World War I veteran William Wilson has everything: loving wife, good health, Wall Street career --and a "drinking problem." Penniless overnight when the stock market crashes, Bill quickly descends into a stormy sea of booze. Then he meets Bob Smith, an Ohio surgeon with the same "problem." Together they discover a way to stay sober --one day at a time, and their mutual triumph would soon become the world's.

Lois met and fell in love with Bill Wilson, and when Bill returned from World War I, they married. Despite concerns over Bill's drinking, Lois believed he was destined for greatness. Bill's drinking spiraled out of control and soon his job, their home, even their dreams were gone. When Bill attained sobriety, he poured his time and energy into helping other drunks, which led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Frustrated that Lois was not acknowledged...