Ryerson Press was a Canadian publishing house that operated primarily during the mid‑20th century. Established as the publishing arm of the Ryerson Press printing division, which was associated with the Ryerson Institute of Technology (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in Toronto, the company began issuing books in the 1930s.
Key historical points
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1930s | Ryerson Press begins publishing educational texts, textbooks, and literary works. |
| 1940s–1950s | Expansion of catalogue to include Canadian fiction, poetry, and non‑fiction; notable authors such as Robertson Davies, Morley Callaghan, and Hugh MacLennan were published. |
| 1960s | Continued growth; Ryerson Press becomes one of Canada’s leading publishers of both academic and trade titles. |
| 1970 | The company is sold to McGraw‑Hill Canada; the Ryerson Press imprint is subsequently phased out. |
Publications and focus
- Educational material: textbook series for secondary and post‑secondary institutions, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, and the humanities.
- Literary works: promotion of Canadian authors; the press earned a reputation for supporting domestic literature and contributing to the development of a distinct Canadian literary voice.
- Reference and trade books: dictionaries, atlases, and general interest nonfiction.
Legacy
Although the Ryerson Press name ceased to appear after its acquisition, its catalogues and many of its titles remain in circulation through successor publishing houses and re‑print initiatives. The imprint is frequently cited in histories of Canadian publishing for its role in fostering national authorship and for its contributions to educational publishing in Canada.
