Baker Book House

Probably the largest Christian bookstore in America, and one of the few surviving in the hub of Christian publishing.

A History of Christian Publishing in Grand Rapids:

Beginning from humble origins in a small Dutch immigrant kolonie in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two families diverged into four Evangelical publishing houses that have, through shrewd business practices, financial frugality, and the sheer forces of faith and will, impacted the globe over the course a little more than a century. Kregel, Baker, Eerdmans and Zondervan have provided an intellectual outlet for theologians and teachers, publishing works by great men in the employ of West Michigan’s colleges. These colleges have, in turn, provided both the labor force and additional authors, innovators, and the voracious readers for the publishing houses. These publishing heroes have fought injustices, supported their communities, led the way in teaching peoples of other language groups, and inspired converts to be bold in their faith and pursue their callings and education. They have all survived harrowing times and periods of uncertain transition, both in family matters and in technological leaps forward. They have maintained and grown their businesses in diversity and adversity, and continue to impact the globe with materials in all formats: paper, digital, music, and multimedia. Authors and publishers alike deal in ideas— those which inspire, incite debate, educate and call for action. That’s what these four firms have done for a little over a century, and hopefully, with God’s blessing, will continue to do for another.

Also check out The Baker Book House Story