Edward Little biographer to speak at Auburn Public Library April 13

AUBURN — Historian Douglas I. Hodgkin will discuss his recently released autobiography of Edward Little at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 13, at the Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring St.

Hodgkin, a professor emeritus of political science at Bates College, explored the details of Little’s early career as a businessman, lawyer, and politician in Newburyport, Mass., and the circumstances that led him to Maine, where he eventually founded what became Edward Little High School, in “Dear Parent: A Biography and Letters of Edward Little.”

“This is the story of a remarkable life,” says a library news release.

The book also contains the letters that Little addressed to his father, Josiah, that are owned by the Androscoggin Historical Society. They depict the early conditions in the development of the Androscoggin Valley, relations between the Littles and the settlers, and the relations among the Little family themselves, and provide a fascinating look at life in a rural Maine settlement, according to the news release. Books will be available for purchase.

Hodgkin, a native of Lewiston, is the author of several books about local history.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call 333-6640.