English Castles 1200-1300

A detailed study of the English castles of the medieval period. 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 conflict, characterized by prolonged sieges, between the monarchy and powerful magnates. As this book reveals, as well as providing the focus for warfare, castles increasingly became the centres of their communities. They provided a more permanent base for the lord, his family and retainers, as well as acting as centres for justice and administration.

About the author

Christopher Gravett is a former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries, Tower of London, and a recognized authority on the arms, armour and warfare of the medieval world. He has worked as an advisor for numerous TV and film productions, and has written several books, including DK Eyewitness Knight and Castle and more than 20 titles for Osprey.Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and the history of fortification. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Product details

• Authors: Christopher Gravett
• Assisted by: Adam Hook (Illustration), Hook Adam (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 10.07.2009
• EAN: 9781846033742
• ISBN: 978-1-84603-374-2
• No. of pages: 64
• Dimensions: 180 mm x 241 mm x 5 mm
• Series: Fortress; Fortress
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Architecture; England, Architecture, HISTORY / Military / General, ARCHITECTURE / General, HISTORY / Military / Medieval, CE period up to c 1500, Warfare & defence, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General, Warfare and defence, European history: medieval period, middle ages