Journalist Ted Reinstein, of "Chronicle," will give a presentation on his book, "New England’s General Stores: Exploring an American Classic," on Thursday, May 31 at the Elizabeth Taber Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Reinstein's book, says talk organizers, shares the rich and colorful history of this iconic institution, how they figured in the rise of early American commerce, why they began to fade, and why—like another New England icon, the diner—they have begun to come back, be re-invented and even re-imagined for a new era.

Told with anecdotes from a variety of local landmark stores across the region, the presentation is accompanied by the award-winning photography of Art Donahue. There will be a Q&A session and book signing after the presentation.

This program is made possible by the Island Foundation.