University of Pennsylvania Press
The Pennsylvania state government incorporated the University of Pennsylvania Press on the 26th of March 1890. This legal act created one of the earliest university press imprints in America. The imprint first appeared on publications during the 1890s. One of the very first books released by this new entity arrived in 1899. That book was titled The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study. W. E. B. Du Bois wrote it. He served as a black reformer, scholar, and social critic at that time. This early publication set a tone for future work regarding American history and culture.
The press maintains an active backlist containing roughly 2,000 titles today. It produces upward of 120 new books each year under a focused editorial program. Their work concentrates heavily on publishing works related to American history and culture. They also cover ancient, medieval, and Renaissance studies extensively. Anthropology remains another key area of focus for their catalog. Landscape architecture and studio arts receive regular attention from editors. Human rights and Jewish studies form part of their core mission. Political science rounds out the list of primary subjects they publish annually.
University of Pennsylvania Press operates from 3905 Spruce Street in Philadelphia. The building housing the press is the former Potts House. Wilson Brothers & Company architecture firm built the house in 1876. It stands as a mid-nineteenth century villa within the city limits. Before becoming home to the press, this structure served as headquarters for International House Philadelphia. WXPN also used the location as its base before the current arrangement. Historic American Buildings Survey documentation filed under 3905 Spruce Street confirms these details about the property.
The press publishes 27 peer-reviewed academic journals mostly in the humanities field. Dissent magazine appears among their periodical output alongside scholarly journals. Wharton School Press functions as an imprint of University of Pennsylvania Press. This specific imprint carries forward business-focused publishing efforts under the main umbrella. Journal of Austrian-American History represents one example of their specialized journal offerings. These publications support the broader goal of disseminating academic research across various disciplines.
The University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc. holds nonprofit corporation status in Pennsylvania. A single entity owns this organization completely. That owner is the University of Pennsylvania itself. The university maintains nonprofit tax status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Code. This legal framework governs how the press operates financially and legally today. The relationship ensures the institution remains tied directly to the parent university's mission.
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Common questions
When was the University of Pennsylvania Press incorporated by the state government?
The Pennsylvania state government incorporated the University of Pennsylvania Press on the 26th of March 1890. This legal act created one of the earliest university press imprints in America.
What book did W. E. B. Du Bois write for the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1899?
One of the very first books released by the University of Pennsylvania Press arrived in 1899 and was titled The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study. W. E. B. Du Bois wrote it while serving as a black reformer, scholar, and social critic at that time.
Where is the University of Pennsylvania Press located today?
University of Pennsylvania Press operates from 3905 Spruce Street in Philadelphia within the former Potts House building. Wilson Brothers & Company architecture firm built the house in 1876 as a mid-nineteenth century villa.
How many new books does the University of Pennsylvania Press produce each year?
The University of Pennsylvania Press produces upward of 120 new books each year under a focused editorial program. Their work concentrates heavily on publishing works related to American history and culture along with other key areas like anthropology and political science.
Who owns the University of Pennsylvania Press Inc?
A single entity owns this organization completely and that owner is the University of Pennsylvania itself. The university maintains nonprofit tax status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Code which governs how the press operates financially and legally today.