'Chasing the Paper Canoe' set for release April 12

 “Chasing the Paper Canoe,” the debut book by CCU's new Athenaeum Press, is set for release April 12. The book revisits Nathaniel Bishop’s trip down the Waccamaw River in a paper canoe more than a century ago. Students and faculty from Coastal Carolina University collaboratively produced the project under the umbrella of The Athenaeum Press. This project also includes a companion website and augmented reality, where readers can download a free mobile app to see some of the photographs come to life as streaming video.

Many of the multimedia components were developed by Marcello Garofalo, a CCU senior majoring in visual arts. “The work on the book has allowed me to experience the collaborative process in publishing on a professional level that far exceeds the typical classroom experience,” Garofalo said.

This book represents the mission of The Athenaeum Press -- to concentrate on a small list of high impact projects that integrate student learning with print and digital projects and that involve faculty and community. This threefold commitment to quality, education and community engagement goes well beyond the boundaries of a traditional university press. 

The book launch will take place on April 12 at the Spring Gala at Coastal Carolina University and will be part of the festivities at RiverRead at the Riverfront in Conway on April 20. Books will be available for purchase beginning April 12 at theathenaeumpress.com/papercanoe.