The History of Castles : Fortifications Around the World

The awful gloom of a Norman dungeon, the majestic power of a great keep, the sweep of battlements -- castles have the power to fascinate us in a way few buildings can.Europe is rich in the ruins of castles, from small tower houses to massive structures the size of a small city, but all across the world there are examples of man's ingenious fortifications, built for protection or conquest.

Castles takes readers on a global tour that also includes stops in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, to examine why and how castles were built in different regions, how they were used, and in many cases, how they were destroyed in warfare.Through the use of evocative photographs, the aid of maps, and examples of reconstructions, this encyclopedic guide brings the past to life and is a must for every ruin hunter.