'Allen & Unwin was established in Australia in 1976 and became an Australian-owned publishing company in 1990. It is regarded by some industry observers as the single most interesting publishing company in the recent history of Australian publishing. Renowned for a diverse list, a strong consumer and market orientation, and an efficient distribution agency representing an astute mix of overseas and Australian publishing houses, Allen & Unwin represents a lineage of dedicated publishers. It is also one of five major trade publishers in the Australian marketplace and one of the biggest independent publishers in the world.' (Introduction 93)