Castles and Fortresses [Hardcover]

Robin S. Oggins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1995

100 color illus. 10 1/2 x 12 1/4.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

So you thought a man's home was his castle, eh? In fact, it was more likely to have been his fortress. Built as military strongholds by noblemen to protect against enemy invaders and rebellious citizenry, early castles of the 9th century were cold, dark stone bastions. It wasn't until the 15th century that castles began functioning as more lavish living quarters--increasing in size and interior ornamentation. Robbin Oggins's sampling of castles, as well as palaces and castle ruins, makes for an engaging picture book for travelers wishing to explore an era when monarchs ruled and feudalism comprised the economic and social order.

Covering Europe during the Middle Ages, Castles and Fortresses opens with a compact but informative chapter on the evolution of the castle. The book then chronicles the political histories of Europe's various regions and how castles formed according to their military needs. Though the text is a bit general, the book's large color photographs speak volumes. The pictures are bright and crisp, shot from wide and aerial angles, capturing the majesty of these fabled, architectural masterpieces and the lovely scenery surrounding them. Among the more renowned castles featured are the Warwick Castle in England, Chateau Chinon in France, Neuschwanstein in Germany, and Miramar Castle in Italy. Brief coverage is given to western Asia (the Kremlin in Moscow, for example) and North America. A glossary and bibliography are also included. --Karen Karleski

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: MetroBooks (NY) (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567990959
• ISBN-13: 978-1567990959
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 10.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy it!, December 11, 2001

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Castles and Fortresses (Hardcover)

This is one of my favorite "coffee table" books. To begin with, it's huge. The cover is an outstanding photo of the breathtaking Neuschwanstein (there's an even better one on page 96). The first few chapters give an illustrated (via hand drawings as well as awesome photos) history of the castle, its many functions, and its evolution. Chapters 3 through 6 focus on the castles of Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Crusader Regions. The last chapter details more modern castles, walled towns, and palaces; with even more focus on the castle's architectural evolution. Included here among others are the Casa Loma (North America's largest), the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, even the Cinderella Castle at Disney World. If you're a fan of history, architecture, and/or photography, you will not be disapointed with this book.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible, December 11, 1999

By 

Alex (College Park, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Castles and Fortresses (Hardcover)

A marvelous work that actually covers all the aspects of the medieval castle, instead of restating the common facts found in every history text book. Castles and Fortresses in clearly written and the text is supported with glorious photographs and diagrams. An absolute-must have for anyone researching or just interested in the subject. Accept no substitutes.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great value for the price., November 22, 2001

By 

Michael J. Kissimmee (Kissimmee, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Castles and Fortresses (Hardcover)

Wonderful pictures of some of the most famous & picturesque castles in the world. Mostly in Europe. Some history; brief history for most of the featured castles with very general area maps to locate them. Generally one pic per castle and no floorplans or diagrams (another reviewer said diagrams probably meaning the map diagrams). Great book for planning a castle sightseeing trip to Europe.

I would also recommend 'The Medieval Fortress - Castles, Forts and Walled Cities of the Middle Ages'. It has a ton of pics, history and floorplans; 10 times better than Sidney Toy's book on Castles.