"For This Earth: Visions in Literature" is the theme of the Maine Literary Festival, to be held November 7 -- 9, 2008, at the Camden Opera House.

The Festival explores the roles of writing, poetry, nature, and science in shaping the way we treat the planet and live our lives. Professor Verlyn Klinkenborg is the 2008 E.B. and Katharine White Memorial Lecturer. University of Vermont Professor Emeritus of Biology Bernd Heinrich and Gourmet magazine Editor in Chief Ruth Reichl headline the Saturday and Sunday sessions, respectively.

"We have attracted a roster of superb authors, poets and food writers, and struck a chord with people who are passionate about the environment and doing whatever they can to make a difference," said Festival Chair Maryanne Shanahan. "The weekend includes serious literary discussion, constructive suggestions for our individual lives, good food and great fun."

Professor Klinkenborg wrote Making Hay (1986), The Last Fine Time (1991), The Rural Life (2003), and Timothy: Or, Notes of an Abject Reptile (2006). His work has appeared in many magazines, including The New Yorker, Harper's, Esquire, The Smithsonian and National Geographic. He has taught literature and creative writing at Fordham University and Harvard University.

Professor Heinrich is University of Vermont professor emeritus of biology and the nation's leading expert on thermoregulation of insects. He has published scientific books including the National Book Award nominee and natural history classic, Bumblebee Economics, as well as Winter World: the Ingenuity of Animal Survival, and Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventures with Wolf-Birds. He contributes articles to national publications including Science, Scientific American, The Smithsonian, Natural History and the New York Times.

Ms. Reichl has been editor in chief of Gourmet magazine and http://www.gourmet.com since April 1999. Previously she was a restaurateur and widely read restaurant critic at both the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. Ms. Reichl began writing about food in 1972, when she published Mmmmm: A Feastiary. Since then, she has authored the critically acclaimed, best-selling memoirs Tender at the Bone, Comfort Me with Apples, and Garlic and Sapphires.

In addition to the acclaimed keynote speaker and headline authors, approximately 20 authors, poets, scientists, critics and chefs will participate, among them Kate Braestup, Kathleen Ellis, Annie Finch, Melissa Kelly, Gary Lawless, Sy Montgomery, Michael Rhulman, Jonathan Skinner, Candace Stover, Martha White, Joy Williams, and Sandip Wilson.