The History of Oxford University Press: Volume III

Abstract

Abstract This is the third volume charting the history of Oxford University Press. The period it covers is the twentieth century. During this time, Oxford University Press surpassed all other university presses in its size, range of publications, and geographic reach, competing with the largest London and international publishing firms. The Press, led by the Board of Delegates and their Secretary, balanced a commitment to publishing outstanding scholarship with a developing interest in commercial realities by pursuing broader educational goals through the publication of school books in England and overseas, children's fiction, music, classic literature and non-fiction, bibles, and reference books. Quality of production remained important, maintained by the traditions of the Printing House and the paper mill, although cheaper books began to appear more frequently on the Press list, particularly under the auspices of the international branches which published increasing numbers of books for their local markets. Changes to educational systems, the British and international book trade, the political landscape, and the economy affected different parts of the Press in varying ways, as did the management by the Press's successive Secretaries, printers, publishers, editors, and branch managers. The book examines the activities and leadership of, as well as the relationships between, the Clarendon Press, the London Business, the Printing House, the Wolvercote paper mill, and the international branches in the United States, Canada, Australia, India, Africa, and East Asia. The book also assesses the great variety of publications on the Press's list, and suggests how these titles contributed to the intellectual and cultural significance of OUP as a publisher and as the representative of an educational institution.