CRC Press: A Legacy of Technical and Scientific Publishing
In the world of academic and professional literature, few names carry as much weight in the STEM fields as CRC Press. Specializing in technical textbooks and reference works, CRC Press provides essential knowledge across engineering, science, mathematics, business, and information technology. Today, it operates as a key imprint of Taylor & Francis, integrating its deep technical expertise with a global distribution network.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1903 as the Chemical Rubber Company.
- Parent Company: Taylor & Francis (a subsidiary of Informa).
- Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida, United States.
- Core Focus: Technical textbooks in science, engineering, mathematics, IT, and business.
- Flagship Publication: The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
- Notable Imprints: Chapman & Hall, Productivity Press, and Auerbach Publications.
The Evolution of CRC Press
The origins of CRC Press are rooted in practical commerce rather than academic publishing. In 1900, Arthur Friedman began selling rubber laboratory aprons, a venture that grew into the Chemical Rubber Company (CRC) in 1903, co-founded with his brothers Leo and Emanuel in Cleveland, Ohio. The company expanded its catalog to include various laboratory equipment for chemists.
The transition into publishing began in 1913 with a strategic marketing move. To incentivize the purchase of a dozen aprons, the company offered a 116-page manual titled the Rubber Handbook. This modest guide laid the foundation for what would become a global standard in scientific reference.
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From Manufacturing to Specialized Publishing
Over the decades, the Rubber Handbook evolved into the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, the company's most famous publication. Another significant success was the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables, which achieved massive reach with over 2 million copies sold.
By 1964, the company shifted its primary focus toward its publishing ventures. This transition culminated in 1973 when the organization officially changed its name to CRC Press, Inc. and exited the manufacturing sector, spinning off its equipment line as the Lab Apparatus Company.
Corporate Transitions and Modern Integration
The latter part of the 20th century saw CRC Press move through several corporate ownerships. In 1986, the company was acquired by the Times Mirror Company. After a period of exploration regarding the division's future, Times Mirror sold CRC Press to Information Ventures in December 1996.
In 2003, CRC Press was acquired by Taylor & Francis, which subsequently became part of the UK-based publisher Informa in 2004. Currently, CRC Press and Routledge serve as the two primary pillars of Taylor & Francis's academic publishing arm. As of 2025, CRC Press is branded as part of the broader Routledge identity.
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Summary of CRC Press Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Current Headquarters | Boca Raton, Florida |
| Primary Subjects | Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, IT, Forensics |
| Parent Organization | Informa (via Taylor & Francis) |
| Distribution | Worldwide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between CRC Press and Routledge?
Both CRC Press and Routledge are key imprints under the Taylor & Francis group. As of 2025, CRC Press is presented as part of the Routledge branding.
How did CRC Press start?
It began in 1903 as the publishing arm of the Chemical Rubber Company, which originally sold laboratory aprons and equipment.
What are some of the most successful books published by CRC Press?
The most prominent is the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, along with the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables, which has sold more than 2 million copies.
Which academic fields does CRC Press cover?
CRC Press focuses on technical nonfiction, specifically engineering, science, mathematics, information technology, business, and forensics.
Who owns CRC Press today?
CRC Press is owned by Taylor & Francis, which is a subsidiary of the UK publisher Informa.