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— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND MISSION —

Academic Studies Press

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  • Academic Studies Press opened its doors in 2007 within the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The new publisher set a clear direction from day one by focusing on Jewish studies and Slavic studies. This initial scope included broader work in religious studies, comparative literature, and history. The press aimed to fill gaps in academic publishing that had been overlooked for decades. Founders sought to create a space where specialized scholarship could thrive without commercial compromise.

  • Jacob Neusner became one of the first major voices associated with the press after its launch. His presence signaled serious intent to engage established scholars in Jewish thought. Fania Oz-Salzberger and Ellendea Proffer Teasley joined the roster shortly thereafter. Maxim D. Shrayer and Mark Lipovetsky brought expertise in Russian and Ukrainian literary criticism. Works translated into English included texts by Maimonides, Ahad Ha'am, Mordecai Kaplan, Eliezer Schweid, and Yury Tynyanov. The press developed a particular strength in translating Ukrainian sources during the early years of operation.

  • The year 2018 marked a turning point when ASP published Akram Aylisli's novella Stone Dreams. It was the first authorized English-language translation of this controversial work. That same period saw renewed global attention on Ukrainian culture following the 2022 Russian invasion. In response, the press collaborated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and Harvard University. They released Words for War, an anthology featuring poems from Serhiy Zhadan and Ilya Kaminsky. These works offered commentary alongside poetry to document the human cost of conflict.

  • Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture began as one of three peer-reviewed journals under ASP's umbrella. Joseph Carroll served as editor for that publication throughout its initial run. Lesley Klaff took over editing duties for the Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism starting in 2018. Her appointment led to recognition by the Algemeiner Journal, which listed her among top influencers in Jewish life. By 2020, the press launched Latin American Jewish Studies on behalf of the Latin American Jewish Studies Association. Four distinct academic voices now operated under the Academic Studies Press banner.

  • Touro College Press relied on Academic Studies Press for both printing and distribution services beginning in 2012. This operational agreement allowed smaller presses to access professional production capabilities without building their own infrastructure. The relationship expanded in 2019 when ASP signed a deal with Walter de Gruyter. That German publisher gained access to ASP titles through an e-book distribution partnership. These agreements ensured wider reach for scholarly books while maintaining editorial independence.

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Common questions

When did Academic Studies Press open its doors in Boston?

Academic Studies Press opened its doors in 2007 within the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The new publisher set a clear direction from day one by focusing on Jewish studies and Slavic studies.

Who founded Academic Studies Press and what was their initial scope?

Founders sought to create a space where specialized scholarship could thrive without commercial compromise. This initial scope included broader work in religious studies, comparative literature, and history.

Which works did Academic Studies Press translate into English during its early years?

Works translated into English included texts by Maimonides, Ahad Ha'am, Mordecai Kaplan, Eliezer Schweid, and Yury Tynyanov. The press developed a particular strength in translating Ukrainian sources during the early years of operation.

What significant publication did Academic Studies Press release in 2018 regarding Akram Aylisli?

The year 2018 marked a turning point when ASP published Akram Aylisli's novella Stone Dreams. It was the first authorized English-language translation of this controversial work.

When did Academic Studies Press launch Latin American Jewish Studies?

By 2020, the press launched Latin American Jewish Studies on behalf of the Latin American Jewish Studies Association. Four distinct academic voices now operated under the Academic Studies Press banner.

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29 references cited across the entry

  1. 1webAcademic Studies Press
  2. 2webBrowse Catalog
  3. 3webDetailed Record for Academic Studies PressUniversity of Pennsylvania Library
  4. 4newsJoseph Brodsky, Russia and artists under oppression subject of two book eventsSeptember 29, 2017
  5. 5newsA son of refuseniks chronicles the slow dissolve of Russia's JewsJewish Telegraphic Agency — January 16, 2018
  6. 6journalYuri Tynianov's "Film – Word – Music"August 11, 2018
  7. 7webClassics in Judaica
  8. 8webUkraine crisis makes rapid appearance on US university curriculaJon Marcus — 2022-09-22
  9. 9web2012 National Jewish Book Award Winners
  10. 10web2014 National Jewish Book Award Winners
  11. 11newsNational Jewish Book Award Winners Are HereAnne Cohen — January 14, 2015
  12. 12webFenia and Yaakov Leviant Memorial Prize in Yiddish Studies Winners
  13. 13webBook Prize Winners for 2017
  14. 14web2012 Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Awards
  15. 15newsThe Best Books of 2019, Chosen by Mosaic Authors (Part II)Martin Kramer — December 19, 2019
  16. 16newsWhat to Read Next? A Summer Book List Like No OtherMichael Dirda — May 15, 2018
  17. 17webNational Endowment for the Humanities and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Announce Grants to Make Books Available to Public AudiencesApril 5, 2017
  18. 18newsAnthology of contemporary Ukrainian poetry published in USBohdana Kapitsa — February 26, 2018
  19. 19newsWith English translation, controversial Azerbaijani novel to reach global audienceJoshua Kucera — November 20, 2018
  20. 20journalAkram Aylisli: how one Azerbaijani writer dealt with a book burning campaign against himHoward Amos — November 22, 2018
  21. 21journalWhy We Need a Journal with the Title Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative CultureJoseph Carroll — 2017
  22. 22newsAcademic Studies Press Launches 'Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism' (JCA) Edited by Clemens Heni
  23. 23newsThe Algemeiner Jewish 100: The Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, 2018
  24. 24newsAlgemeiner Reveals 5th Annual 'J100' List at Star-Studded Gala Featuring Sharon Stone and Nir BarkatAlgemeiner Staff — September 14, 2018
  25. 25webLatin American Jewish Studies
  26. 26webTC Press Information
  27. 27webTouro College Press
  28. 28newsDe Gruyter und Academic Studies Press kooperierenAugust 23, 2019
  29. 29newsDe Gruyter and Academic Studies Press enter partnershipAugust 23, 2019