A rare working manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous, the foundational text behind the 12-step program, will be offered at Christie's New York on July 1. The draft comes from the estate of the late billionaire Jim Irsay and carries an estimate of $1 million to $2 million.
The 167-page typescript stands out for its handwritten edits, pencil notes, and revisions made by the book's authors and early AA figures. Among the additions is a presentation page from Lois Wilson, underscoring the manuscript's place in the movement's history.
Originally developed in the 1930s, the book helped shape a recovery model that spread worldwide. More than 30 million copies have been sold, and the title has been translated into 43 languages. The Library of Congress has also listed it among the works that shaped America.
Christie's says the sale proceeds will support philanthropic causes that mattered to Irsay. The auction also includes other historic documents, reflecting strong collector interest in manuscripts that combine cultural influence with rare provenance.
As interest in landmark texts continues to grow, this sale highlights how a single document can preserve both literary history and social impact, while inspiring future generations of collectors and institutions.
