Founded in 1911 by Dutch American William B. Eerdmans and still independently owned with William's daughter-in-law Anita Eerdmans[2] as president, Eerdmans has long been known for publishing a wide range of Christian and religious books, from academic works in Christian theology, biblical studies, religious history, and reference to popular titles in spirituality, social and cultural criticism, and literature.

In 1911 with his partner, Brant Sevensma, Eerdmans formed the Eerdmans–Sevensma book dealership, specializing in theological textbooks.

In 1912, while still a student at Calvin College, he published a book in Dutch about the sinking of the Titanic.

Over his career Eerdmans published books by authors including C. S. Lewis, Karl Barth, James Tunstead Burtchaell, Richard J. Neuhaus, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Richard Mouw, Martin Marty, Rowan Williams, Joan Chittister, Dorothy Day, Mark Noll and many others.

[4] After his death in 1966, he was succeeded by his son, William B. Eerdmans Jr. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers began in 1995 as an imprint of William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,[5] specializing in fiction and non-fiction for younger readers, from babies to young adults.