Medieval Castle & Fortifications Books
This catalog page has books on medieval castles and fortifications.
The castles of the Medieval period continue to interest and facinate readers, both as architectural wonders and because of their dramatic role in world history. These books deal with the design, construction, and usage of masonry castles and timber forts.
Also included are books on castle and fortress defense, fortified cities & towns, fortifications and citadels, medieval warfare and siege techniques and battles.
Several excellent books that are recommended are out of print, but may be available through our out of print service.
Several are in the German language.
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Medieval Castle & Fortifications Books
- Siege Warfare: Fortress in the Early Modern World 1494-1660
~Usually Ships in 24 Hours
- -Christopher Duffy / Paperback 304 pages / Published March 1997
This comprehensive resource is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in the art of fortress building. This excellent book covers that period of history for early modern warfare,
1494-1660, the time when the use gunpowder changed the shape the fortress and of warfare. Explains and clarifies the elaborate calculations which lie behind fortress construction,
and explains how the period was shaped town planning and urban life.
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- Medieval Siege Warfare
~Usually Ships in 5-6 Days
- -Christopher Gravett, Angus McBride, Illustrator
Paperback 64 pages / Published May 1990
The book provides an overview of medieval castle siege and warfare tactics. Discusses sieges as well as the various machines created to
overcome castle defenses. And highlights the importance of the castle in medieval society. Castles controlled the countryside and provided
bases from which armed knights could ride out to attack invaders or to maintain control of an area. Sieges were far more numerous than
pitched battles. Pitched battle was a dangerous gamble which could lead to heavy losses.
Includes 55 b/w photographs and 12 color plates.
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- The Medieval Siege
~ Usually Ships in 5 to 6 Weeks
- -Jim Bradbury / Hardcover / Published September 1992
This book is an excellent introduction to medieval military history, presenting the historical facts at from a new,
interesting and intriguing perspective. Bradbury's primary point is that sieges, and not the battles, were the
decisive factor in medieval warfare. By examining siege warfare from the early Middle Ages to the beginnings of the
Renaissance, the author shows that siege warfare was lengthy, brutal and unchivalrous, with conventions and a
morality all of its own. His subject is fascinating. The beautiful stone castles of Europe were built for war, and
he shows them facing siege engines, assault towers, starvation and disease.
This book is a valuable contribution to medieval military history because of it's detailed description of the practices
and weapons of siege warfare over this medieval time period.
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- Anatomy of a Siege: King John's Castle, Limerick 1642
~ Usually Ships in 2 to 3 Days
- -Kenneth Wiggins / Hardcover 328 pages / Published March 2001
Our preview in not available at this time.
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- Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe: An Illustrated History
~ Usually Ships Within 24 Hours
- -Jean-Denis G. G. Lepage / Hardcover 335 pages / Published May 2002
A common feature of the European landscape during the Middle Ages were the castles and other fortified buildings. As central powers rose and fell,
the insecurity of the time inspired a revival of fortification techniques first introduced in the Roman Empire. Despite limitations in construction
techniques and manpower, medieval fortifications were continuously adapted to meet new political
circumstances and weapons technology. This book is an illustrated guide to the architecture of medieval fortifications, from the first castles
to the fortified cities of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Hundreds of detailed and thoroughly researched pen-and-ink drawings introduces the reader to a heterogeneous group of buildings whose unique
characteristics show the development and diversity of European medieval military architecture. Each drawing is accompanied by detailed text
describing types of buildings. Moat-and-bailey castles are covered as well later developments in castle construction. Particular castles and cities
are covered with their built-defenses, including arrow splits, pepper-pot towers, drawbridges, and crenelations.
Elements of medieval warfare and weaponry are also covered with illustrations and text material.
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- The Medieval Fortress: Castles, Forts and Walled Cities of the Middle Ages
~ Usually Ships Within 1 to 2 Business Days
- -by J. E. Kaufmann, Joseph Kaufmann, H. W. Kaufmann (Illustrator), Robert M. Jurga
Hardcover 320 pages / Published May 2001
This excellent researched historical survey covers the origin and evolution of the castles and other walled defenses, their major components, and the reasons for their eventual decline. Which was not solely due to the introduction of gunpowder. They reveal how the medieval fortress combined both Roman and barbarian features. Covers the origins and evolutions, compositions and components of these structures, along with their offensive and defensive strategies, weapons, and modifications. The informative illustrated and engaging text is enhanced throughout with photographs, technical illustrations. and detailed technical drawings.
Detailed coverage is given to castles in the British Isles, France, Germany, Moorish Spain, and as far east as Poland and Russia, as well as Muslim and Crusader castles in the Middle East.
Also receiving extensive coverage are the weapons and equipment of garrisons and besieging troops. Includes over 100 photographs and 400 extraordinarily detailed technical drawings.
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- Castles
~Usually Ships in 2-3 Days
- -Phillip Steele / Hardcover 63 pages / Published April 1995
This is an excellent oversize book with many illustrations and loaded with useful information about castles and the daily
operation of a medieval castle. While written primarily for children, adult readers will find this book interesting as well.
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Our Suggestions for Used Castle Books
- Forts and Fortresses: From the Hillforts of Prehistory to Modern Times
~Available Used. Usually Ships in 2-3 Days
- -Martin Brice / Hardcover 192 pages / Published October 1990
This book carefully traces the history of fortification from the Ancient Babylonian brick structures in 3500 BC, to the
massive Atlantic Wall erected by the Germans during World War II. Each chapter covers a specific period in history, and
documents the best examples of fortification, the defensive innovations of the period, and other key developments.
Includes hundreds of Black & White and color illustrations.
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- Medieval Fortifications
~Special Order
- -John R. Kenyon / Hardcover 234 pages / Published August 1990
This book is an excellent archaeological account of the development, form, construction and function of
medieval fortifications in medieval England.
Covers in detail the development of the castle, the fortified home, and the defended town.
Includes many illustrations and photos, Glossary, and an extensive Bibliography.
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- Studies in Castles and Castle Building
~Out of Print
- -Arnold J. Taylor / Hardcover 350 pages / Published May 1986
This excellent book, written by a leading authority on Welsh castle, contains the author's works
which were published in various journals. 42 illustrations.
Try our out of print service: click on the book title.
- The Rise of the Castle
~Out of Print: Use our book out of print service
- -M. W. Thompson / Hardcover 205 pages / Published May 1991
This well documented book explains the rise and development of the castle in Western Europe. While dealing primarily with English and Welsh castles, an great deal of comprehensive coverage of German
and French castle development and uses is included. The development of the early German and Celtic castles is followed through the centuries and is compared to the English and Welsh castles. Includes
many excellent photographs, diagrams, appendixes, bibliography, and extensive notes.
- The Architecture of Castles: A Visual Guide
~Out of Print: Use our book out of print service
- -Reginald A. Brown / Hardcover 120 pages / Published 1984
This well written book presents an excellent overview of English and French castles and their development. This generally is from an architectural rather than from an engineering viewpoint. But never the
less a great deal of very useful historical and construction information is carefully presented. Discusses castle construction, with general floor plans, materials, and construction details. Includes
photographs and illustrations.
Books on castles in German
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