Dundurn Press: A Pillar of Canadian Publishing
Established as a cornerstone of the national literary landscape, Dundurn Press stands as one of the largest Canadian-owned publishing houses specializing in adult fiction and non-fiction. From its base in Toronto, the company has spent decades championing a diverse array of voices, focusing on the rich tapestry of Canadian literature, history, biography, politics, and the arts.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1972 by Kirk Howard.
- Headquarters: Toronto, Canada.
- Catalog Size: Approximately 2,500 books in print.
- Annual Output: Averages 50 new titles per year.
- Current Publisher: Meghan Macdonald.
- Ownership: Owned by a consortium of Canadian technology investors since 2019.
History and Evolution
Dundurn Press was founded in 1972 by Kirk Howard, who led the company for nearly five decades. Under Howard's leadership, the firm expanded its reach and influence through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. In 2009, the company entered a co-publishing partnership with the Ontario Genealogical Society. This growth continued in 2011 with the purchase of Blue Butterfly Books and Napoleon & Company.
The company further strengthened its portfolio in 2013 by acquiring Thomas Allen Publishers, which served as the publishing arm of Thomas Allen & Son Limited. These moves solidified Dundurn's position as a major player in the Canadian book market.
Leadership Transitions
A significant shift in ownership occurred in January 2019 when Kirk Howard sold the company to a consortium of Canadian technology investors. Following the sale, Kwame Scott Fraser was appointed as publisher, while Howard transitioned to the role of publisher emeritus. Howard later passed away in June 2023 after a battle with Parkinson's disease.
The leadership evolved again in February 2024, when Kwame Scott Fraser changed roles within the firm and Meghan Macdonald was named the new publisher.
Imprints and Distribution
To cater to various genres and literary styles, Dundurn operates through several imprints (specialized publishing brands under a parent company). These include:
- Rare Machines (launched by acquiring editor Russell Smith for literary fiction and memoir)
- Castle Street Mysteries
- Hounslow
- Simon and Pierre
- Boardwalk Books
- Sandcastle Books
- Natural Heritage
- Napoleon and Co.
- Blue Butterfly
- Thomas Allen Publishers
To ensure their titles reach a global audience, Dundurn utilizes a robust distribution network including UTP Distribution in Canada, Ingram Publisher Services in the United States, and Lightning Source in the United Kingdom.
Notable Authors and Catalog
Dundurn Press has been home to a prestigious roster of authors, contributing significantly to the Canadian canon. Notable writers associated with the press include Lincoln Alexander, Linda McQuaig, Ted Barris, Michael Coren, Xue Yiwei, and Austin Clarke.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Kirk Howard |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| Employee Count | 20+ |
| Primary Genres | Fiction, Non-fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Arts |
| Website | www.dundurn.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current publisher of Dundurn Press?
As of February 2024, Meghan Macdonald serves as the publisher of Dundurn Press.
What types of books does Dundurn Press publish?
The company focuses on adult fiction and non-fiction, specifically covering Canadian literature, history, biography, politics, and the arts.
What is Rare Machines?
Rare Machines is a specific imprint launched by acquiring editor Russell Smith, dedicated to publishing memoirs and literary fiction.
How many books does Dundurn Press currently have in print?
Dundurn Press maintains a catalog of approximately 2,500 books in print and typically releases around 50 new titles annually.
Who founded Dundurn Press and when?
Dundurn Press was founded in 1972 by Kirk Howard.