Coach House Press: A Legacy of Literary Innovation and Printing
Founded in 1965 by artist Stan Bevington, Coach House Press has established itself as a cornerstone of the independent publishing world. From its inception, the company has balanced a commitment to avant-garde literature with a relentless drive for technical innovation in the printing process.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1965 by Stan Bevington.
- Location: Former coach houses on bpNichol Lane, Toronto.
- Technical Legacy: Pioneers in computerized phototypesetting and desktop publishing.
- Notable Authors: Published early works of Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, and bpNichol.
- Industry Impact: Linked to the founding of SoftQuad, a pioneer in SGML/XML.
A Hub for Literary Talent
Coach House Press is renowned for identifying and publishing the early works of some of the most influential writers in contemporary literature. The press provided a platform for a diverse array of voices, including Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Daphne Marlatt, and Fred Wah.
The publisher's roster also includes significant contributions from Ann-Marie MacDonald, George Bowering, Nicole Brossard, Gwendolyn MacEwen, Christopher Dewdney, bpNichol, and Anne Michaels, as well as more recent names such as Darren O'Donnell, Sean Dixon, Greg MacArthur, Matthew Heiti, and Amiel Gladstone.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Technological Innovation and SoftQuad
Beyond the written word, Coach House was a catalyst for digital transformation in the publishing industry. The company experimented with computerized phototypesetting (a method of setting type using photographic processes) and was an early adopter of desktop publishing.
This spirit of innovation extended into the software realm. Stan Bevington, along with colleagues Yuri Rubinsky and David Slocombe, founded SoftQuad. This company became a pioneer in SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and XML (Extensible Markup Language), technologies that fundamentally changed how structured data is handled globally.
Corporate Evolution and Challenges
The history of the organization is marked by a period of structural volatility. In 1991, the entity split into two distinct companies: Coach House Printing, led by Bevington, and Coach House Press, the publishing arm led by Margaret McClintock.
Following this split, Bevington attempted to reacquire the publishing house without success. When the publishing arm declared bankruptcy in 1996, Bevington integrated book publishing back into the printing company later that same year, reuniting the two functions.
The Battle for bpNichol Lane
The company operates out of several former coach houses on bpNichol Lane, situated near the intersection of Spadina and Bloor. For years, these buildings were rented from Campus Co-operative Residence Incorporated.
In 2004, the site became the center of a public controversy when reports surfaced that the cooperative intended to demolish the buildings. This sparked a campaign by politicians and public interest groups to have the site designated as a heritage site. The struggle concluded in 2009 when the company finally acquired the buildings directly.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Stan Bevington |
| Established | 1965 |
| Key Technologies | Phototypesetting, Desktop Publishing, SGML/XML |
| Physical Location | bpNichol Lane, Toronto |
| Property Status | Acquired by company in 2009 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Coach House Press?
The company was founded in 1965 by the artist Stan Bevington.
Which famous authors were published by Coach House Press?
The press published early works by several renowned authors, including Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, and bpNichol, among many others.
What is the connection between Coach House and SoftQuad?
Stan Bevington and his colleagues Yuri Rubinsky and David Slocombe founded SoftQuad, a pioneering company in SGML and XML technology, stemming from the innovative environment at Coach House.
What happened during the 1991 split?
The company divided into Coach House Printing (led by Bevington) and Coach House Press (led by Margaret McClintock). After the publishing arm went bankrupt in 1996, Bevington brought publishing back into the printing company.
Why was there a controversy regarding the company's buildings?
In 2004, there were reports that the buildings on bpNichol Lane would be demolished, leading to a public and political campaign to save them as heritage sites before the company eventually purchased them in 2009.