History
Melbourne University Press was founded in 1922 to sell books and stationery to students of the University. It soon developed its own publishing program and later established its own printing facilities, and its first publication was a duplicated set of notes from the Physics School, then known as Natural Philosophy. The Press's first monograph was Myra Willard's History of the White Australia Policy, published in 1923. In the first two decades of its existence, the Press also ran a post office, provided lecture notes and hired out graduation regalia!
From 1944 the activities became more streamlined, and Melbourne University Press focused on the core roles of publishing books and managing the bookshop.
In 1967 The Miegunyah Press was established as a special imprint of Melbourne University Press, through the vision of Sir Russel Grimswade and the major bequests provided by him and his wife, Mabel. Books published under the Miegunyah imprint are distinguished by their reputation for quality, and are lavishly illustrated landmark books that document the national story.
Melbourne University Publishing inherits the proud eighty-year history of Melbourne University Press, which in 2003 became Melbourne University Publishing Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Melbourne.
MUP today publishes under three main imprints: Melbourne University Press, The Miegunyah Press and MUP Academic. MUP is also proud to include the literary magazine Meanjin under its stable of imprints since 2008.
In addition to publishing approximately fifty books each year over a wide range of subject areas and disciplines, MUP maintains a substantial backlist of some 500 titles, which can be ordered through the website.
RECENT GRADUATES
MUP provides advice for recent graduates on how to rewrite your thesis into a book.