Learning to Be a Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1951-1987: Personal Reminiscences - Michael H Black

The Cambridge University Press which Michael Black joined in 1951 as Assistant Secretary to the Syndics was tiny, traditional, gentlemanly and almost unchanged since the Second World War. He had to invent the jobs he was doing, first as Education Secretary in charge of school book publishing, travelling extensively in Africa and Asia to explore new markets and discover new authors. He was appointed to the new title of Chief Editor in 1965 and was responsible for creating a team of bright young professionals, including women, whom he trained in editorial roles. New subject lists were created. In the USA a whole editorial department had to be developed, to produce a major flow of books and journals. The pattern became a model for other territories.