The Medieval Castle (Classic History) [Paperback]

Philip Warner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Classic History | Publication Date: December 31, 2001

The influence of the castle, both on the course of history and on the lives of the people who lived in them, has never been fully explored-until now. This fascinating book examines the evolution of the medieval castle, from the rigid social structure of its society to the types of weapons, training, and tactics employed during wartime. Above all, The Medieval Castle is a book about the daily life-from clothes and food to recreation and customs-and the people who made their homes inside a military fortress.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Philip Warner was, for many years, senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England. He is the author of a number of books including Sieges of the Middle Ages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (December 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141390700
• ISBN-13: 978-0141390703
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,278,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior, October 1, 2000

By 

Jeff Cordell - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Medieval Castle: Life in a Fortress in Peace and War (Medieval life series) (Hardcover)

This beautifully illustrated book explains how and why castles were built in the middle ages and why they were such a dominant influence on medieval life, especially in times of war. Philip Warner recreates a complete picture of daily life in a medieval castle: how peasants and nobles lived; how men fought in tournaments and trained for combat; how castles were sited, designed, managed, attacked and defended; and what the the people who lived in them ate, drank, and wore. This book will also go a long ways toward breaking up some of the preconceived notions that people have about castles. One learns that the castle was not primarily a refuge. The object of the castle wasn't to retreat from conflict, but to control it. The Medieval castle was a dynamic integral part of medieval society and Philip Warner does brilliant work in showing this. Whether you're a medieval history buff or just a curious layman read this book. It will take a little effort to find it, but it's worth the time.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely informative and well-layed out, May 20, 2000

By 

Terri Korthase - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Medieval Castle: Life in a Fortress in Peace and War (Medieval life series) (Hardcover)

If you only read two books on castles, make it Gies' Life in a Medieval Castle and this one. The two books are very similar in layout and readablity, but Warner's is a bit more detailed and in depth. It also has very nice illustrations. As much as I love Francis Gies' book, I think this one just edges it out.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exelent buy, March 8, 2007

By 

R. Walter - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Medieval Castle (Classic History) (Paperback)

This is a great book. Easy to read. Covering most aspects of castle life. I would highly recomend it, and may purchase it again (it will make an exelent gift for friends that are intrested in either history or castles).