Temple University Press: A Legacy of Scholarly Excellence and Diverse Publishing
Since its inception, Temple University Press has served as a vital conduit for academic research and cultural storytelling. Founded in 1969 as part of Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the press was established with a clear and ambitious mission: to provide a platform for the significant research produced by a highly productive faculty. Under the guidance of then-provost Gerald J. Mangone, the organization sought to broaden the reach of scholarly volumes that advance knowledge across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Today, the press continues to uphold these standards, evolving from a faculty-focused outlet into a globally respected scholarly publisher. It is also a forward-thinking participant in modern publishing trends, serving as one of thirteen publishers in the Knowledge Unlatched pilot—a global consortium dedicated to innovative funding models for open access books.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1969
- Parent Organization: Temple University Libraries
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Primary Focus: Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
- Distribution: Chicago Distribution Center (US) and Combined Academic Publishers (UK)
- Notable Achievement: Participant in the Knowledge Unlatched open access pilot
A History of Scholarly Leadership
The foundation of the press was laid by its first director, Maurice English. A Harvard honors graduate and Fulbright fellow, English brought a wealth of editorial experience from his time at the University of Chicago Press and as a bureau chief for Voice of America. He believed that the primary role of a university press was to maintain and express the high standards of its parent institution within the realms of research and scholarship.
Expansion and Global Reach
During the 1980s and 1990s, under the direction of David Bartlett, the press expanded its scope. Rather than focusing solely on Temple University faculty, the mission grew to include the dissemination of work by scholars from across the nation and the world. By 1989, the press was recognized as a significant mid-sized publisher, releasing approximately sixty books and generating roughly two million dollars in sales.
Notable Publications and Awards
Temple University Press has a diverse catalog that ranges from rigorous academic texts to engaging local histories and even children's literature. Some of its most significant milestones include:
- Still Philadelphia: A Photographic History, 1890-1940: A best-selling title by Fredric M. Miller, Morris J. Vogel, and Allen F. Davis that earned the Philadelphia Book Clinic Certificate of Award in 1984.
- Feminist Generations: The Persistence of the Radical Women's Movement: Written by Nancy Whittier, this work was recognized as an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice in 1995.
- Larry Kane's Philadelphia: Published in 2000, this autobiography by the veteran news anchor features a foreword by Dan Rather and chronicles major Philadelphia news events.
- P Is for Philadelphia: Released in 2005, this was the press's first children's book, featuring illustrations by local public school children.
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Summary of Key Publications by Era
| Era | Notable Title | Author/Editor |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | From the Molly Maguires to the United Mine Workers | Harold W. Aurand |
| 1980s | The Boss: J. Edgar Hoover and the Great American Inquisition | Athan G. Theoharis & John Stuart Cox |
| 1990s | Animals, Property, and the Law | Gary L. Francione |
| 2000s | On Any Given Sunday: A Life of Bert Bell | Robert S. Lyons |
| 2010s | Pennsylvania Stories Well Told | William Ecenbarger |
| 2020s | The Misunderstood History of Gentrification | Dennis E. Gale |
Modern Leadership and Direction
In recent years, the press has been guided by dedicated professionals committed to scholarly communication. Mary Rose Muccie was appointed executive director in 2014, also serving as the library officer for scholarly communications. In 2016, Aaron Javsicas took on the role of editor-in-chief, bringing extensive experience from various scholarly and textbook divisions to oversee the production of academic and historical works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of Temple University Press?
The mission is to publish significant research that increases knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, while disseminating the work of scholars both from Temple University and from around the world.
How does the press handle book distribution?
The press utilizes the Chicago Distribution Center for its United States distribution and Combined Academic Publishers for its United Kingdom distribution.
Is Temple University Press involved in open access publishing?
Yes, the press is one of thirteen publishers participating in the Knowledge Unlatched pilot, which is a global library consortium approach to funding open access books.
What types of books does the press publish?
While primarily known for scholarly and academic books in various scientific and humanistic fields, the press has also published historical photographic works, autobiographies, and children's books.
Where is the headquarters of the press located?
The headquarters is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, within the Temple University system.