Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press (OUP) is not just any publishing house — it is the largest university press in the world and a cornerstone of global academic excellence. As a department of the prestigious University of Oxford, OUP’s mission is to support education and research through world-class publishing. With a rich history, a global footprint, and a commitment to quality, OUP shapes how knowledge is shared worldwide.
A Legacy Rooted in History
Oxford University Press has an unparalleled legacy that stretches back to 1478, just two years after the first English printing press was established by William Caxton. The University of Oxford received its printing rights in 1586, lending £100 to bookseller Joseph Barnes to set up an official press. By the early 1600s, OUP was printing texts in Greek, Hebrew, and even maps of the New World.
In 1633, the University appointed official Delegates to oversee the Press — a system that continues today. With the issuance of the Great Charter in 1632 from King Charles I, Oxford gained greater autonomy to print “all manner of books,” firmly establishing its publishing authority.
Expanding Across the Globe
The real transformation of OUP began in the late 19th century, when it expanded internationally:
- New York Office – 1896
- Canada – 1904
- Australia – 1908
- India – 1912
- South Africa – 1914
Today, Oxford University Press operates in over 50 countries, with 5,000+ employees, and publishes more than 6,000 titles annually, including textbooks, dictionaries, academic journals, music scores, and digital content.
What Does Oxford University Press Publish?
OUP’s catalogue is vast and diverse, covering:
- Academic & scholarly books in all disciplines
- Bibles & religious texts
- Dictionaries & reference works
- Educational textbooks for schools and universities
- Materials for teaching English as a foreign language
- Children’s books and music publications
- Peer-reviewed journals and monographs
- Digital resources and online databases
OUP is also known for publishing flagship titles such as the Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford World’s Classics, and Oxford Handbooks.
Commitment to Quality & Peer Review
OUP maintains high editorial standards through a rigorous peer-review process. Every scholarly work is assessed by independent experts before being approved. Reviews are conducted under blind or double-blind conditions, and the final approval is given by the Delegates — academic representatives appointed by Oxford University.
Governance: Who Runs the Press?
Oxford University Press is unique in its governance model, which is directly linked to the University of Oxford. The Delegacy — made up of senior academics — meets regularly during term time to oversee publications and strategic decisions. Supporting them is the Finance Committee, comprising experts in business, law, and academia.
The Chief Executive Officer (traditionally called the Secretary to the Delegates) is responsible for running OUP’s global operations.
Oxford University Press Headquarters & Museum
The OUP headquarters are located at:
Oxford University Press
Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, England, OX2 6DP
Alongside its offices, OUP operates a museum that showcases its rich heritage, including:
- 17th-century printing equipment
- Historical OUP publications
- The famous Fell types
- Archives of the Oxford Almanack
- Exhibits on Alice in Wonderland and the Oxford English Dictionary
Museum Info:
- Open: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Free Admission
- Accessible for wheelchair users
- Pre-booking required via [email protected] or call 01865 353527
Fun Fact: The Bible and Global Growth
OUP played a major role in printing the Authorized King James Bible, a privilege it holds from the 17th century. This made the Press financially strong and enabled its expansion throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. A Bible warehouse in London soon evolved into a major publishing house for educational content.
Why Oxford University Press Matters
With over 600 years of publishing history, OUP is more than a press — it’s a symbol of scholarly integrity. From classroom textbooks in Kenya to medical journals in the U.S., Oxford’s imprint represents academic excellence, global collaboration, and a deep commitment to accessible education.
Whether you’re a researcher, a student, a teacher, or a casual reader, Oxford University Press likely plays a part in your learning journey.
Final Thoughts
Oxford University Press exemplifies the power of academic publishing. Rooted in centuries of history and guided by a mission of spreading knowledge, it continues to adapt in a fast-changing digital age while holding firm to its core values. In a world filled with information, OUP remains a beacon of quality, credibility, and global education.