Guide to the Duke University Press Reference Collection, 1922-ongoing

Collection Overview

The Duke University Press Reference Collection contains clippings, reports, forms, correspondence, brochures, and catalogs that pertain to the history and operation of the Duke University Press. This collection was compiled from a variety of sources by the University Archives for use in reference and research. The materials in the collection date from 1922-ongoing.

More Biographical / Historical Info

Collection Details

Record Group
Duke University Press Reference collection
Duke University. University Archives
1.5 Linear Feet, 1050 Items
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Material in English

Using These Materials


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Collection is open for research.

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More copyright and citation information

How to Cite

[Identification of item], Duke University Press Reference Collection, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Contents of the Collection

1. Container List,

3 boxes
Box 1
History by Ashbel Brice, 1951
Box 1
Box 1
Annual Reports, 1936-1950 (incomplete)
Box 1
Box 1
Forms, correspondence, etc.
Box 1
Books in Print, 1996-
Box 1
Box 1
National Collegiate Software Clearing House, 1989
Box 1
Duke University (Trinity College) Press - Historical
Box 1
Style Sheet
Box 1
Trade Lists, 1922-1960
Box 1
South Atlantic Quarterly, 1963-2002
Box 1
Duke Mathematical Journal, undated
Box 1
American Literature, editors, history, 1929-Ongoing
Box 1
Box 2
Reference, History, bulk 1981-1991
Box 2
Reference, History, 1974-1992
Box 2
Reference, History, 1982-1990
Box 2
Report - June 30, 1928
Box 2
Catalogues, 1990-2002
Box 3

Historical Note

The origins of the Duke University Press date back to 1892 and the establishment of the Trinity College Historical Society; in 1921 the Trinity College Press was officially founded. William T. Laprade served as the first Director until 1926. That same year, the Duke University Press was founded with William K. Boyd as Director.

Duke Press publishes both scholarly books and journals, primarily in the humanities and the social sciences. In the Press's early years, preference was given to works published by faculty, graduate students, and alumni; and to works focused on the "region south of the Potomac." As the University has grown and diversified, so has the Press; now it is best known for its publications in the broad and interdisciplinary area of theory and history of cultural production. By 1949 the press published 3-5 journals and 5-15 books per year. Currently (2008), Duke University Press publishes approximately 120 books annually and more than 30 journals. This places the Press's books publishing program among the twenty largest at American university presses, and the journals publishing program among the five largest.

Related Material

  • Bernard I. Duffey papers, 1957-1983. (University Archives. Duke University.)
  • Duke University Press records, 1926-1991. (University Archives. Duke University.)
  • South Atlantic Quarterly records, 1926-1986. (University Archives. Duke University.)
  • William Thomas Laprade Papers, 1660-1975 (bulk 1898-1975). (University Archives. Duke University.)

Click to find related materials at Duke University Libraries.


The Duke University Press Reference Collection was compiled from a variety of sources by the University Archives for use in reference and research.

Processing Information

Processed by Archives Staff, February 2008

Encoded by Sherrie Bowser, February 2008

Updated by Molly Bragg, August 2011
