Imperfect Prophets: Hank Parkhurst and the Overlooked Influence at the Heart of Alcoholics Anonymous

Hank Parkhurst was AA number two in New York.
He was instrumental in bringing the Big Book into being.
He shaped its language, its reach, and its direction.

Although he did not remain sober, his contribution to the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous cannot be overstated.

As Alcoholics Anonymous matured, Hank’s name receded from its story — not because his influence was insignificant, but because his life no longer fit the success narrative that followed.

Imperfect Prophets places Hank Parkhurst back at the center of the story — not as a hero, but as a lens through which to examine a deeper and ongoing truth: that spiritual influence in recovery often flows through imperfect people, including those who do not “make it.”

This book is about Hank and the story of the many Imperfect Prophets within recovery programs.