An award-winning author and historian, RICK BRITTON has parlayed his passion for central Virginia’s fascinating past into: numerous classes and battlefield tours; dozens of speaking engagements, radio interviews, and podcasts; a large number of essays and articles; two previous books; and now–with Virginia Vignettes –a marvelously eclectic collection of his widely popular stories. In Virginia Vignettes, master storyteller Rick Britton weaves for his readers a wonderfully rich tapestry of colorful people, momentous events, and long-forgotten anecdotes. The first of many to come, Virginia Vignettes (Volume I) features: express rider Jack Jouett, First Lady Dolley Madison, young Edgar Allan Poe, local Black Baptist Churches, thrill-seeker B. F. Ficklin, the U.Va. Rotunda Fire, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and Medal of Honor winner Frank Dabney Peregoy. Individually, Rick Britton’s vignettes reveal little-known stories about the history of the Virginia Piedmont. Linked, they bridge almost two centuries. They feature poignant insights from the Revolutionary War and James Madison’s presidency, reaching all the way to World War II. A real treat of storytelling. –KAT IMHOFF, President and Chief Executive Officer of James Madison’s Montpelier Rick Britton has written an engaging introduction to notable Virginians of the past, Virginians who deserve to be known by today’s residents. Stories of personal courage, initiative, and innovation are all found in these fascinating vignettes-well worth the read; well worth emulation. –COL. KEITH GIBSON, Director of the V.M.I. Museum System RICK BRITTON has published scores of articles on central Virginia history, as well as two previous books – Albermarle & Charlottesville: An Illustrated History and Jefferson: A Monticello Sampler. He also conducts tours of historic sites, teaches classes on Virginia history, and illustrates maps for history books and websites.
