In 1965, Stan Bevington, a typesetter, newly transplanted to Toronto from Edmonton, rented an old coach house and installed an antique Challenge Gordon platen press, creating Coach House Press, which introduced Canadians to the early works of writers such as bpNichol, Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Atwood, George Bowering, Di Brandt, Nicole Brossard, Frank Davey, Daphne Marlatt, Ann-Marie MacDonald, David McFadden and Anne Michaels.
Known for its advocacy of the avant-garde and for many author/artist collaborations, Coach House has published more than 500 titles since its inception, and prints more than 200 books a year for other presses, including catalogues for libraries and art galleries.
In 1996, Coach House launched a digital distribution online series of ebooks as part of Bevington's current exploration in virtual publishing.
In July 2009, Bevington was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his outstanding contribution to Canadian culture.
In March 2012, Bevington was awarded the Robert R. Reid medal for Lifetime Achievement to the Book Arts in Canada by The Alcuin Society.