About the different versions of Alcoholics Anonymous

There are essentially three different versions of the main text of The Big Book:

The Original Manuscript
This was the pre-publication mimeographed version distributed to friends and groups for review prior to printing the regular book.

The First Edition
The text was changed in hundreds of places to reflect the change in approach from the manuscript style of giving specific directions to the new style of offering suggestions.

The modern Big Book
Since the first edition the main text has been changed more than 79 times.

As an example of the differences, here are the three versions of Step 12:

Manuscript:
Having had a spiritual experience as the result of this course of action, we tried to carry this message to others, especially alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

First Edition:
Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Modern:
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs