Cambridge University Press 1584-1984

by Michael Black, Gordon Johnson

Overview

This readable and informative chronicle traces the unique history of the world's oldest press. It tells the story of the development of printing and publishing in the University of Cambridge, from the medieval system of resident stationers who dealt in manuscripts to the present international printing and publishing house. The story is told in the proper context of the growth of the University, which has inevitably determined the history of the Press itself; in the history of the book trade as a whole; and in the intellectual and political history of England, which at times has affected the fortunes of the Press. Amusing anecdotes and vivid descriptions of powerful and colorful personalities help to make the story enjoyable to read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521264730
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/06/1984
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.94(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Foreword Gordon Johnson; 1. Introduction; 2. Precursors: the stationers and Siberch; 3. The Letters Patent of 1534: the Stationers' Company; 4. The foundation of the Press: Thomas Thomas; 5. Early printers: John Legate, Cantrell Legge, Buck and Daniel; 6. The Commonwealth and Restoration; 7. Bentley's 'public Press'; 8. The eighteenth century; 9. The nineteenth century I; 10. The nineteenth century II; 11. R. T. Wright and the Secretaryship; 12. Waller and Roberts as Secretaries: Lewis as Printer; 13. From 1945 to 1972; 14. Recovery: 1972–4; 15. Charitable status recognised; 16. From 1974 to 1984; 17. Conclusion; Appendices.

Editorial Reviews

'This is a most handsome, well-written and well-researched account … a distinguished and on the whole soberer one than the curiously disjointed history of its ancient rival.' Church Times

'Cambridge University Press has a history of which it is justly proud, and in Mr Black has found a historian who has done full justice to this remarkable story.' The Library

'Black has written a landmark study of a unique British institution. The scholarly publishing community is richer for this study of its origins.' Educational Studies

'This an altogether admirable book, hugely enjoyable and informative … Black's prose is lucid and frequently witty, while the work is far less self-serving than most volumes of a similar kind.' Nature

From the Publisher