Q&A with Charles V. Mauro

Charles Mauro is a local historian and the author of six books, including “The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers,” in which he gives voice to the silent majority of the participants in the Civil War: the civilians. His book, “A Southern Spy in Northern Virginia: The Civil War Album of Laura Ratcliffe,” is the story of an album that Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart gave to Laura Ratcliffe, a spy who lived in Frying Pan, now Floris, Va., during the Civil War. Chuck also has written two books about the history of Herndon, Va. He is a member and past president of the Historical Society of Herndon.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
“A Tour Guide and History of Col. John S. Mosby’s Combat Operations in Fairfax County, Virginia”

What was your favorite book as a child?
“Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
The interaction between the presenters and the audience.

Have you been to the D.C. area before? If so, what is your favorite thing about it?
It’s rich Civil War history.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
Finishing!  After years of research and writing, it becomes very difficult to focus on finishing the book when all one wants to do is to be done!