A Centenary History - Melbourne University Publishing MUP
By Stuart Kells
Published by The Miegunyah Press: Carlton 2023 1st Edition
"A Centenary History is Stuart Kells' substantial account of Melbourne University Publishing, Australia's oldest university press and one of the nation's most respected publishing institutions. Founded in 1921 as a small university bookshop, MUP developed into an influential publisher of Australian scholarship, history, biography, politics and public affairs. Its landmark publications have included the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Manning Clark's A History of Australia, the Encyclopaedia of New Guinea and the literary journal Meanjin.
Drawing upon a century of MUP publications and archival records, Kells traces the press through its successive directors and changing intellectual, commercial and institutional priorities. The book examines the recurring tensions inherent in university publishing: the obligation to advance serious scholarship while remaining financially viable, the relationship between academic independence and university control, and the extent to which a scholarly press should publish political, controversial or radical works. Its history includes periods of great achievement as well as financial difficulty, internal conflict and highly public controversies.
Published by The Miegunyah Press in 2023, this first edition is an important modern contribution to Australian publishing and cultural history. Extending to more than 500 pages with extensive notes, acknowledgements and index, it presents MUP not merely as a commercial publisher but as an institution whose books helped shape Australian understanding of literature, politics, history, race, the Pacific, the world wars and public policy. An especially appealing volume for collectors and readers interested in Australian books, universities, intellectual life and the history of publishing."
Light wear to covers and spine. Book is very clean with no inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
