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Since the mid-1960s, Coach House Press has published poetry, literature, and drama and printed memorable ephemera. From its quirky, well-worn buildings in Toronto, it has produced finely-crafted books for some of the country’s most esteemed authors, brought new writers to the Canadian public, and made a name for itself as it moved from hand-presses and photography to the innovative use of computer technology. In 1997 it became the world’s first publisher of full-text online books of poetry and fiction. This study presents a brief history of the press and features a video tour of Coach House by its founder, Stan Bevington.

Stan Bevington, one of Canadian publishing’s most intriguing figures, founded Coach House Press in 1965 – a press renowned for its support of poetry and fiction writers and its leading role in design and technological innovation. Bevington himself is a master printer and award-winning designer whose works are coveted by collectors and bibliophiles. He talked to Sarah Hipworth about his life and times at Coach House in the audio interview that accompanies this study. Excerpts of the interview (numbered in the text) can be accessed at the bottom of this page.