The Business History Review is a quarterly journal of original research by leading historians, economists, and scholars of business administration. The journal began publication in 1926 as the Bulletin of the Business Historical Society and adopted its current name in 1954. The primary purpose of BHR, as stated when it began publication, is to "encourage and aid the study of the evolution of business in all periods and in all countries." Issues contain articles, announcements, book reviews, and occasionally research notes. Special issues or sections have been devoted to subjects such as business and the environment, computers and communications networks, business-government relations, and technological innovation.

Harvard University, which celebrated its 350th anniversary in 1986, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Founded 16 years after the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, the University has grown from nine students with a single master to an enrollment of more than 18,000 degree candidates, including undergraduates and students in 10 principal academic units. An additional 13,000 students are enrolled in one or more courses in the Harvard Extension School. Over 14,000 people work at Harvard, including more than 2,000 faculty. There are also 7,000 faculty appointments in affiliated teaching hospitals.