Founded in 1763 by Carl Gottlieb Beck, C.H.Beck is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious independent publishing houses. Headquartered in Munich, it has remained a family-owned institution for over nine generations, evolving into a cornerstone of European academic and legal publishing.
Editorial Philosophy and Scope:
As of 2025, the publisher is structured into two world-renowned divisions:
Law (Recht): C.H.Beck is the market leader for legal literature in Germany. It publishes essential commentaries, textbooks, and statutes. Its digital branch, beck-online, is the primary database used by the German judiciary and legal profession.
Humanities and Non-Fiction (Kultur – Literatur – Wissenschaft): This division is celebrated for its high-caliber works in history, archaeology, philosophy, and literary studies. The “C.H.Beck Wissen” series is particularly famous for providing concise, expert-written introductions to a vast array of scholarly topics.
Cultural Impact:
The house is synonymous with intellectual rigor. It serves as a home for Nobel laureates and leading global scholars. Its historical and philosophical publications are frequently translated into dozens of languages, cementing its role as a vital contributor to the global “Republic of Letters.”
Contact Information (2025):
Headquarters: Wilhelmstraße 9, 80801 Munich, Germany.
General Inquiries Email: info@beck.de
Foreign Rights & Licenses Email: rights@beck.de (Crucial for international publishers and translators).
Official Website: www.chbeck.de