A new book on the history of Mathews County is due for release on Dec. 2 by the Mathews County Historical Society.

“Mathews County, Virginia: Lost Landscapes, Untold Stories” by author and historian Martha W. McCartney describes the county’s settlement and development from prehistoric to modern times.

This comprehensive history of the county contains information drawn from local records, overseas archives and record repositories throughout the United States. Although the bulk of Mathews County’s antebellum court records were destroyed in 1865, a wealth of reliable information still exists, said a press release.

McCartney will discuss her book during a reception in her honor at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Kingston Parish House, 370 Main Street, Mathews. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and for signing. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

McCartney, a graduate of the College of William and Mary and historian for the Vir...