Duke University Press.

Duke University Press publishes both scholarly books and journals, primarily in the humanities and social sciences. In its early years, preference was given to works published by faculty, graduate students and alumni and to works focused on southern states. William T. Laprade served as the first Director until 1926. That same year, Duke University Press was founded with William K. Boyd as Director. Following Boyd as Director were the following: Paul F. Baum (1927-1930), J. Fred Rippy (1930-1936), Henry Dwire (1936-1944), Laprade (1944-1951), Ashbel G. Brice (1951-1981), Richard C. Rowson (1981-1989), Lawrence J. Malley (1989-1993), and Stanley Fish (1993-1998).

The South Atlantic Quarterly was founded in 1901 by John Spencer Bassett, a professor of English at Trinity College (later Duke University). Funded by Trinity College faculty and administrators, as well as by philanthropists, the scholarly and literary journal was devoted to discussing and critiquing southern topics. The first issue was published in January 1902. Bassett published an essay in the October 1903 issue that was critical of racist political tactics and drew national attention to Trinity College and the issue of academic freedom.

In approximately 1908, Trinity College, and later Duke University, began to support the journal financially. The South Atlantic Quarterly has been published by the Duke University Press. The journal has been continually published with a volunteer editorial staff. Faculty members from the Departments of English and History have served as the journal's editor. Over time, the journal's focus has expanded to include not only southern topics but also those of national and international interest.

The origins of 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, Duke University Press was founded with William K. Boyd as Director. Following Boyd as Director were the following: Paul F. Baum (1927-1930), J. Fred Rippy (1930-1936), Henry Dwire (1936-1944), Laprade (1944-1951), Ashbel G. Brice (1951-1981), Richard C. Rowson (1981-1989), Lawrence J. Malley (1989-1993), and Stanley Fish (1993-1998).

Duke University Press publishes approximately 120 books annually and more than 30 journals. It publishes primarily in the humanities and social sciences and issues a few publications for primarily professional audiences (e.g., in law or medicine). It is best known for its publications in the broad and interdisciplinary area of theory and history of cultural production.