KNOXVILLE –- The University of Tennessee Press is helping put copies of the recently published Encyclopedia of Appalachia in every intermediate and high school in the Appalachian region.
UT Press and East Tennessee State University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Services (CASS) have partnered to create the Books-in-Schools Project.
The 1,864-page reference book, which took 10 years to complete, was produced by CASS and published by UT Press. More than 30 University of Tennessee faculty and staff members were among the book’s nearly 1,200 contributors.
The Encyclopedia covers everything from the formation of the Appalachian Mountains 248 million years ago to contemporary issues such as education reform, the environmental impact of industries and how media portrayals of the region continue to shape perception of its inhabitants.
On April 20, at a reception to introduce the book to the Knoxville area, copies of the Encyclopedia were presented to Grassy Fork Elementary School in Hartford, in Cocke County, and Hampton High School in Carter County.
Copies of the Encyclopedia also have been presented to Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain, in Carter County, and ETSU’s University School.
When purchased in lots of 25 or more, the book will be discounted from its retail price of $79.95 and shipped to school libraries. A book plate inserted in each book will acknowledge the donor and donations are tax deductible.
While first priority goes to schools designated as economically distressed by the Appalachian Regional Commission, donors may request a preference for their own counties and service areas.
For information on ways to make a donation to this project, contact CASS at (423) 439-7865.