(Camden, Maine) Every generation builds houses to express their beliefs and aspirations. Historic Maine Homes: 300 Years of Great Houses, explores the architectural history and stories behind the notable homes of Maine. Author Christopher Glass and photographer Brian Vanden Brink bring their skills and perspectives to bear on homes built in a rich variety of styles, including Colonial, Federal, Georgian, Italianate, and more. Many of the locations featured, such as the Victoria Mansion in Portland and Montpelier in Thomaston are now open to the public as museums.

New Book: Chosen Faith, Chosen Land: The Untold Story of America's 21st-Century Shakers

By Jeannine Lauber, recipient of a 2000 Edward R. Murrow Award

Down East Enterprise Inc. announces the promotion of Kathleen Fleury from Assistant Editor to Associate Editor for all Down East-branded products, including the book, magazine, and online divisions.

“Kathleen came to Down East in 2007 with a diverse range of publishing experiences — she worked in Manhattan at both the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth literary agency and at Random House’s cooking imprint, Clarkson Potter,” said Paul Doiron, Editor in Chief of the Down East brand.

For young readers and those who read to them, Planet Toys in Camden will be the place to be when Karel Hayes is in town Monday, July 6, to sign copies of her new picture book, The Amazing Journey of Lucky the Lobster Buoy. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gregory S. Zielinski will celebrate the publication of his new book about Maine’s famously changeable weather, Conditions May Vary, on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Books ‘n Things, Norway. The book is published by Down East Books.

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland will be the scene, Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m. for a book-signing party and presentation by Brian Vanden Brink of Camden, whose stunning new book, Ruin: Photographs of a Vanishing America, is published this month by Down East Books. The event is sponsored by Camden Real Estate of Camden.

Four Down East books are winners in the Independent Publisher Book Awards this year. Popularly known as The IPPY Awards, the prizes are open to all members of the independent publishing industry, nationally and internationally, who produce books written in English that reach the North American market.

By photographing the interiors and exteriors of magnificent homes, Brian Vanden Brink has built a reputation as one of America’s more sought-after architectural photographers. Nevertheless, he has always also been drawn to the mystery, sense of loss, and unexpected beauty found in abandoned architecture. Over the years, he has stolen time from photographing the homes of the affluent to focus on deserted homes and architectural ruins – and their relationships to the surrounding landscape.

“Conditions may vary" is a phrase you'll often hear when you want to know about Maine’s famously changeable weather. At least, that’s what the weather forecasters will say. Ask a Mainer and you’ll be told, “If you don’t like the weather now, wait five minutes.”

Down East Enterprise is a multimedia company based in Rockport, Maine, devoted to celebrating "Maine at its Best." Founded in 1954, the company’s flagship publication, Down East: The Magazine of Maine, has become synonymous with the state itself and today ranks as Maine's premier magazine with more than 100,000 subscribers around the world. Today, Down East delivers not only the best available coverage of lifestyle, destination, and "good curiosities" in Maine, but it also zooms in on hot topics for Mainers and those who love the Pine Tree State.