FARMINGTON – Stephen A. Cole will give a reading and lead a discussion of his newly published book, “The Rangeley and Its Region: The Famous Boat and Lakes of Western Maine,” Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Maine Mountain Heritage Center.

In the mid-19th century, word spread of the abundant mammoth trout that sportsmen were catching in the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine. As sporting camps and lodges sprang up around the lakes and tourists came in increasing numbers, a local economy evolved, driven by craftsmen, entrepreneurs and guides.

By the 1870s, the Rangeley – a double-ended boat, lightweight, shapely and swift – was born. It was the boat favored by guides.

“The Rangeley and Its Region” tells how entwined the boat, people, lakes, town and economy became over a century.

Cole directs the natural resources and sustainable communities programs at Coastal Enterprises Inc. He is co-author of “I Was Content and Not Content: The Story of Linda Lord and the Closing of Penobscot Poultry.” He lives with his family in Damariscotta.

Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. The heritage center is at 109 Church St.