Columbia University Press was founded in 1893 and is the fourth-oldest university press in the United States. The purpose of the press expressed in its Certificate of Incorporation is to "promote the study of economic, historical, literary, scientific and other subjects and to promote and encourage the publication of literary works embodying original research in such subjects." 

Mission Statement: Now in its second century of scholarly publishing, Columbia University Press seeks to enhance Columbia University's educational mission by acquiring and publishing outstanding original works by scholars and others that contribute to an understanding of global human concerns. Through the agency of book, reference, and electronic publishing and distribution services, the Press endeavors to broaden the university's international reputation in the humanities, sciences, and the social sciences.