This link leads to a page on a website that presents the story of Clarence S., the man who carried the AA message to Cleveland from Dr. Bob in Akron before the Big Book was published.

Chapter Three (which is broken into several fascinating segments) shows how a desperate man, through a serendipitous chain of events, got hooked up with Dr. Bob. It's funny now, but I bet it was terrifying for Clarence.

You'll learn about the Oxford Group, how it worked, how Dr. Bob was helping others, and how Clarence was dedicated to Step 12 and the 5th Tradition is a way that is unimaginable to most AAs nowadays.

The Big Book was written to preserve the way the Founders did it. Too many of us don't bother to read it carefully, then apply its lessons (without mixing in a bunch of treatment center psycho-bable). Clarence's story gives us another clear recollection of "how it works."

I wish this book were still in print. It's not, but, thanks to this site, you can download it.

Please consider making a 7th Tradition contribution to their site.