Zenith Beast began in San Francisco in 1988 as feisty DIY publisher for the works of singer-songwriter, journalist and poet, Larry O. Dean. The press' first release was Dean's debut chapbook, Rate of Exchange and Other Poems (ZBB001). Next in line were two titles, Barking Up the Wrong Tree (ZBB002) and QWERTYUIOP (ZBB003) in 1989, Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat the following year (ZBB004), and in 1995, Workers' Comp. (ZBB005). The press relocated to Chicago shortly thereafter. Dean's last book to date under the ZB imprimatur was Identity Theft for Dummies in 2003 (ZB012).

In the early 1990s ZB also published the short-lived literary magazine, draconian measures, featuring poetry, art and fiction by some of the most overlooked, underloved and daring writers of the time.

In addition to books, Zenith Beast has also distributed music. In 1988, Dean's band, The Fussbudgets released its cassette-only debut, Torobunga! (ZBC001), followed by Dean's solo debut, Cruel & Unusual Punishment in 1989 (ZBC002). Dean's sophomore effort was Prince Charming (ZBC003, 1990). The 'budgets follow-up EP, Fresh Brood, was next (ZBC004, 1991), followed in 1992 by Dean's third release, The Age of Anxiety (ZBC005). The year 1993 was a big one for Zenith Beast, with the release of The Fussbudgets' full-length cassette, The Naked & the Daft (ZBC006), Dean's Centrifugal Farce (ZBC007), and Kittenbush by singer Christine Wall (ZBC008). The final Fussbudgets release was its 1994 EP, sad fearful playful excited (ZBC009). Dean's post-Fussbudgets project was Malcontent, which released the Embarrassment of Riches EP in 1995, again in cassette-only format (ZBC010). Zenith Beast's Chicago-era releases include Dean's 1997 CD debut, Throw the Lions to the Christians, comprised of the ten-track Throw the Lions... album (originally recorded in SF), as well as selected numbers from the Fussbudgets and Malcontent discographies (ZB001), and 2001's Sir Slob (ZB011).

The nascent new century found Zenith Beast laying low. Dean's work with the bands, Post Office and The Me Decade found release through Spade Kitty Records, and his 2004 book of poetry, I Am Spam, was published to wide acclaim by Fractal Edge Press. However, 2009 is a banner year for the resuscitation of ZB. Discs scheduled for release include Fun with a Purpose by The Injured Parties (ZB013), and Folk You! (a compilation of artists as featured over the last seven-plus years at Dean's monthly songwriter round-robin of the same name).