Ebby: The Man Who Sponsored Bill W.

by Mel B.

Book Overview

This is both a fascinating history of the formative years of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as the bitter-sweet tale of the troubled man Bill W. always referred to as "my sponsor."

In 1934, Ebby Thatcher called an old drinking buddy to tell him about the happiness he was finding in sobriety. His friend's name was Bill Wilson, and this book is the story of their life-long friendship.

"Deeply informative and moving, a valuable contribution...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156838162X
• ISBN13: 9781568381626
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: Hazelden Publishing & Educational Services
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

The man who inspired AA

I have always admired Ebby T. First - for sharing his experience, strength and hope with Bill W and planting the seed that would become Alcoholics Anonymous and second - for struggling manfully with the disease of alcoholism and becoming - perhaps - the poster child for what happens when alcoholics cannot willingly surrender everything...especially relationships to a higher power. In other words, Ebby is an example of what to do and what not to do in order ot benefit from a 12 step program. Just like me... Finally, I am so glad that he is there in the background behind Bill and Bob, a reminder of just how important the alcoholic is who still suffers - drunk or sober - to the experience of alcoholics anonymous. This book tells his story and the story of many of us who sit around the tables of AA. Ebby remains an honored pioneer and someone dear to my heart. Highly recommended.

Excellent Book

I have been interested in AA history for several years. This book provides a lot of interesting facts about Ebby and includes the connections leading up to his meeting with Bill. Without him Bill would have had no message to carry to Dr. Bob and I would not be alive to write this. I loved it and couldn't put it down until I finished it.

Very Interesting

Ebby was a man you can't help but love. Kind of like Otis from Andy Griffith. Only his life was much more heartbreaking. Also he played a part in changing the world for the better.

An important piece of AA history

This book contains great information and insight about the man who was instrumental in the formation of the 12 Step programs. I even bought one for my sponsor, who knew of Ebby, but didn't know some of the history this book provides. A wonderful addition to every recovery library!

Essential AA History and a Fun Read!

Mel B. has given us a gift in "Ebby, The Man Who Sponsored Bill W.". Finally, the question of, What ever happened to Ebby, is answered fully and interestingly. I especially enjoyed: 1. the social background of the relationship and friendship which led ultimately to Ebby's call on Bill W., 2. Ebby's particular but familiar character qualities that made continuous sobriety difficult for him, 3. Bill W.'s never ending love and respect for Ebby, his Sponsor, that literally sent AA's to the edge of the earth in a quest to 'get Ebby sobered up again', and 4. Mel B's tasteful insertion of "fun facts" throughout the text which will delight readers.Ebby, came from a very prominent and wealthy Albany New York family. Both his father and brother served as Mayor of Albany and his brother came astonishingly close to becoming the Governor of New York when FDR left to become President. The family summered in the wealthy retreat of Manchester, Vermont where Ebby's father was a regular in the "Lincoln Golf Foresome" with Abraham Lincoln's only surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln. It is in this resort-like Manchester setting where Ebby met Bill W. (and, indeed, where Bill W. met Lois Burnham who became his wife). Mel B. through his wonderfully flowing style will take you to Manchester for a bird's eye view of these New England Socialites.Mel also does a great job of giving us hints about Ebby's character which will be familiar to all of us in recovery. Ebby was forever pointing the finger at other people, places and things as the source of his problems. You will also learn about the wonderful character assets Ebby had which made him so endering to his family and friends such as his gift with children and his single-mindedness and determination when he was engaged in a project which interested him. You will get a great first hand account of Ebby firing a shotgun in downtown Manchester to rid himself of annoying Pigeons (birds not sponsees) who threatented his just completed paint job on the family property in Manchester. The legal consequences of this incident led to his sponsorship by Rowland H. (The rich Industrialist in the Big Book who Dr. Carl Jung told was hopeless unless he had a "vital spiritual experience") and ultimately to "Ebby's miracle". The miracle and new found sobriety led him to share his experience with Bill W. Alas, Ebby did not maintain his sobriety. After about 2 and 1/2 years, he returned to drinking and this once dapper gentleman of colonial lineage was reduced to a homeless urchin roaming the streets of Manhattan in search of a handout and a drink. In fact, it was not uncommon for Ebby to beg in the offices of the newly formed AA, and at times pass out on the couch in the lobby.Eventually, Ebby fell off the radar screen much to the sadness and grief of Bill and Lois W.A group of men from Texas who were founding AA all over the Lone Star State and were feeling a deep debt of gratitude to Bill W. a frequent visitor, asked Bill what they could