Castles and Fortresses


Book Description

Leads the reader on a tour through the history of the castle, from Europe in the early Middle Ages to North America in the twentieth century.




The Medieval Fortress


Book Description

The great walled castles of the medieval world continue to fascinate the modern world. Today, the remains of medieval forts and walls throughout Europe are popular tourist sites. Unlike many other books on castles, The Medieval Fortress is unique in its comprehensive treatment of these architectural wonders from a military perspective.The Medieval Fortress includes an analysis of the origins and evolution of castles and other walled defenses, a detailed description of their major components, and the reasons for their eventual decline. The authors, acclaimed fortification experts J.E. and H.W. Kaufmann, explain how the military strategies and weapons used in the Middle Ages led to many modifications of these structures. All of the representative types of castles and fortifications are discussed, from the British Isles, Ireland, France, Germany, Moorish Spain, Italy, as far east as Poland and Russia, as well as Muslim and Crusader castles in the Middle East. Over 200 photographs and 300 extraordinarily detailed technical drawings, plans, and sketches by Robert M. Jurga accompany and enrich the main text.




Castles in Medieval Society


Book Description

The vast majority of castles in England, Wales, Ireland, and France have virtually no military history' of sieges or physical conflict across the whole panorama of more than five centuries'. This is quite a sobering thought.




Forts and Castles of Ghana


Book Description

The forts and castles of Ghana form a unique memorial to a precolonial period when representatives of European trading companies bartered as equals with African merchants. It was a colourful episode of world history spanning four centuries, from the fifteenth century Portuguese voyages of discovery to the beginings of the imperial epoch. This books traces the history of more than fifty forts, castles and trading posts built on Ghana's coasts by various European nations. Each entry is accompanied by a descriptive guide and black and white illustrations. Albert van Dantzig, originally from Holland, has lived in Ghana since 1963 and is the senior lecturer in history at the University of Ghana, he is the author of two previous books; The Dutch Participation in the Slave Trade and The Dutch on the Guinea Coast, 1680-1740.




Forts & Castles


Book Description

Looks at the building of forts and castles, and their uses, throughout history and around the world. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.




Forts and Castles


Book Description

Brief text and labeled illustrations discuss the history and architecture of several forts and castles, focusing on the protection they afforded and mechanisms used in siege against them.




Forts & Castles


Book Description

Brief text and labeled illustrations discuss the history and architecture of several forts and castles, focusing on the protection they afforded and mechanisms used in siege against them.




Castles & Forts of Ghana


Book Description




English Castles 1200–1300


Book Description

The simple castles raised after the Norman conquest had been developed throughout 11th and 12th centuries, whilst the introduction of Islamic and Byzantine fortification techniques from the late 12th century led to further developments in castle architecture. These fortifications were to be well tested throughout the course of the 13th century as England was riven by the conflict, characterized by prolonged sieges, between the monarchy and powerful magnates. As well as providing the focus for warfare, castles increasingly became the centres of their communities, providing a more permanent base for the lord, his family and retainers, as well as acting as centres for justice and administration.




Toy Forts & Castles


Book Description

The exciting history of the manufacture of toy forts and castles in western Europe throughout the turbulent nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This book provides detailed information on who made these castles, palaces, and fortresses, when, where, and how, and with what materials. The author focuses especially on manufacturers in Germany and Great Britain, but covers Denmark, Belgium, and France as well and describes the fascinating story of the industry's rise and demise. Company histories show how these manufacturers, often successive generations of families, dealt with the enormous economic and political obstacles of the times. Organized spreadsheets with serial numbers, dates, dimensions, and distinctive features of products will satisfy the curiosities of toy collectors.