Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous

"I began to research A.A. history at the time of my visit to the A.A. International Convention in Seattle in 1990. Just prior to that, an old-timer on Maui had given me Not-God and Lois Remembers for starters. Also, just prior to that, I had read DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers and others of A.A.'s own histories such as Pass It On and A.A. Comes of Age. I was ready to roll on A.A. and the Good Book,[[ASIN:1885803168]; Dr. Bob and His Library [[ASIN:1885803257]]; Anne Smith's Journal [[ASIN:1885803249]; The Oxford Group [[ASIN:1885803192]; Rev. Sam Shoemaker,[[ASIN:1885803273]; and the books early AAs Read [[ASIN:1885803265]];[[ASIN:1885803222 Good Morning!].

For me, Kurtz's Not-God was foundational. I used it for its footnotes. I used it to see what Kurtz had not covered. I used it to dig into the whole mysterious realm of higher powers and not-god-ness. And I still use it and quote it in my work today. I call it the grandfather volume because it prompted a real interest by many of us in doing the research and writing about history that A.A. just doesn't undertake. It also introduced us to the immense amount of history still to be unearthed. See Turning Point [[ASIN:1885803079]] ]It showed as much about what still needed to be done as about what Kurtz had done in the earlier dissertation work. Fairness dictates that the reader be aware of the immense amount of research, writing, and publication that has followed Kurtz's book. There are at least a dozen highly capable authors who cover A.A. history today. There are at least 10 that cover Bill Wilson's life. There are many who join Kurtz in surveying A.A. recovery statistics--in 1938 and now. When I published my first book, it was Ernest Kurtz who wrote the Foreword. Today I join him as one of the many who have appreciated the importance of learning, knowing, and applying A.A. history in the recovery scene today. Without Ernie's pioneer publication, most of us would probably still be sitting in meetings, listening to drunkalogs, and wondering where it all started. "
~ Written on 2008-07-18

"Whether you are an alcoholic or not, this is a divine program given to those that suffer from a disease called alcoholism. This book is probably the most detailed account leading up to the birth of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935 up to around 1975 (book published in 1979).

Although not A.A. approved literature, I recommend this as a MUST read. Especially, to those that are recovered from a seemingly hopeless state-of-mind & body. It will BLOW you away with inspiration.

Chris Y.
sobriety date 8/17/05
home group: "There is a Solution," Saturday Nights, 7:30pm, Bayside Chapel, 965 West Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ
"
~ Written on 2008-01-12

"This is an excellent book giving a deeper understanding of Alcoholics Anonymous. To have a chronicled background from which the program and 12 steps originated is invaluable. It is useful for both personal study and also for professional information. As a recovering alcoholic using the program of alcoholics anonymous, I have a much greater appreciation for how the 12 step process works and the hours and time that previous participants put in so we can have this option available to us. As a professional, I have a greater understanding of the context and history for why this works and why science and medicine have not been able to effectively help alcoholics so far. Kurtz's wonderfully rich details gives a full 360 view of why and how alcoholics can recover using the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous."
~ Written on 2007-11-08

"Ernie Kurtz made a big research project for his doctorate and we are the recepients of a lot of history both written and in the oral tradition all put into one volumne. Not only a good read but a reference manual."
~ Written on 2007-09-23

"in depth history of aa beginnings, including much insight into the formative reasons for the successes and failures of this program. very helpful for someone new to aa, trying to grasp the essence of the program."
~ Written on 2006-02-17