The Maine Historical Society will host a Maine authors series to be held every Thursday this month at 5:30 in the Earl G. Shettleworth Jr. Lecture Hall, at 489 Congress St., in Portland:

* JULY 12 AT 5:30 P.M.: Historian and MHS Reference librarian William David Barry will speak on his latest book, “Maine: The Wilder Half of New England.” The book covers 500 years of Maine history, from first contact between Native Americans and European explorers to the achievement of a Down East identity, national political power and worldwide cultural identification, as stated in a news release.

* JULY 19 AT 5:30 P.M.: Jim Baumer who will discuss his book, “Moxie: Maine in a Bottle.” In this compendium of all things Moxie, Baumer explains why this soft drink has garnered such a loyal and vocal following. Moxie will be served. Baumer will be also launching his at the 2012 Moxie Festival on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Moxie Store at 2 Main St. in Lisbon Falls.

* JULY 26 AT 5:30 P.M.: Storyteller John McDonald will talk about his latest book, “John McDonald’s Maine Trivia: A Storyteller’s Useful Guide to Useless Information.” He will deliver an educational and hilarious mix of basic and fun facts about the Pine Tree State including, of course, more than a few funny stories.