40 years ago today, we published the first book in the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers series. To mark this anniversary, over the next few months we’ll be bringing you special content from our Handbook editors and authors. Today we start the celebrations with an exclusive interview with series editor Scott Thornbury.
A brief history of Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers
On 20 September 1979, Cambridge University Press published Games for Language Learning by Andrew Wright. The book launched a series which has:
- Been overseen by world-renowned series editors Michael Swan, Roger Bowers, Penny Ur and Scott Thornbury
- Featured books by over 60 expert authors including Jack C. Richards, Tessa Woodward, Peter Watkins, Leo Selivan, Natalie Hess, Ruth Wajnryb and Alan Maley
- Won prizes including the ESU HRH the Duke of Edinburgh Award, The Society of Authors ELT Writing Award and the Ben Warren Prize.
Perspectives on Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers, from current series editor Scott Thornbury
Scott became the series editor in 2005. Since then he has overseen the publication of over 25 titles and launched the range of Pocket Editions.
Watch the videos below to hear Scott’s unique perspective on the Handbooks and his time as series editor.
What was your awareness of the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers series before you became series editor?
How did you feel when you were approached to be the new series editor?
How did you build on the success of previous editors and what changes have you made to put your stamp on the series?
The series is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019 – what do you think has been the key to its success?
What does the future hold for the series – are there any titles on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
Browse the series and find out more about the books Scott talks about in his videos here.
Have you heard the talk Scott delivered at our Better Learning Conference? You can hear all about his ideas on the latest teaching methods here.