Indiana University Press
Indiana University Press opened its doors in 1950 under the leadership of President Herman B Wells. The press began with a single translation titled Travels in America, 1816, 1817 by Edouard de Montulé. Bernard Perry served as the first director and guided the initial output. Six books appeared on shelves during that first year of operation. By 1952, the organization earned full membership with the Association of American University Presses. During its first decade, the press published more than 200 titles. A translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses by Rolfe Humphries became an all-time bestseller. That volume sold over 500,000 copies to date.
Bernard Perry retired from his role as director in 1976 after years of steady growth. John Gallman took over the reins and focused on the academic strengths of Indiana University. Under Gallman, annual production rose significantly to meet growing demand. By the end of his tenure in 2000, the press published 150 books each year. Current operations maintain an annual output of approximately 100 to 120 scholarly books per year. The Journals Division launched in 1987 with just three journals. Today that division carries 38 journals within its portfolio. This expansion reflects a shift toward broader academic coverage while maintaining core humanities focus.
The press expanded its reach through specialized imprints dedicated to specific audiences. Quarry Books launched in 2004 to handle regional topics exclusively. Red Lighting Books followed as another imprint focusing on food and drink. Travel, sports, the Midwest, and true crime also fall under this second imprint's scope. These divisions allow the press to target lifestyle readers alongside traditional scholars. The strategy supports extensive regional publishing efforts across the United States. Such targeted approaches help maintain relevance in a changing market landscape.
In 1965, IU Press received the Centennial Medal from the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission. That award recognized their role in preserving Civil War history. A translation of Kierkegaard's Journals and Papers won a National Book Award in 1967. Bertolt Brecht's Saint Joan of the Stockyards earned a second National Book Award in 1970. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos won the 2009 National Jewish Book Award. Rankings place IUP at 28th among scholarly publishers in political science by respondent preferences. These accolades highlight consistent excellence across diverse subject areas.
The Journals Division began operations in 1987 with only three academic journals. Today that division carries 38 journals within its current portfolio. This growth reflects increasing demand for specialized scholarly communication channels. The division operates independently yet remains part of the larger Indiana University Press structure. Its focus spans humanities and social sciences disciplines. JSTOR hosts many of these titles for digital access. The expansion supports researchers seeking peer-reviewed content in specific fields. This evolution marks a significant shift from book-only publishing to comprehensive academic services.
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Common questions
When did Indiana University Press open its doors?
Indiana University Press opened its doors in 1950 under the leadership of President Herman B Wells. The press began with a single translation titled Travels in America, 1816, 1817 by Edouard de Montulé.
Who was the first director of Indiana University Press and when did he retire?
Bernard Perry served as the first director of Indiana University Press and retired from his role in 1976 after years of steady growth. John Gallman took over the reins following Perry's departure to focus on academic strengths.
How many journals does the Journals Division of Indiana University Press carry today?
The Journals Division of Indiana University Press carries 38 journals within its current portfolio. This division launched in 1987 with just three journals and has expanded significantly since then.
Which book by Indiana University Press sold over 500,000 copies to date?
A translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses by Rolfe Humphries became an all-time bestseller for Indiana University Press. That volume sold over 500,000 copies to date.
What awards have been won by works published by Indiana University Press?
Works published by Indiana University Press include a National Book Award for Kierkegaard's Journals and Papers in 1967 and another for Bertolt Brecht's Saint Joan of the Stockyards in 1970. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Encyclopedia of Camps and Ghettos won the 2009 National Jewish Book Award.