Maybe Greatness Is in the Genes
Anthony Crouch has a long line of publishing blood in his family, and now a major industry award under his belt.
Anthony Crouch has lived and breathed publishing all his life. "I was drawn to the world of print and publishing through strong family connections," Crouch recalls. "My grandfather was a typesetter … and my grandmother was a bookbinder. My parents were both heavily involved in publishing."
As an adolescent, Crouch founded a newspaper for his middle school. He was a bit apprehensive, however, when it came to pursuing publishing as a profession.
"I tried several other possible career paths in England before entering the family publishing business. [I learned] all about editing, graphic design, paste-up, advertising and sales, as I worked in the various departments," he recalls. "It was the best grounding I could have received for what was to come…."
In the '60s, Crouch emigrated to Canada, and worked as design and production manager for McGill-Queen's University Press in Montreal. He spent seven years there, learned the business of university presses, and built relationships with many North American paper mills and book manufacturers.
Next, Crouch relocated to Nova Scotia, where he spent 11 years as director of publishing for the provincial government.
Seventeen years ago—after 18 years of Canadian winters—Crouch craved warmer climates and headed to Berkeley, Calif. He accepted a position as director, design and production, for the University of California Press—where he has been since.
Facing Change
Reflecting back on his career so far, Crouch marvels at how technology has changed the way books are made. "It's all so different now. A typical typesetting department today is a room full of quiet computers, compared to the heat and noise of a Linotype or Monotype keyboard and the casting machines of yesteryear," Crouch reminisces.
