Cambridge University Press

Quick Facts: Who was Cambridge University Press?

Subject:

Cambridge University Press

Known for:

The world's oldest university press, publishing academic works since 1534.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Cambridge University Press is the university press of the University of Cambridge. Granted letters patent by King Henry VIII in 1534, it is the oldest university press in the world. Cambridge University Press merged with Cambridge Assessment to form Cambridge University Press and Assessment under Queen Elizabeth II's approval in August 2021. However, the Press retains an independent existence within the larger entity. With a global sales presence, publishing hubs, and offices in more than 40 countries, it has published over 50,000 titles by authors from over 100 countries.

Career & Major Achievements

Its publications include more than 420 academic journals, monographs, reference works, school and university textbooks, and English language teaching and learning publications. It also publishes Bibles, runs a bookshop in Cambridge, sells through Amazon, and has a conference venues business in Cambridge at the Pitt Building and the Sir Geoffrey Cass Sports and Social Centre. It also serves as the King's Printer. Cambridge University Press, as part of the University of Cambridge, is a non-profit organization. Cambridge University Press joined The Association of American Publishers trade organization in the Hachette v. Internet Archive lawsuit which resulted in the removal of access to over 500,000 books from global readers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Cambridge University Press is the oldest university press in the world. It originated from letters patent granted to the University of Cambridge by Henry VIII in 1534. Cambridge was one of the two privileged presses (the other being Oxford University Press). Authors published by Cambridge have included John Milton, William Harvey, Isaac Newton, Bertrand Russell, and Stephen Hawking. University printing began in Cambridge when the first practising University Printer, Thomas Thomas, set up a printing house in 1584.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1534: 1534 Milestone — Granted letters patent by King Henry VIII in 1534, it is the oldest university press in the world.
2. 1584: 1584 Milestone — University printing began in Cambridge when the first practising University Printer, Thomas Thomas, set up a printing house in 1584.
3. 2021: 2021 Milestone — Cambridge University Press merged with Cambridge Assessment to form Cambridge University Press and Assessment under Queen Elizabeth II's approval in August 2021.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Cambridge University Press

True or False: “Did Cambridge University Press publish the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The press turned down the proposal for what became the Oxford English Dictionary; James Murray later took this project to Oxford.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Antonio da Correggio — Historical peer (Died in 1534) (1534): Master of the Parma School, known for sensuous, dynamic High Renaissance painting.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu — Historical peer (Died in 1534) (1534): Founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, known for bhajan-kirtan and devotion to Krishna.
• Aaron Beck — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Father of Cognitive Therapy and CBT, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
• Abdelaziz Bouteflika — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Algerian politician who served as the seventh President of Algeria from 1999 to 2019.
• Arima Kihei — Historical peer (Born in 1584) (1584): Legendary Japanese swordsman, strategist, and author of The Book of Five Rings.
• Balthasar Gérard — Historical peer (Died in 1584) (1584): Assassin of William the Silent, a pivotal figure in the Dutch Revolt's history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge University Press