Pittsburgh, PA, June 12, 2007 -- As we continue to encourage students to pursue careers in graphic communications, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with a firm foundation of knowledge of the field as a whole. PIA/GATFPress’s newest release, Introduction to Graphic Communication by Harvey Robert Levenson, Ph.D., aims to do just that.

Dr. Levenson, the department head of Graphic Communication at California Polytechnic State University, authored Introduction to Graphic Communication specifically for students, but given its broad-based approach to graphic communication, its contents can be just as helpful to any professional who wants to gain a more thorough understanding of graphic arts, printing, design, publishing, and related fields.

In addition to providing historical examinations of common and uncommon printing and graphic communications practices, Introduction to Graphic Communication offers a comprehensive background on the development and uses of the Internet, World Wide Web, and telecommunications. This book also includes a detailed examination of technological transitions, how new technology can be effectively implemented, and sustainability practices.

Introduction to Graphic Communication provides a comprehensive overview of the following topics:

What Is Graphic Communication?
History of Printing
History of the Internet and the World Wide Web
Technological Transitions and Implementing New Technology
Industry Segments
Paper, Ink, and Toner
Prepress
Printing Processes
Postpress and Finishing
Telecommunication
Printing Industry Business Practices
Sustainable Graphic Communication and Corporate Responsibility in Print
Dr. Levenson holds four degrees in printing and communication, including a Ph.D. in rhetoric and communication from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. in printing management from South Dakota State University, a B.S. in printing from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and an A.A.S. in graphic arts and advertising technology from New York City College of Technology.

Over the years, Dr. Levenson has actively served on committees and boards of many graphic arts organizations, including GATF, the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts, Electronic Document Systems Foundation, the Graphic Arts Literacy Alliance, and as past president of the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications. He has won the GATF Education Council Award of Excellence, the U.S. Government Printing Office “Distinguished Service Award,” and was named “Educator of the Year” in 2004. Dr. Levenson has been a technical consultant to approximately 250 printing and related companies, and has authored more than 50 books and articles on graphic communications.

Introduction to Graphic Communication (Item No. 1759, ISBN 978-0-88362-589-7) is available for $40; PIA/GATF members receive a discounted rate of $30. This and all of PIA/GATFPress’s nearly 200 publications are available online at www.gain.net, or by phone (toll-free 866-855-4283), fax (301-393-2555), or mail (200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143).