Angrynomics is jointly written by a political scientist and a hedgefund manager. Would EUP ever have published a book like that?

As Edinburgh University Press (EUP) marks another milestone in its strategic expansion, the acquisition of Agenda Publishing signals a significant consolidation within the UK’s academic landscape.

The deal, which includes Agenda’s entire backlist and future contracts, strengthens EUP’s position as a premier home for the humanities and social sciences.

The press release was short on detail, and the West African electricity gods have conspired to keep me in the dark, literally, this past few days, so behind with this summary, but this is an important new move in the UK academic publishing scene.

Strategic Alignment and Expansion

The acquisition represents a seamless thematic fit. Agenda Publishing, established in 2016 and based in Newcastle upon Tyne, carved out a niche by placing economics at the heart of its list. Over a decade, it expanded into politics, philosophy, and sustainability – areas where EUP already holds an award-winning reputation.

By absorbing Agenda’s assets, EUP bolsters its editorial reach, particularly in the study of economic systems and their global challenges.

More Than Just A Volume Play

For EUP – twice named Academic, Educational and Professional Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards – the move is more than just a volume play. It brings into the fold a list known for rigorous peer review and high-profile titles, such as the acclaimed (not least by me!) Angrynomics by Eric Lonergan and Mark Blyth.

That alone demands me writing this post. Angrynomics is jointly written by a political scientist and a hedgefund manager. Would EUP ever have published a book like that?

Okay, back to script.

Continuity for Authors and Editors

A key component of the transition is the transfer of Alison Howson, Publisher for Agenda, to the EUP team. In an industry where author-publisher relationships are paramount, this move ensures that Agenda’s existing contributors experience minimal disruption.

Nicola Ramsey, CEO of EUP, emphasised the press’s commitment to providing a “fantastic home” for the newly acquired series, while Agenda’s Director, Steven Gerrard, noted that the shared commitment to “fresh ideas” was a deciding factor in the sale.

The View From The Beach

Yeah, yeah, press releases always say that sort of stuff, but this is where it gets interesting. Because after publishing its 100th book in 2021, Agenda has focused on making complex economic and political theory accessible to both students and “interested general readers,” a crossover appeal that EUP is now well-positioned to scale through its global distribution networks.

I’m looking forward to the new release lists!

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.