New Book Releases

In the heart of central Virginia lies the historic city of Lynchburg. Surrounded by historic towns such as Appomattox, Amherst and Bedford, Lynchburg is steeped in history and has been both home and hideaway for many famous people during its history.

Remembering Lynchburg and Central Virginia--a collection of writings by local writer and journalist Darrell Laurant--unearths the various layers of history that have shaped Lynchburg and the surrounding area. From the shores and waters of the James River, which runs through Lynchburg, to Thomas Jefferson, who was a frequent visitor in Lynchburg and neighboring Bedford County, the history of the Lynchburg area speaks volumes to the inquisitive visitor or lifelong resident alike.

With an eye for history and a journalistic touch, Laurant revisits the characters and events that have made this section of the Old Dominion state a treasure trove of historical tales.

With four hundred years of history, the land between the James and the Appomattox Rivers is one of the most storied tracts in Virginia. Originally part of Henrico County, it was home to Pocahontas, the site of the nation's first incorporated town and the only county in which an entire campaign was waged during the Civil War. From the Courthouse Green to the creeks of Midlothian, local historian Diane Dallmeyer explores this fascinating history with a series of vignettes and articles that first appeared in the Chesterfield Observer. Join Dallmeyer as she reveals stories of General Robert E. Lee's visit to Clover Hill, the early years of Virginia horse racing and the mysteries of Wrexham Hall.

The passage of time has brought with it vast alterations to the landscape of Northern Virginia and Fairfax County. Once a sleepy rural area dotted with a few small villages, it has changed into a bustling suburb that is now home to thousands of people. Throughout its history, Fairfax County has hosted presidents, been home to slave traders and been a strategic component in multiple campaigns during the Civil War. Remembering Fairfax County, Virginia by longtime local historian Karl Reiner is a collection of historical vignettes that captures not only the essence of the events and people who have shaped the history of Fairfax County, but also their impact on the Old Dominion. Reiner calls upon a breadth of materials, exploring much of the forgotten heritage in the county, to provide an accessible and balanced work that is both informative and entertaining. From the influence of presidents such as George Washington to forgotten battles during the Civil War, this collection chronicles the history of Fairfax County during some of the most influential periods in American history.

Modern-day Arlington County is a center for government institutions and a critical part of the Washington, D.C. community. But the identity of the area goes far beyond the influence of the nation's capital. During the War of 1812, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence was hidden from the British in a local area gristmill. Arlington was the only county in Virginia to vote against secession, despite being home to Robert E. Lee. In the 1950s, a young Jim Morrison was raised partly in Arlington. The county even boasts an infamous $1 million bus stop. In this collection of his most funny and fascinating columns, local author, historian, journalist and "Our Man in Arlington" Charlie Clark regales with stories of politics, personalities and everything in between.