I.B. Tauris: A Legacy in Academic Publishing
Delving into the distinguished history and specialized focus of a leading publisher in global non-fiction scholarship.
Discover I.B. Tauris 👇 Explore Subjects 📖Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Overview
Foundation and Mission
I.B. Tauris was established in 1983 by Iradj Bagherzade with a clear strategic vision: to bridge the perceived gap between conventional trade publishing houses and academic university presses. The firm aimed to publish rigorous yet accessible works focusing on international politics and culture, catering to both specialist academic markets and a broader general readership.[6]
Origins and Headquarters
Founded in the United Kingdom, I.B. Tauris maintained its headquarters in London, with additional offices in New York City during its period as an independent entity. This dual presence underscored its commitment to a global academic and general audience, facilitating broader distribution and engagement with diverse scholarly communities.[4]
Target Audience
The publishing house primarily targets a specialist market, including academics and students within higher education. However, its commitment to producing "serious but accessible" works also ensures its appeal to a general audience interested in in-depth analyses of global affairs, history, and culture.[5]
Core Topics
Global & Regional Studies
I.B. Tauris has developed a profound specialization in non-fiction literature concerning global regions and their intricate dynamics. Notably, the publisher has a strong focus on Asian studies, the Middle East, and the Islamic world, providing critical insights into their histories, contemporary politics, and cultural landscapes. This regional expertise forms a cornerstone of its academic contribution.[4]
History & Politics
The publishing house is renowned for its extensive catalog in history, spanning the Middle Ages to the modern period. Complementing this, it offers significant works on politics and international relations, addressing complex global challenges and historical contexts. These areas are central to its mission of fostering informed discourse and scholarly understanding.[4]
Culture & Society
Beyond politics and history, I.B. Tauris delves into the rich tapestry of culture and society. Its publications cover the history of art, philosophy, religious studies, and visual culture, including specialized titles on film, photography, and contemporary art. This broad cultural scope reflects a holistic approach to understanding human civilization.[4]
Imprints
Specialized Publishing Lines
As a distinguished publishing house, I.B. Tauris operates several imprints, each catering to specific niches within its broader academic and cultural focus. These imprints allow for targeted publishing strategies and the cultivation of distinct editorial identities, ensuring a diverse and specialized output.
Global Reach
UK Distribution
In the United Kingdom, I.B. Tauris's publications are distributed through Macmillan Publishers Services. This partnership ensures efficient dissemination of its academic and non-fiction titles across the UK market, reaching universities, libraries, and bookstores.[1]
US Distribution
For the United States market, distribution is handled by Baker & Taylor. This collaboration facilitates the availability of I.B. Tauris's specialized content to academic institutions and readers throughout North America, reinforcing its international presence.[2][3]
International Partnerships
Demonstrating its commitment to global scholarship, I.B. Tauris forged an agreement in June 2013 with the American University in Cairo Press (AUCP). Under this arrangement, I.B. Tauris distributes all AUCP publications worldwide, excluding North America and Egypt. This strategic alliance also led to a series of international co-publications, solidifying I.B. Tauris's ambition to be a dominant force in Middle East Studies publishing globally.[9]
Legacy & Evolution
Growth and Influence
From its inception in 1983, I.B. Tauris rapidly grew its influence within academic publishing. By 2002, the company was publishing approximately 160 books annually, a testament to its productivity and the demand for its specialized content. Its early focus on the Middle East proved particularly timely and impactful.[6]
Landmark Publications
A notable success in the company's history was the publication of Taliban by Ahmed Rashid. In the period following the September 11 attacks in 2001, this book achieved remarkable global sales, reportedly selling nearly 500,000 copies in English worldwide and licensed for 27 international editions. This publication underscored I.B. Tauris's capacity to bring critical, timely scholarship to a vast international audience.[7]
Strategic Acquisitions
I.B. Tauris expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. In May 2011, it acquired Philip Wilson Publishers, a fine arts publisher, after several years of managing its sales, marketing, and distribution. This move diversified its offerings and strengthened its position in cultural studies.[8]
Parent Company
Acquisition by Bloomsbury
In May 2018, I.B. Tauris was acquired by Bloomsbury Publishing, a significant development that integrated the independent publishing house into a larger corporate structure. Following this acquisition, I.B. Tauris transitioned from an independent entity with offices in London and New York City to become a dedicated imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. This strategic move consolidated its position within a major global publisher, ensuring the continued dissemination of its specialized academic content.[4][10][11]
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "I.b. Tauris" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional academic or business advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official company records, academic journals, or seeking advice from qualified professionals in publishing, business strategy, or academic research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with experts for specific project needs or in-depth analysis. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.