Training Institute, Florida.
“We’re excited to have this book for scholars of A.A. that explains A.A.’s roots in the Bible! Ozzie and Bonnie L, Managers, The Wilson House, East Dorset, Vermont.
“Anyone seeking to learn the spiritual roots of Alcoholics Anonymous will find Dick B.’s publication, ‘The Good Book and the Big Book,’ an invaluable resource. Dick has done a monumental job of finding and documenting the prime sources of A.A.’s life-renewing power. John F. Seiberling, former United States Congressman, and son of Henrietta Seiberling, an early A.A. ‘founder.’”
[2.] Dick B., “The Good Book-Big Book Guidebook” (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2006), 196 pp. (Regular retail list price: $22.95.)
From the back cover of “The Good Book-Big Book Guidebook”:
“You don’t need to leave A.A. or any 12 Step program or even a treatment program just because you are a Christian. Nor do you need to flee to an exclusively Christian Fellowship, Christian Treatment Program, or Christian Track Program just to believe or profess your beliefs in connection with your own recovery. You’re the boss. You need all the help you can get.
“We’ve long needed a guide that will use history to help you in your recovery—whatever your choice of fellowships, groups, recovery programs, or treatment programs. Early A.A.’s Christian Fellowship—with its emphasis on reliance on our Creator, acceptance of Christ, Bible study, prayer, guidance, fellowship, and witness—is nothing to be buried, to be hushed up, or to be afraid of mentioning. It’s a part of recovery history—the most important part, the part that set A.A. aside in the 1930’s as a cure for the medically incurable, . . .”
[3.] Dick B., “The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living That Works,”
With a Foreword by T. Willard Hunter; 3rd, rev. ed. (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 1998), 436 pp. (Regular retail list price: $23.95.)
From the back cover of “The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous: A Design for Living That Works”:
“Scholarly, comprehensive, unique! A.A. was an integral part of the Oxford Group in the early 1930’s, and this book contains the only study of the Oxford Group’s contributions to early A.A.’s Big Book, Twelve Steps, and Fellowship. You will find here the Oxford Group’s Biblical roots, the origin of its ideas, details on its believes and practices, its influence on early AAs and their high success rate, and where its concepts can be found in today’s A.A.
“A masterly book. Dick B. has fully converted me to his use of quotations to show the parallels between the Oxford Group and the statements of Bill W., Dr. Bob and A.A. literature generally. Dick evidences a power of summarizing the aims of a book in a few lines with much clarity. Garth D. Lean, Author of ‘On the Tail of a Comet’ (The life of Oxford Group founder, Dr. Frank N. D. Buchman).
“Dick B. has the capacity and commitment to go to the very wellsprings of A.A. and through brilliant and painstaking research, to bring the real inspiration of its roots to today’s living. James D. and Eleanor Forde Newton, Authors of ‘Uncommon Friends’ and ‘The Guidance of God;’ Oxford Group activists for 70 years; Friends of Frank Buchman and Sam Shoemaker.
“What Dick is doing with his research and development of books is of utmost importance. ‘The Oxford Group & Alcoholics Anonymous’ is a first rate example. Without a spiritual commitment to God and His guidance, most people in A.A. will not make it. It’s regrettable more do not see this. Jim H., A.A. Oldtimer (63 years), Moral Re-Armament Board Member, and friend of A.A. co-founder, Bill Wilson.
“Dick: I have your books, ‘New Light on Alcoholism,’ ‘The Akron Genesis,’ ‘Dr. Bob’s Library,’ Anne Smith’s Journal,’ and ‘The Oxford Group.’ You write exceedingly well and simply so that folks like me can understand and enjoy. Geraldine D., CEO Emeritus and Founder, Little Hill Foundation, Friend of Bill and Lois Wilson, and A.A. Oldtimer (50 years).
“Dick B. is performing a service to our whole field by describing the historical and spiritual roots of recovery from alcoholism. Paul Wood, Ph.D., President, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.”
[4.] Dick B., “New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.,” With Forewords by: (1) Nickie Shoemaker Haggart, LCSW, daughter of Sam Shoemaker; (2) Julia Harris, friend of Bill W. and Sam Shoemaker; (3) Karen A. Plavan, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Penn State; the Pittsburg Edition / 2nd ed. (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 1999), 664 pp. (Regular retail list price: $24.95)
From the back cover of “New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.”:
“The Rev. Sam Shoemaker, an Episcopal rector at Calvary Church in New York City and later at Calvary Church in Pittsburgh, was dubbed a ‘co-founder’ of Alcoholics Anonymous by A.A.’s Bill Wilson. The degree, details, and importance of Sam Shoemaker’s impact on early A.A. were virtual unknowns until author Dick B.—an active, recovery AA—devoted eight years of research and writing to these subjects. This book will show you the enormity of spiritual words, ideas, and language Shoemaker contributed to A.A.’s spiritual program of recovery. Shoemaker helped the Bible, Christianity, and the power of God come alive in the Twelve Step program of the 1930’s. A knowledge of Shoemaker’s legacy can help reverse the dismal drug and alcohol recovery state today.
“Delighted you are including in your study of Alcoholics Anonymous the impact of Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, Jr., had in the early days of A.A. . . . He was a great communicator, an excellent preacher, a talented counselor—loved and respected by everyone. Norman Vincent Peale, author, ‘The Power of Positive Thinking.’
“Another thread in the A.A. fabric fashioned by Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Bob Smith, co-author, ‘Children of the Healer;’ Dr. Bob’s son.
“This book will be most helpful to those seeking growth in 12 Step programs. Joe McQ., Little Rock, AR, co-author, ‘The Steps We Took.’
“Sam Shoemaker helped to shape the spiritual roots of A.A.’s life-changing power. All of us who labored to help suffering alcoholics can be grateful to Dick B. He has documented the contribution of this giant of faith to our entire movement. Paul Wook, Ph.D., President, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.”
[5.] Dick B., “Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.’s Spiritual Roots and Successes,” Foreword by Paul Wood, Ph.D., President, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (San Rafael, Calif.: Paradise Research Publications, 1997), 776 pp. (Regular retail list price: $29.95.)
From the back cover of “Turning Point: A History of Early A.A.’s Spiritual Roots and Successes”:
“Discover: The spiritual power of early A.A.; why it achieved astonishing success in the 1930s; and how its history of reliance on God can be used for recovery today.
“The ‘turning point’: The turning point for A.A. pioneers was the surrender in which they placed themselves unreservedly in God’s hands for recovery and deliverance.
“‘Turning Point—a title six years in the making: Since 1990, Dick has traveled, researched, interviewed, and published on the subject of the spiritual roots of early A.A. Each of his ten titles has covered one or more aspects of A.A.’s foundations. This new title, ‘Turning Point,’ will help you understand how A.A. pioneers put together the diverse principles of their astonishingly successful recovery program from the Bible, Sam Shoemaker’s teachings, the Oxford Group, Anne Smith’s journal, Christian literature of the day, and meditation materials such as ‘The Upper Room’ and ‘The Runners Bible.’ It contains specific practical suggestions for using the history today.
“We believe Dick B.’s searching and unrelenting quest for the factual history of A.A. is remarkable in its integrity and scope. Bob and Betty Smith, son and daughter-in-law of A.A.’s co-founder Dr. Bob. Bob Smith is co-author of ‘Children of the Healer.’
“We rejoice in the fine comprehensive history of A.A. Thank, Dick B., for sharing your insight on the Christian roots of the program. What a valuable tool in our recovery! Ozzie and Bonnie L., Managers of The Wilson House, East Dorset, Vermont
“A monumental work! Dick B.’s comprehensive history is a gift of amazing quality and goes right to the source of A.A. basics. James D. Newton and Eleanor Forde Newton, authors of ‘Uncommon Friends’ and ‘The Guidance of God,’ Oxford Group activists for 70 years; friends of Frank Buchman and Sam Shoemaker.
“Dick has done a wonderful job of finding and documenting the prime sources of A.A.’s life-renewing power. John Seiberling, former United States Congressman, son of Henrietta Seiberling (an early A.A. ‘founder’)
“Dick B.’s comprehensive history of the spiritual roots of A.A. will be of enormous value to students and faculty programs around the world. . . . What a great contribution. Karen A. Plavan, Ph.D., Asst. Prof., Counselor Education-Chemical Dependency, The Pennsylvania State University.”
The combined retail list price for the five titles by Dick B. in this “Mini Reference Set Number Two” is $125.75, plus Shipping.
For a limited time, all five (5) titles in the “Dick B. on Recovery Mini Reference Set Number Two” are available for only $59.95 plus $9.95 S&H (Total: $69.90).
** Please note: This offer is only available for shipments made to U.S. destinations and payable in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. **
(If you would like to have these books shipped to somewhere outside of the U.S., please email at KenB@DickBonRecovery.com or call me at 1-808-387-7609 so we can work out the details.)
Ready to acquire this “Mini Reference Set Number Two”? Here how:
Option 1:
[1a.] Go to www.DickBonRecovery.com, the main “hub” for many things “Dick B.”
[1b.] Scroll down the page to the bolded major subheading:
“Help Support Keeping Dick B.’s 25 Years of Research on the Biblical Roots of A.A. Available”
[1c.] Click on the orange-colored rectangle with the word “Donate” in blue type.
[1d.] Where you see the blinking cursor to the right of the amount “$0.00,” enter the amount 69.90.
[1e.] Choose whether you will be paying via PayPal, or with a credit or debit card. (You do not need to have a PayPal account to use this secure form which uses PayPal as the payment gateway.)
[1f.] If you see a place to add a note, please enter “Mini Ref. Set #2.”
Once I receive notification of your payment, I will send you an email confirmation of receipt of your order and will notify you as to an estimated arrival date range for your order.
How to acquire one or more Dick B. “mini-sets”:
Here are other ways to send your payment for the “Dick B. on Recovery Mini Reference Set Number Two” to me, in the amount of $69.90:
[a.] my PayPal link (@DickBsSonKen):
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If you have any difficulties in having your payment go through, please send me an email message at KenB@DickBonRecovery.com or give me a call at 1-808-387-7609.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Ken Burns, owner and president
Good Book Publishing Company
PO Box 331231
Kahului, Hawaii 96733
Want to learn even more about “the rest of the story” of “the Biblical roots of A.A. Get the full, 31-volume “Dick B. A.A. History Reference Set” instead (which includes all five of the titles discussed above, and 26 more, by Dick B.!):
https://bit.ly/TheDickBAAHistoryReferenceSet.
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