The Scholarly Legacy
Delving into the profound history and enduring impact of the world's oldest university press on global knowledge dissemination.
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Institutional Overview
Royal Origins and Enduring Mission
Cambridge University Press (CUP) stands as the world's oldest university press, tracing its origins to a letters patent granted by King Henry VIII in 1534. This royal decree established its unique position as a privileged press, alongside Oxford University Press. Functioning as a non-profit department of the University of Cambridge, its fundamental mission has always been to advance learning, education, and research by disseminating knowledge globally.
A Global Publishing Powerhouse
With a vast international footprint, including sales presence, publishing hubs, and offices in over 40 countries, CUP has cultivated a truly global reach. It has published more than 50,000 titles by authors spanning over 100 nations. Its extensive catalog encompasses over 420 academic journals, numerous monographs, essential reference works, and a wide array of school and university textbooks, alongside significant contributions to English language teaching and learning materials.
The Queen's Printer and Beyond
Beyond its academic endeavors, Cambridge University Press held the distinguished title of The King's Printer, a unique privilege that underscores its historical significance. This role involved the official printing of Bibles and other royal documents. While its core printing operations were sold in 2012, CUP continued to leverage third-party services for print publications, maintaining its focus on content creation and dissemination. In a significant organizational shift, CUP merged with Cambridge Assessment in August 2021, forming Cambridge University Press and Assessment, under the approval of Queen Elizabeth II.
Historical Trajectory
Foundations of a Legacy
The journey of Cambridge University Press began in 1534 with a letters patent from Henry VIII, establishing it as a key institution for the University of Cambridge. The first active University Printer, Thomas Thomas, initiated printing operations in 1584. His inaugural publication was "Two Treatises of the Lord His Holie Supper." This early period also saw the printing of the first Cambridge Bible in 1591 by John Legate, followed by the Cambridge folio edition of the King James Bible in 1629 by Thomas and John Buck, cementing the Press's role in religious scholarship.
Architectural Milestones and Technological Shifts
The Press's physical presence evolved significantly over centuries. The Pitt Building, designed by Edward Blore, became its new home in 1833, later recognized as a listed building. By the 1850s, the Press embraced steam-powered machine presses, a testament to its early adoption of industrial advancements. A notable anecdote from this era is the Press's decision to decline the proposal for what would later become the Oxford English Dictionary. In 1963, the Press relocated to its current site, the University Printing House, a mid-century modern building constructed between 1961 and 1963. Further expansion led to the Edinburgh Building in 1981, which was later demolished in 2017 for the construction of Cambridge Assessment's Triangle Building.
Expansion and Modernization
The 20th century marked a period of significant expansion and diversification for CUP. Its first international branch opened in New York in 1949. In 1975, it launched its English language teaching publishing business, a sector that would grow substantially. The acquisition of Eyre & Spottiswoode in 1989 bestowed upon the Press the ancient title of The Queen's Printer. Digital initiatives began with the launch of Cambridge Dictionaries Online in 1999. In 2012, the Press divested its printing operations to MPG Books Group, shifting to a model of using third-party printers globally. More recently, in 2019, it introduced "Cambridge Elements," a new scholarly publishing concept for works between traditional book and journal article lengths, and in 2021, it formally merged with Cambridge Assessment.
Print and Typographic Heritage
Influential Figures in Typography
The legacy of Cambridge University Press is deeply intertwined with the contributions of numerous individuals who shaped the art and science of printing and typography. From early printers to renowned typographical advisors, these figures ensured the Press remained at the forefront of publishing innovation and aesthetic excellence.
Landmark Publications
Throughout its history, Cambridge University Press has been responsible for publishing foundational texts across various disciplines, contributing significantly to the intellectual landscape. These publications often marked important moments in scholarship and the evolution of printing itself.
Current Publishing Scope
Academic and Scholarly Output
Cambridge University Press maintains a robust academic publishing program, encompassing a wide array of research books and journals across science, technology, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. This includes advanced learning materials and comprehensive reference content. The Press publishes hundreds of academic journals, with a growing number dedicated to Open Access, reflecting its commitment to broad knowledge dissemination. It also holds the unique privilege of publishing Bibles and the Book of Common Prayer in England, a testament to its historical role as The Queen's Printer.
English Language Teaching and Education
A significant part of CUP's portfolio is dedicated to English Language Teaching (ELT), providing courses and resources for learners worldwide. This includes integrated learning and assessment tools built upon the Cambridge Curriculum, a structured approach to English proficiency. The Education group delivers products, services, and software for primary, secondary, and international schools, collaborating with Cambridge Assessment and the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education to enhance educational systems globally. This area has seen further integration with Cambridge Assessment's schools team following the recent merger.
Innovative Publishing Formats
In response to evolving scholarly needs, CUP has introduced innovative publishing concepts. "Cambridge Elements," launched in 2019, addresses the gap for works that are too extensive for a journal article but too concise for a full-length book. This format allows for rapid publication (within 12 weeks), providing a flexible avenue for scholarly communication. This initiative underscores the Press's adaptability in the dynamic landscape of academic publishing.
Open Access Initiatives
Commitment to Open Research
Cambridge University Press has articulated a clear commitment to a sustainable transition towards Open Access (OA). This involves offering diverse publishing options under its "Cambridge Open" umbrella, enabling authors to comply with both Gold Open Access (immediate open access upon publication) and Green Open Access (self-archiving in repositories) requirements from major research funders. The Press actively publishes Gold Open Access journals and books and collaborates with learned societies to expand OA for various academic communities. Its support for Green Open Access extends across its journals and monographs, facilitating content deposit in institutional and subject-specific repositories, and promoting sharing via its Cambridge Core Share service.
Strategic Agreements and Partnerships
In recent years, CUP has forged numerous "Read & Publish" Open Access agreements with university libraries and consortia globally, including a significant agreement with the University of California. These agreements are viewed as crucial stepping stones in the broader transition to Open Access, allowing institutions to both read subscribed content and publish their researchers' articles Open Access without additional fees. In 2019, the Press, in conjunction with the University of Cambridge's research and teaching departments, provided a unified response to Plan S, advocating for an Open Access model that is effective across all academic disciplines, financially sustainable, and upholds high-quality peer review.
Progress and Future Directions
The dedication to Open Access has yielded tangible results. By 2023, more than 50 percent of Cambridge University Press's research articles were available in Open Access mode, demonstrating significant progress towards its goals. The Press is also a member of the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association and the International Association of STM Publishers, actively participating in shaping the future of scholarly communication. This ongoing commitment reflects a strategic vision for a more accessible and equitable global knowledge ecosystem.
Nobel Laureates Published
A Pantheon of Minds
Cambridge University Press has had the distinct honor of publishing works by over 170 Nobel Prize winners, a testament to its role in disseminating groundbreaking research and influential thought across various fields. This impressive roster spans disciplines from Physics and Chemistry to Literature and Economics, highlighting the Press's broad impact on global intellectual advancement.
Organizational Governance
Relationship with the University
Cambridge University Press operates as a non-teaching department of the University of Cambridge, a unique structure that underscores its academic mission. Since 1698, the Press has been governed by its 'Syndics' (originally known as 'Curators'), a body comprising 18 senior members of the University. These Syndics, along with other non-executive directors, contribute a blend of subject-matter expertise and business acumen to guide the Press. The chair of the Syndicate is typically the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, currently Professor Stephen Toope, ensuring strong academic oversight.
Boards and Committees
The Syndics delegate their authority to a hierarchical structure of boards and committees. The overarching strategic direction is set by the Press & Assessment Board. Beneath this, specialized committees, such as the Academic Publishing Committee and the English Language Teaching & Education Publishing Committee, provide crucial quality assurance and formal approval for publishing strategies within their respective domains. The day-to-day operational responsibilities are entrusted to the secretary of the syndicate, who also serves as the chief executive. This multi-layered governance ensures both academic integrity and operational efficiency.
The 2021 Merger
In a significant strategic move announced in 2020, the University decided to merge Cambridge University Press with Cambridge Assessment. This new unified organization, officially launched on August 1, 2021, is known as Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This merger aims to create a more integrated approach to educational and scholarly services, combining the Press's publishing strength with Cambridge Assessment's expertise in examinations and educational research. Post-merger, Cambridge University Press primarily functions as the academic and Bible publishing division, while the English and education arms have merged with their counterparts in Cambridge Assessment to form new, integrated divisions.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborations in Education
Cambridge University Press has actively pursued strategic partnerships to expand its reach and enhance its educational offerings. In 2011, it formed a collaboration with Cambridge Assessment to publish official preparation materials for Cambridge English and IELTS examinations. Furthering its engagement with digital learning, CUP partnered with Edmodo in 2015, a prominent e-learning platform, to deliver premium educational content and technology to schools in the United Kingdom. In 2020, a partnership with EDUCATE Ventures, a University College London edtech accelerator, was established to study home learning challenges during the pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to educational research.
Content and Assessment Integration
The synergy between publishing and assessment has been a recurring theme. In 2017, the University of Cambridge announced closer collaboration between CUP and Cambridge Assessment, leading to governance by a unified Press & Assessment Board. This integration was further solidified in 2019 when CUP, along with Cambridge Assessment English, acquired the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) from Durham, a provider of assessments for learner progress and potential. These moves reflect a strategic vision to offer comprehensive, integrated solutions for teaching, learning, and assessment globally.
Digital Access and Future Growth
Recognizing the shift towards digital consumption, CUP partnered with the online library Perlego in 2020 to provide students with access to digital textbooks, broadening the accessibility of its academic content. The culmination of these collaborative efforts was the formal merger of Cambridge University Press and Cambridge Assessment on August 1, 2021, creating Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This unified entity is poised to leverage combined strengths to navigate the evolving landscape of global education and scholarly communication, aiming for a more cohesive and impactful presence.
Digital Evolution
Infrastructure and Systems
The digital transformation of Cambridge University Press has involved significant investments in its technological infrastructure. In 2011, the Press adopted SAP software to streamline its operations. It has also collaborated with leading IT services firms such as Tech Mahindra for SAP implementation, and with Cognizant and Wipro for other critical systems, ensuring a robust and efficient digital backbone. This strategic focus on enterprise resource planning and IT services underpins its global publishing and distribution capabilities in the digital age.
Centralized Content Platforms
A pivotal development in CUP's digital strategy was the launch of Cambridge Core in 2016. This unified platform replaced the previous Cambridge Books Online and Cambridge Journals Online, serving as the central hub for all academic content from Cambridge University Press. Cambridge Core offers significantly enhanced interfaces, upgraded navigation capabilities, and granular content selection at the article and chapter levels. A year after its launch, the Press introduced Cambridge Core Share, a functionality allowing users to generate and share links with free access to selected journal articles, an early indicator of its commitment to open research and broader accessibility.
Innovations in Learning Technology
CUP's digital evolution extends to innovative learning technologies. In 2021, the Press acquired CogBooks, a company specializing in adaptive learning technology. This acquisition enables the development of educational materials that dynamically respond to users' needs, recommending course material to optimize learning outcomes. Furthermore, in 2021, the Press initiated the migration of its website onto Drupal, a flexible and scalable content management system, signaling ongoing efforts to modernize its digital presence and enhance user experience across its various platforms.
Notable Controversies
Tax Exemption Debates
Cambridge University Press has faced scrutiny regarding its tax-exempt status, which is akin to charitable status. An initial application in 1940 for exemption of printing and publishing profits was denied, as the Inland Revenue deemed the Press's trade extended beyond the University's internal use. However, facing financial difficulties in 1975, CUP's chief executive, Geoffrey Cass, successfully secured tax exemption, though this decision was not made public at the time. This privilege, also extended to Oxford University Press, drew criticism from rival publishers and public debate, particularly in light of the 2007 Charities Act's 'public benefit' requirement. Documents related to these applications, initially withdrawn from public access, have fueled discussions about the balance between commercial interests and academic leadership within the Press.
"Alms for Jihad" and Censorship
In 2007, a significant controversy erupted over CUP's decision to destroy remaining copies of the book "Alms for Jihad: Charity and Terrorism in the Islamic World" by Burr and Collins. This action was part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by Saudi billionaire Khalid bin Mahfouz. The decision sparked widespread criticism, with some likening it to "book burning" and arguing it undermined freedom of speech and press, particularly given the strictness of English defamation laws. While the Press defended its actions by stating it had a duty to observe international laws and had already sold most copies, the incident highlighted the complex ethical dilemmas faced by global publishers.
"The China Quarterly" Incident
In August 2017, Cambridge University Press temporarily removed politically sensitive articles from "The China Quarterly" on its Chinese website, following an "instruction" from a Chinese import agency. These articles covered topics considered taboo in China, such as the Tiananmen Square massacre and the Cultural Revolution. This act of censorship drew immediate and strong international protests from academics and advocates for academic freedom. In response to the outcry, CUP reversed its decision within days, reposting the articles and reaffirming its commitment to the principle of academic freedom. This incident underscored the pressures faced by international publishers operating in restrictive environments and the importance of academic leadership in upholding core values.
"Cambridge Handbook of Privatization"
In February 2021, the forthcoming "Cambridge Handbook of Privatization" faced controversy due to a chapter by J. Mark Ramseyer that contained historical distortions regarding Koreans murdered in the Kantล Massacre of 1923. The chapter described the victims as "gangs" involved in destructive acts. While the editors acknowledged the distortions and offered Ramseyer a chance to revise, the inclusion of the original chapter was described as an "innocent and very regrettable" mistake. This incident raised concerns about editorial oversight and the responsibility of academic publishers to ensure historical accuracy and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives.
Corporate Responsibility
Community Engagement
Cambridge University Press actively engages with communities both locally in Cambridge and globally where its employees are present. Annually, the Press selects a UK Charity of the Year, supporting various local causes. Its community work has included providing support to Westchester Community College in New York, funding hygienic facilities in an Indonesian rural school, raising funds for earthquake-stricken schools in Nepal, and guiding students from Coleridge Community College in CV workshops. On World Book Day 2016, the Press organized a digital Shakespeare publishing workshop for students and teachers, and its Indian office conducted a similar workshop on book publishing for schools in Delhi. In 2016 alone, the Press donated over 75,000 books, demonstrating its commitment to educational access.
Apprenticeship Programs
Recognizing the importance of nurturing future talent in the publishing industry, CUP established an apprenticeship program in 2016. This initiative provides opportunities for individuals interested in careers in publishing, offering practical experience and professional development. By 2022, the program had grown significantly, supporting 200 active apprentices across a diverse range of roles within the UK, underscoring the Press's investment in skills development and workforce diversity.
Environmental Stewardship
Cambridge University Press is committed to environmental sustainability, actively monitoring its emissions annually and converting to energy-saving equipment. The Press strives to minimize plastic use and ensures that its paper is sourced ethically, reflecting a responsible approach to its operational footprint. In recognition of these efforts, the World Wildlife Fund awarded CUP its highest score of "Three Trees" in 2019 for its timber purchasing policy, performance, and responsible sourcing. The Press has also won the Independent Publishers Guild Independent Publishing Awards for sustainability in both 2020 and 2021. Its public commitments include being a signatory of the UN Global Compact and aligning with the Cambridge Zero initiative to achieve carbon neutrality on all energy-related emissions by 2048.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
As a signatory of the SDG Publishers Compact, Cambridge University Press actively supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the publishing industry. This commitment is exemplified by its launch of "Cambridge Prisms," a new series of open access journals directly relevant to the SDGs, covering critical topics such as "Coastal Futures," "Precision Medicine," "Global Mental Health," "Extinction," "Plastics," "Water," and "Drylands." Furthermore, CUP collaborated with the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) to establish the University Press Redux Sustainability Award in 2020, with the inaugural award recognizing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for its SDG Pathfinder, an open-access digital discovery tool for SDG-related content and data.
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References
References
- Johnson, Gordon. 1999. Printing and Publishing for the University: Three Hundred Years of the Press Syndicate. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- M. H. Black (1984), Cambridge University Press 1584รขยย1984, Cambridge University Press, p. 267
- M. H. Black (1984), Cambridge University Press 1584รขยย1984, Cambridge University Press, pp. 248รขยย49
- G Bridden (9 November 1976), letter to Geoffrey Cass
- M. H. Black (1984), Cambridge University Press 1584รขยย1984, Cambridge University Press, p. 282
- Rickety, Joel (30 August 2003). "Latest news from the world of publishing". The Guardian.
- Jessica Shepherd (17 April 2007). "Freedom of the presses". The Guardian.
- Tom Tivnan (2007). "Charities review could hit publishers". The Bookseller.
- Philip Jones (24 April 2008). "Rivals attack OUP and CUP". The Bookseller.
- Chris Koenig (16 May 2008). "OUP status attacked". Oxford Mail
- 'CUP'S and OUP'S claims for tax-exemption, 1940รขยย1950", Index of scans on the Akmedea website
- 'CUP's and OUP's tax-exemption applications, 1975รขยย78', Index of scans on the Akmedea website
- Catalogue entry in the National Archives at Kew, a screenshot on the Akmedea website
- D.D.K.Chow, "Report of Discussion", Cambridge University Reporter, 17 March 2021, 238รขยย9.
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