Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers: The definitive biography of A.A.’s Midwestern co-founder

by Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous, by its very nature, could not have been founded by one its essence is sharing. Bill W. and Dr. Bob are always referred to within A.A. as “co-founders.” Having died in 1950, when A.A. was only 15 years old, the Ohio surgeon may be less well-known than the New York stockbroker, his influence on the whole A.A. program is permanent and profound.

Filled with interviews with friends and family, this deeply researched biography follows A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob S. from his New England childhood to his days as a surgeon and father who couldn't stop drinking; to his transformative meeting with Bill W. and the birth of A.A. in Akron; and finally to his untimely death in 1950. Inextricably entwined with Bob’s life, the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Midwest is chronicled along the way. With 26 archival photographs. General Service Conference-approved.


For A.A. history buffs as well as members curious to know more about the quieter co-founder, Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers offers an inside glimpse into the inspiring life of this complex, compelling character. With 39 archival photographs.

Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers has been approved by the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Self Help, Spirituality, Biography

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[zogador · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a member of AA and I read this book for my interest in the history of the program. The book contained several important nuggets of information, and it is worth reading, but unfortunately the book was very poorly compiled. The overall feel I obtained while reading this book was slight confusion sometimes mildly chaotic. There was no progressive flow of information.

Most of the chapters contain a large proportion of quotes taken from many early members of AA, but the way in which these quotes are presented is very confounding. It's difficult to ascertain who is saying what at any given time. This general confusion takes away from the overall value of information presented. If I had to guess, I would suggest that the person(s) who created this book were unfortunately not qualified or experienced enough to take on such a project.

If you have an interest in the history of and creation of AA, this is the book. Just be prepared for a sort of rambling collection of quotes, many of which contain tangential details of insignificance.

[Helen Kingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an oral history of Alcoholics Anonymous from the perspective of Ohio members and supporters. Specifically, people shared memories of Dr. Bob Smith, the co-founder of AA. Layers and layers of meaning and emotion stacked on top of me as I read. It's an amazing book, and so close to my heart that it was painful to finish it.

[Timojhen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful history and perspective on one of the co-founders. Dr Bob was a great balancer of Bill's ambitions, was fascinating to read on all of the narrow misses. Things certainly could have gone off the rails in a multitude of places, relieved they didn't. A load of useful information on where A.A. came from, the inevitable growing pains and how (ultimately) returning the program to it's members saved it from itself.

[Moira]

The narrative can be a little corny and disorganized, but it's a fascinating look at AA's beginnings. I have to say I do prefer Dr. Bob to Bill W. The only people I've known to read this are either addicts in early sobriety (their sponsors made them), or sociology students researching temperance movements. In late 2002 I was reading this book at a bus stop in Seattle. Guess which flavour I was.

[Kenny Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information in this book, if you're interested in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. While the information is good, it is kind of a dry, tedious read. However, I don't believe Dr. Bob & the Good Oldtimers was ever meant to be entertaining, but it is informative, so if you're searching to learn more about the origins of AA, then give this one a read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, spirit-filled book about the early days of AA. How 2 down and out drunks started a worldwide movement that through God's grace has saved millions of people and inspired many other groups to adopt their fabulous 12 step program.

[Kevin Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible history of AA's founding and spread through Ohio. Historians interested in Ohio history as well as sociologists will be given an inside look into the development of one of the most unique and influential organizations of the last century.

[Sherrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting life and history of Dr. Bob Smith, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Loved it.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another AA history, but from the Akron-Dr. Bob side of the fellowship.

[Miss Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

On pg 137 on 1/16/25

[Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oral history of the life of Dr. Bob, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The content was heavy and emotional, but I learned so much about Dr. Bob and the beginning members of AA. 3 stars because it was a bit unorganized and somewhat difficult to follow in terms of oral conversations written into the book.

I learned a lot about the life and character of a man who founded the program which turned my parents’ lives around after struggling with alcoholism. Although gruff, he was a kind and honest man who believed in serving and loving others above all, knowing the ultimate key to helping yourself is to help others. I look back on my childhood and find the principles of AA to be fundamental to who I am now. Dr. Bob sounded like a real G.

Fave quote, from his speech at his last AA convention:

“None of us would be here today if somebody hadn’t taken time to explain things to us, to give us a little pat on the back, to do numerous little kind and thoughtful acts on our behalf. So let us never get a degree of smug complacency that we’re not willing to extend, or attempt to extend, to others that help which has been so beneficial to us”

Remember the four absolutes: absolute honesty, absolute unselfishness, absolute purity, and absolute love !

[Erika Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Al-Anon sponsorship group has a monthly book study and we read this book in 2016.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was fascinated by the early history of AA, the people involved, the decisions they made, and the evolution of the group(s). This book contains personal anecdotes, photos, and colorful memories of the people at the very beginning of the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous. It brought home for me what I consider no less than a miraculous achievement for the founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob. I was moved by the movement and touched by the stories shared. I am grateful to have had this look inside the beginnings of an organization that has restored so many lives for so many years.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO many good take-away messages. My favorite one: NO drunkalogues. Save your anecdotes for your sponsor and other AA's before/after the meeting. Focus on the solution.

The downfall of this book is in its ambition; it tries to cover every single individual involved in AA at the time and people's names are referenced all over the place. And they're all named Paul or Bill.

[Justin Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into Dr Bob. I am sure I will reread this again.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to help me understand the disease.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for anyone with an interest in the Alcoholic Anonymous Fellowship. The book is a Biography of Dr. Bob, one of the co-founders of the Fellowship.

[Susan Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle

[Kelsey Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Philip Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about lifelong commitment to service and helping others.

[Bookworman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable read. A good behind-the-scenes history that fills in information not includednin the Big Book.

I recommend it to anyone in a 12-Step program who is a history nerd like me!

[Jay Couture · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eloquent and comprehensive biography of one of AA's founders.

If you ever wanted to know the story of Dr. Bob the co-founder of AA this is it! Good reading for the Alcoholic.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of the book is actually short. I enjoyed reading about the early days of AA told by insiders.

My frustration is actually with other reviews w
ho describe this book as chaotic, messy, and disorganized. I know many hardcore AA types think God spoke to Bill and Dr. Bob through a burning bush. These two guys aren't the messiah. They describe themselves as merely two drunks trying to stay sober. I imagine forming AA was disorganized, chaotic, and messy.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book more of a 3.5. I was interested in it bc of my own family history in northern Ohio & the affect this group has had on some people I know. A little repetitive in the middle, this book was enlightening and encouraging. The story of a small group of people committed to changing their lives and helping others during one of the most difficult times in history (Depression & WWII) is a true testiment to the compassion and empathy of humankind and the power of a helping hand.

[Wade Goertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and illuminating look into how AA started and how the first members found long term sobriety even before the Big Book was published. Some marvelous anecdotes about the characters - and I do mean "characters" - who did everything they needed to do in order to lick the alcohol problem in their lives. A MUST READ for those who wish to learn more about the early days of Alcoholics Anonymous.

[Molly McDonald]

26:69—Recite Abraham’s news to them … He said: “Have you ever seen what you have been worshipping, you and your forefathers, the oldtimers? They are enemies of mine, except for the Lord of the universe Who created me. He guides me, and is the One Who feeds me and gives me something to drink. Whenever I fall ill, He heals me. He is the One Who will cause me to die, then bring me back to life again.”

[Dick Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. It was simply told. I am amazed at the effort that both Dr Bob and Bill put into the program. They and their families gave everything they had both financially and physically to the success of AA. I am so grateful to them. What an example. I don't even come close to what they have done.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a really fantastic book on the history of AA. Gives me the freaking chills every time I read it and they talk about how what started as two people has become a worldwide fellowship. Awesome.

[Heather Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I got more from this book than I did from the AA big book. This is a really great history book and gives so much background on how people shape the groups of AA. I really enjoyed reading this and got so much more out of it than the big book. It was not as depressing.

[David Loebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is the History of the startup of the Alcoholics Anonymous movement. A good lesson of how they came to be. Many tools are hidden in this book that will help you stay away from that first drink. You know, the one that gets you drunk.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography from AA about it's co-founder Bob Smith. Loaned to me by my OA sponsor. Valuable book.