Boydell & Brewer to acquire James Clarke and Lutterworth Press imprints

Independent academic publisher Boydell & Brewer is finalising an agreement to acquire the James Clarke and Lutterworth Press imprints.

Founded in the 19th century, Lutterworth Press’ publishing includes literary history, history, art history and biography. James Clarke & Co publishes academic theology. 

Under the terms of the deal, Boydell & Brewer will assume stewardship of James Clarke and Lutterworth Press  in the summer of 2026. The backlist will be integrated into Boydell & Brewer’s programme. The integration of the presses into Boydell & Brewer’s catalogue will take place over the coming months and authors, editors and partners will receive direct communication as the transition proceeds.

Boydell & Brewer CEO Tom Clark said: “We are delighted to welcome the James Clarke and Lutterworth Press imprints to the Boydell & Brewer family. The James Clarke imprint will remain a home for innovative and rigorous academic work in religious history and theology. Lutterworth Press has been a vital voice in religious and cultural publishing for more than a century, and we are committed to building on that legacy.“

Adrian Brink, owner of James Clarke and Lutterworth Press, commented: “This agreement reflects a shared belief in the enduring value of scholarly publishing, and an approach to publishing as a vocation rather than simply a business.

“Boydell & Brewer bring the scale, expertise and international reach needed to ensure that our lists continue to grow and evolve, and their respect for the traditions, authors and readers of James Clarke and Lutterworth Press make this a natural transition. I am confident that the imprints will continue to be developed with the same care, independence and intellectual seriousness that have always defined them.”