Publisher's Synopsis
A Short History of Cambridge University Press is an account of the world's oldest publishing house, from its foundation in 1584 through to the present day. It emphasises the constitutional basis of the Press, which is an essential part of its parent university, and highlights the moments of crisis and change: Richard Bentley's revival in the 1690s, the Victorian renaissance in the 1850s, the rise of modern university publishing, two world wars, and the crisis of the 1970s, resolved by Geoffrey Cass's bold reconstruction. This history brings out the unique nature of the organisation, which is recognised as a charity but which trades with vigour throughout the world and now publishes over 1000 titles a year. Michael Black, former University Publisher, is the author of many books, including the full length history, Cambridge University Press, 1584-1984, which he wrote for the Press's Quatercentenary in 1984.
