Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide organisation, which, since 1935, has helped millions of people to break free of their addiction. Now, acclaimed author Susan Cheever paints a remarkably human portrait of Bill Wilson, the man who created the famous Twelve-Step Programme and, with his friend, Dr Bob Smith, founded AA. Using extensive research, Cheever traces Wilson's life from his birth in small-town Vermont, to his battle with alcoholism and the eventual creation of AA. Wilson's life had many struggles and controversies and Cheever does credit to his legacy.