Our History

Founded in 1976 on the common in Harvard, Massachusetts, Harvard Common Press has established itself as a leading publisher in the cookbook and pregnancy/childbirth arenas.

Harvard Common Press has multiple IACP and James Beard award–winning cookbooks, and is well-regarded by both the media and consumers for producing accessible, inspiring culinary content for home cooks. HCP specializes in key areas within its culinary program, including barbecue and grilling, baking, regional/international cooking, single-subject, and appliance cookery, working with leading experts in these areas to produce top-quality cooking content.

Within its pregnancy and childbirth line, Harvard Common Press has had similar success. Two of the imprint’s most popular titles, The Nursing Mother's Companion and The Birth Partner are regarded as indispensable resources for childbirth educators, practitioners, and new mothers. The Nursing Mother’s Companion, by Kathleen Huggins, was the first comprehensive handbook on breastfeeding issues ever to be published. Still in print, soon going into its eighth edition, and with more than one million copies sold, The Nursing Mother’s Companion remains the standard in the category.

Harvard Common Press was purchased by The Quarto Publishing Group USA in February 2016.