The History of The Althouse Press

First Phase 1977 — 1981:

The Althouse Press began modestly in 1977 as an experimental outlet for educational publications sponsored by the Faculty of Education at The University of Western Ontario. At that time, the Faculty thought that there was a need for professional books, monographs, and research reports which was not currently being met. The first five publications consisted of practical curriculum guides and professionally-oriented monographs. Authors during this period included Robin Barrow, Richard Courtney, and Don Gutteridge.

Second Phase 1982 — 1988:

During this period the Press began to publish full-length books on a variety of educational topics. In addition, it issued several videotapes, and initiated a research series on topics of major importance. In this period, several important new authors appeared in the Press catalogue, including John Wilson, William Hare, Paul Wilkinson, Kieran Egan, Jack Martin, and Bruce Curtis. At the same time, important co-publication links were established with such publishers in the USA and Britain as Heinemann, Harvester Press, and Methuen. As the publication list grew, the Press established itself as a major participant in Canadian educational publishing.

Third Phase 1988 — present:

In recent years, the Press has gradually introduced modern methods of publishing, and enhanced its position as a publisher of educational materials.It has published important new books by Max van Manen, Kieran Egan, and Don Gutteridge. Special attention has been paid to new aspects in educational research, to publications of professional significance, and to major critiques of official policy. Several volumes (including William Hare's Makes a Good Teacher) have won highly prized publishing awards. The Press continues to successfully copublish with its American counterparts. Participating in some of the most recent copublication agreements have been Teachers' College Press, The University of Chicago Press, and the State University of New York Press. In an academic review in 1990, the Press was characterized as an "intellectual and artistic success."

The Director of the Press is always eager to receive comments and suggestions about future publishing ventures in all aspects of education.

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