The Enemy In The Mouth

The ex-library book is in very good condition. The ex-library markings include a bookplate on the ffep, a checkout plate on the rfep and stamps on the rfep, otherwise there is no writing and no torn or missing pages. The cover is in very good condition with a stain on the lower corner extending on the spine as clearly shown in the scan. The binding is tight. The dust jacket has chipping and short tears on the edges. The book is out of print.

In this book Kessel shares the stories of AA members from France and the US, including AA’s co-founder Bill W. These stories were the result of Kessel observations and personal interviews while attending AA meetings in France, New York, visiting prisons and private meetings with Bill W. It is significant as one of thes earliest, if not the first, in-depth look at the life saving program of AA from someone outside of the fellowship.

Oh God! that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their brains. Shakespeare, Othello. I don't know about anyone else but I did the very same thing for years until I got to Alcoholics Anonymous. This book written by Joseph Kessel was later retitled The Road Back. It is a true account of his journey to find out about the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. From the bowery to the wealthy alcoholics, meetings with Bill Wilson and Jack London, this book is a true account of Kessel's fascination with the program and what made it work. Excellent reading! This is the first english edition published by Rupert Hart-Davis, Soho Square London, 1961.