Amsterdam University Press acquires Summum Academic Publications

This decision follows Summum’s founder and publisher, Pieter Rouwendal, being appointed as an Associate Professor at Apeldoorn Theological University, prompting him to sell the publishing company. In AUP, he found a like-minded partner to continue Summum’s mission. The Summum list will now be managed by Jörg Persch at AUP, who brings extensive experience as a publisher of academic theology.

Pieter Rouwendal, owner and publisher of Summum Academic Publications, comments: “AUP is a fine independent publisher with a good profile that is growing internationally. I have known Jörg Persch professionally for many years -- the fund is in good hands with him.”

Jan-Peter Wissink, director of Amsterdam University Press, said: “The acquisition of the Summum Fund is a great addition for AUP. It fits well with our plans to expand the number of publications in the field of theology and to publish books alongside journals such as Journal of European Theology, NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion and Trajecta: Religion, Culture and Society in the Low Countries. With Summum's fund, we are adding impetus to those plans.”

Jörg Persch, Director of the German and American branch of AUP, adds: “I am delighted that Pieter Rouwendal is entrusting us with his Summum Academic Publications programme. In just a few years, he has developed a solid theological portfolio of the highest academic reputation. It will greatly support our endeavours to expand the field of theology and church history. I am particularly pleased that Pieter Rouwendal will be working with me as the editor of several series moving forward.”

You can view a list of current Religion and Theology journalshere, or browse our titles here.