Authors of the Introduction to Graphic Communication, Harvey Levenson and John Parsons have published an updated interactive version.

The book on the art, science and business of print features Ricoh's 'Clickable Paper' app and a secure, online video portal. "It is not only about technology; it is technology," they claim.

Cal Poly Professor Emeritus Levenson - former head of Cal Poly's graphic communication department - and former Seybold editorial director Parsons have co-authored the digitally-enhanced edition in response to requests for an update to the 2007 work, originally published by Printing Industries of America.

The new edition is published in partnership with Ricoh, and uses an augmented reality approach to learning - via their 'Clickable Paper' technology - to access online learning videos and reader-to-reader interaction.

"This is not an eBook," says Levenson. "This is a printed book that allows the book to communicate with the reader, and the reader to communicate with the book via direct communication with the authors, via chat groups among readers, and more."

Parsons says the science of haptics (touch) has shown that print is the best medium for deep engagement and substantial learning, "but online media and resources are themselves incredibly valuable.

"This book is an attempt to combine the two - and give students and industry professionals the benefits of both worlds."

Using the app, readers can access videos by industry leaders and technical experts on subjects covered in the book. Levenson, Parsons, and others also provide video overviews and summaries of each chapter.

Industry marketing videos (clearly labelled as such) are also included when they illuminate or demonstrate a particular concept. "People learn in different ways," Levenson says. "This book serves those who learn by reading, by watching, by listening, and by discussing. All you need is the printed book and a smartphone or a tablet. It makes the technology come alive."

A sample chapter and table of contents are available on the book's website at www.igcbook.com. Written for college, vocational, and high school programmes, the 248-page book is also designed for internal industry training, as well as for use in graphic arts programmes, and to help printing companies, equipment dealers, and OEMs clarify the basic principles of printing to print buyers, marketers, designers, and other partners. Selected, individual chapters will also be published separately for programs that do not require the entire book.

More informationfrom IntuIdeas at book@intuideas.com