Architecture: castles Books

181 products


  • Castles of Kent Through Time

    Amberley Publishing Castles of Kent Through Time

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which the castles of Kent have changed and developed over the last century.Trade Review'Some of these structures have remained in almost constant use over the years; others have recently been restored to their former glory; several have fallen into ruin or been lost completely, only earthworks remaining. All offer an insight into the dynamic nature of these integral features of Kent's past, and its present.' -- Current Archaeology Magazine, January 2023

    4 in stock

    £14.39

  • Measly Middle Ages newspaper edition

    Scholastic Measly Middle Ages newspaper edition

    Book SynopsisAll the foul facts about the Measly Middle Ages are ready to uncover, including why chickens had their bottoms shaved, a genuine jester's joke and what ten-year-old treacle was used for. These bestselling titles are sure to be a huge hit with yet another generation of Terry Deary fans.

    £6.99

  • Life in a Medieval Castle

    HarperCollins Publishers Inc Life in a Medieval Castle

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisSome particular books I found useful for A Game of Thrones and its sequels deserve mention... Life in a Medieval Castle and Life in a Medieval City, both by Joseph and Frances Gies. —George R.R. Martin, author of the series A Song of Ice and FireMedieval history comes alive in Joseph and Frances Gies''s Life in a Medieval Castle, used as a research resource by George R. R. Martin in creating the world of Game of Thrones.Newly reissued for the first time in decades, Life in a Medieval Castle is the bestselling classic that has introduced countless readers to the wonders of the Middle Ages. Focusing on a castle called Chepstow on the border between England and Wales, acclaimed Medievalists Joseph and Frances Gies offer an exquisite portrait of what day-to-day life was actually like during the era, and of the key role the castle played. The Gieses write eloquently about the many people whose lives revolved around the castle, from the lord and lady to the commoners of the surrounding village. We discover what lords and serfs alike would have worn, eaten, and done for leisure; the songs sung; and the codes of sexual conduct that maintained order. We learn of the essential role of honor in medieval culture, the initiation process undertaken by knights, and how castles attempted to keep the constant threats of outside violence at bay.Exhaustively researched and as engaging as any novel, Life in a Medieval Castle is the definitive text for anyone wishing to learn more about this fascinating era.Trade Review"Some particular books I found useful for A Game of Thrones and its sequels deserve mention. ... Life in a Medieval Castle and Life in a Medieval City, both by Joseph and Frances Gies." -- George R.R. Martin, author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series "The Gieses succeed in making a remote and unfamiliar world accessible." -- Kirkus Reviews "The authors allow medieval man and woman to speak for themselves through selections from past journals, songs, even account books." -- Time

    7 in stock

    £10.44

  • Fortress Britain

    The History Press Ltd Fortress Britain

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisFollowing the Armada, there was the bloodless invasion of 1688, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s march south, the remarkable American John Paul Jones’ attack on Whitehaven during the American War of Independence, the German occupation of the Channel Islands and – the great what if of British, perhaps world history – the threat of Operation Sealion.

    3 in stock

    £14.24

  • The Castle in the Wars of the Roses

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Castle in the Wars of the Roses

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Wars of the Roses is one of the most dramatic and fascinating periods in medieval history. Much has been written about the leading personalities, bitter dynastic rivalries, political intrigues, and the rapid change of fortune on the battlefields of England and Wales. However, there is one aspect that has been often overlooked, the role of castles in the conflict. Dan Spencer's original study traces their use from the outbreak of civil war in the reign of Henry VI in the 1450s to the triumph of Henry VII some thirty years later. Using a wide range of narrative, architectural, financial and administrative sources, he sheds new light on the place of castles within the conflict, demonstrating their importance as strategic and logistical centres, bases for marshalling troops, and as fortresses Dan Spencer's book provides a fascinating contribution to the literature on the Wars of the Roses and to the study of siege warfare in the Middle Ages.

    3 in stock

    £14.39

  • The Companion to Castles

    The History Press Ltd The Companion to Castles

    3 in stock

    3 in stock

    £18.00

  • Castles of Scotland Jigsaw

    Birlinn General Castles of Scotland Jigsaw

    £15.29

  • The Secret Explorers and the Haunted Castle

    Dorling Kindersley Ltd The Secret Explorers and the Haunted Castle

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSJ King loves museums, libraries, and building machines from scrap. King can usually be found exploring - from investigating tiny bugs, to trekking up enormous mountains.

    1 in stock

    £6.99

  • A Pocket Guide to Irish Castles

    Gill A Pocket Guide to Irish Castles

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis book celebrates the most popular Irish castles, from the Norman fortress of Bunratty to the five-star splendour of Ashford, from medieval Malahide to dramatic Dunluce, as well as introducing you to some of Ireland's most famous castle owners such as Grace O'Malley (Rockfleet) and W.B. Yeats (Thoor Ballylea).

    2 in stock

    £6.99

  • The Mortimers of Wigmore, 1066-1485: Dynasty of

    Fircone Books Ltd The Mortimers of Wigmore, 1066-1485: Dynasty of

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £22.50

  • Wales from the Air: history in the hills

    Fircone Books Ltd Wales from the Air: history in the hills

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £18.00

  • English Castles

    HarperCollins Publishers English Castles

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe perfect stocking filler for lovers of English Castles.A handy guide to England's most dramatic castles and strongholds, many of which are open to visitors. Includes an eight-page map section showing the locations of castles covered in the book.Features historical background and architectural details for each of the castles, accompanied by beautiful colour photographs. The book covers the major sites of Windsor, Warwick and Leeds Castle, as well as lesser known fortresses scattered across the country.Includes details on the property's custodianship, whether cared for by the National Trust, English Heritage or another body, a description of the gardens where relevant, location, website and phone number.A concise guide to English castles in an accessible format.Of interest to English, local and architectural historians, as well as international visitors to England.

    5 in stock

    £6.99

  • Hauntings

    Transworld Hauntings

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis'' Haunted is a wonderful book: part history, part rumination on life, and, of course a haunting book about ghosts .... beautifully written, fascinating, deeply moving and thought-provoking.'' - James Holland''A proper page-turner .... A fascinating tangle of witches and mermaids, drowned fishers and dead warriors, ghostly planes and spectral horses .'' - Christopher Somerville, author of Ships of Heaven''One of the most enjoyable books on the paranormal I''ve read. Neil Oliver creates a bucket list of places to visit, perfect for both paranormal investigators and history buffs alike.'' - Nick Tyler, author of Haunted Yorkshire.......................................................................................................................................................................For longer than recorded history there have been tales of spirits and of places where our hackles rise and our skin turns col

    2 in stock

    £10.44

  • The Construction of Hadrians Wall

    The History Press Ltd The Construction of Hadrians Wall

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisHadrian''s Wall was a small part of the thousands of miles of Roman frontiers, but presents the most magnificent spectacle. Its 90-mile length was conceived on a grand scale, with a stone wall 10 Roman feet thick and 15 high, and has been the subject of research for four centuries. There is, however, one aspect which has never been studied in detail: the practicalities of how it was actually built.This book examines every aspect of the work needed to construct the Wall, and analyses all the building operations including quarrying, stone dressing, transport and scaffolding. It is presented in a form accessible to the interested layman as well as to the student, and among other new conclusions throws light on the attitude of the Roman army to the work.

    2 in stock

    £15.29

  • Roman Forts in Britain

    The History Press Ltd Roman Forts in Britain

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisMore than a tenth of the Roman army''s total strength was stationed in Britain. Focusing on the auxiliary forts that were occupied from the second century onwards, this work looks at: the plans and functions of forts; the everyday life of officers and men; what the study of finds tells us about supply systems; and more.

    2 in stock

    £18.75

  • Fortress Europe

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd Fortress Europe

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisHighly illustrated history of European fortifications and fortified lines of the world wars.

    3 in stock

    £32.00

  • Crusader Castle

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd Crusader Castle

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe formidable strongholds built by thecrusaders are among the most iconic castlesof the Middle Ages. These mighty structuresoffer fascinating insights into the lives ofthose who built and occupied them, and therole they played in the region's deep history ofconflict. The castle of Kerak, in modernJordan, is one of the largest, most imposingand best preserved of them all, and MichaelFulton's detailed, authoritative and highlyillustrated account is the ideal guide to it.His close analysis of the fabric of thismonumental building, and his description ofthe centuries of conflict associated with it,make absorbing reading. He takes the readerthrough the early military history of thecastle from the time it was constructed inthe 1140s by Pagan the Butler, through theprovocative actions of Reynald of Châtillonand Saladin's capture of the castle in 1188.He also recounts its later history underMuslim rule, when the castle served as atreasury for the Ayyubid and Mamluksultans of Egypt. Falling i

    2 in stock

    £21.25

  • Medieval Castles of England and Wales

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Medieval Castles of England and Wales

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisDesigned to dominate the surrounding area, to house powerful garrisons, offer sumptuous quarters for local nobility, and to discourage and repel enemy attacks, castles dominated England and Wales for more than half a millennium. Though some were built before 1066, the Norman Conquest left a lasting legacy in the form of fortifications ranging from small earthworks now barely discernible, to mighty and dominating stone fortresses. This book examines why castles were so essential to medieval warfare, their importance in domestic politics, and the day-to-day lives of those who lived and worked within them. It also shows how the development of new technologies affected their construction and design, and why they eventually fell into disrepair in the late Middle Ages. Beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs, this is the perfect guide for any castle enthusiast seeking to discover more about medieval fortifications and their inhabitants.Table of ContentsCastles of Conquest Castles of Settlement Castle Development Castles of Conflict Building a Castle Life in a Castle Later Years and Decline Further Reading Places to Visit Glossary Index

    2 in stock

    £8.54

  • Castles of the World

    Amber Books Ltd Castles of the World

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom the Highlands of Scotland to the plains of northern India, Castles of the World is a beautiful examination of past worlds viewed through strongholds that continue to enrich the modern landscape. They evoke an imagined age of aristocratic warriors and noble aspirations. Presented in a handy, pocket-sized format, arranged chronologically and illustrated with more than 200 colour photographs, Castles of the World examines more than 150 fortifications from across the world, from Cathar castles and Alpine schlösser to Norman keeps and Samurai strongholds. Discover how the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellion of 1719; learn about Turkey’s Marmaris Castle, built in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent to support his attack on neighbouring Rhodes; and explore the Mughal-constructed Red Fort in Delhi, home of Muslim rulers from 1648 until 1803, and today a symbol of Indian nationalism.Table of ContentsIntroduction Ancient Forts Maiden Castle, near Dorchester, Dorset, England Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India Masada, Judea, Israel Euryalus, near Syracuse, Sicily, Italy Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi, Homs Governorate, Syria Early Medieval Castles Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales Château de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland Mehrangarh, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Rayen Castle, Iran Bam Citadel, Iran Berat Citadel, Albania Alcazar Castle, Segovia, Spain Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria Blagai Castle, Bosnia Herzegovina Rabati Castle, Georgia Warwick Castle, England Corfe Castle, England Rudkhan Castle, Iran Kantara Castle, Cyprus Burg Gussing, Austria Elz Castle, Trier, Germany Edinburgh Castle, Scotland Guaita Fortress, San Marino Leeds Castle, Kent, England Crusader's citadel, Island of Pharaohs, Egypt 1100s Krak des Chevaliers, Syria Trim Castle, Ireland Nafpaktos Castle, Greece Heidelberg Castle, Germany Bran Castle, Romania Conwy Castle, Wales La Iruela, Cazoria, Spain Late Medieval Genoese Fortress, Sudak, Crimea, Ukraine Beersel Castle, Belgium Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria Bodiam Castle, England Castle Stalker, Scotland Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland Karlstein Castle, Czech Republic Koluvere Castle, Estonia Malbork Castle, Poland Olavinlinna, Finland Early Modern Castles and Palaces Château de Pierrefonds, Oise, France Osaka Castle, Japan Camber Castle, Rye, East Sussex, England Chateau de Chambord, France Egskov Castle, Denmark Morro Castle, Havana, Cuba Red Fort, India Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Colombia Castle of Good Hope, South Africa Four Metal Cross, Ghana Romantic Palaces and Modern Strongholds Citadelle Henry Christophe, Haiti Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany Hohenzollern Castle, Germamy Bojnice Castle, Slovakia Palacio Da Pena, Sintra, Portugal Vajdahunyad Castle, Hungary Watchtower, Gull Bay, Torteval, Guernsey, Channel Islands Maunsell Forts, English Channel

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet at Versailles: A

    Editions Flammarion Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet at Versailles: A

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £52.00

  • Samurai Castles: History / Architecture /

    Tuttle Publishing Samurai Castles: History / Architecture /

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisJapan's ancient castles provide deep insights into the country's compelling military history. Discover the secrets of Japan's feudal past by exploring the most famous castles of the Samurai era. The enormous stone walls, multi-level towers, and sophisticated defense systems are not simply impressive fortresses, but spectacular works of Japanese architecture, constructed without the use of steel or modern equipment. These monumental structures fulfilled a need for protection without sacrificing aesthetic values. Understanding the cultural contexts of these Samurai castles helps create a better understanding of Japanese culture today. In this fascinating Japanese castle book you will discover the rich history and creators of well-known castles such as Himeji, Osaka, and Nijo that you would otherwise need to travel to Japan to experience in person. Chronicling the story of each castle individually conveys a greater understanding of how and why they were built, and identifies their singular features for historians, architecture aficionados, world travelers, and Japanophiles alike. With over two hundred colour images, numerous diagrams, maps, and detailed descriptions, Samurai Castles is the most comprehensive Japanese history book on this intriguing topic.Trade Review"In her new book Samurai Castles, author Dr. Jennifer Mitchelhill and photographer David Green spent over three years documenting 24 of Japan's samurai-era castles. The idea? To understand the aesthetic details, cultural values and historic happenings surrounding these architectural marvels." --CNN Travel"With great beauty, this book uncovers the great function of these epic buildings and how they worked. The book is highly visual, packed with maps and photos which are a testament to Japanese design and building." -- Martial Arts & Action Movies blog "…focuses on some of the country's best castles and the stories behind them." --GaijinPot.com

    2 in stock

    £15.29

  • Castles and Strongholds of Northumberland

    The History Press Ltd Castles and Strongholds of Northumberland

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £17.00

  • The Marlborough Mound: Prehistoric Mound,

    Boydell & Brewer Ltd The Marlborough Mound: Prehistoric Mound,

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Marlborough Mound has recently been recognised as one of the most important monuments in the group around Stonehenge. It was also a medieval castle and a feature in a major 17th century garden. This is the first comprehensive history of this extraordinary site. Marlborough Mound, standing among the buildings of Marlborough College, has attracted little attention until recently. Records showed it to be the motte of a Norman castle, of which there were no visible remains. The local historians and archaeologists who had investigated it had found very little in the way of archaeological evidence beyond a few prehistoric antler picks, the odd Roman coin, and a scatter of medieval pottery. It was to be archaeology which provided the most dramatic discovery after the Mound Trust began to restore the mound in 2003. English Heritage were investigating Silbury Hill, and arranged to take cores from the Mound for dating purposes. The results were remarkable, as they showed that the Mound was almost a twin of Silbury Hill and therefore belonged to the extraordinary assembly of prehistoric monuments centred on Stonehenge. For the medieval period, this book brings together for the first time all that we know about the castle from the royal records and from chronicles. These show that it was for a time one of the major royal castles in the land. Most of the English kings from William I to Edward III spent time here. For Henry III and his queen Eleanor of Provence, it was their favourite castle after Windsor. It marks the end of the first stage of the work of the Mound Trust, which, following the restoration, turns to its second objective of promoting public knowledge of the Mound based on scholarly research. As to its final form as a garden mound next to the house of the dukes of Somerset, in the eighteenth century, this emerges from letters and even poems, and from the recent restoration. Much of this has been slow and painstaking work, however, involving the removal of the trees which endangered the structure of the Mound, the recutting of the spiral path and the careful replanting of the whole area with suitable vegetation. By doing this, the shape of the Mound as a garden feature has re-emerged, and can now be seen clearly. This book marks the end of the first stage of the work of the Mound Trust, which, following the restoration, turns to its second objective of promoting public knowledge of the Mound based on scholarly research.Trade ReviewThis book is testament to the success of a visionary project. * British Archaeology *The authors successfully bring out the significance of Marlborough and balance accessible writing styles with enough detail and context to allow issues to be fully explored. The book's editor and authors combine well to bring the many lives of the Marlborough Mound to a wider audience. * MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY *Table of ContentsPreface Barry Cunliffe 1. 'One remarkable earthen-work': The Neolithic Origins of the Marlborough Mound Jim Leary and Joshua Pollard Afterword: The Round Mound Project Jim Leary, Elaine Jamieson and Phil Stastney 2. Castles and the Landscape of Norman Wessex, c. 1066-1154 Oliver H. Creighton 3. Marlborough Castle in the Middle Ages Richard Barber 4. The Mound as a Garden Feature Brian Dix 5. Epilogue: The Marlborough Mound Trust Appendices A Inquisition into the State of Marlborough Castle, 11 September 1327 B Castellum Merlebergae, by H.C. Brentnall, F.S.A. C Constables of Marlborough Castle D Marlborough Castle: Archaeological Findings for the Medieval Period Bibliography Index

    2 in stock

    £40.50

  • Scottish Castles

    Boydell & Brewer Ltd Scottish Castles

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £25.00

  • A History of Lancaster Castle

    Carnegie Publishing Ltd A History of Lancaster Castle

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisLANCASTER CASTLE is one of Britain's major historic monuments. For over 900 years it has dominated the hilltop looking out over the river Lune and the city of Lancaster. Owned by Her Majesty the Queen in her role as Duke of Lancaster, the castle has a unique history, and who better to tell that history than Colin Penny and Graham Kemp. Between them they have almost 40 years of experience in managing the museum of the castle, researching its history and telling its tales to tourists from around the world. This book charts the growth and development of the castle from medieval times to the present day, but also explores the use of the site during the Roman period. Colin Penny and Graham Kemp give us an accurate historical account at the same time as bringing Lancaster Castle to life with their sometimes amusing and sometimes macabre anecdotes. This is no dry historical text, but a riveting story written by two people who have a passion for and intimate knowledge of this iconic building.Table of ContentsDedication vi Foreword vii Introduction ix The Romans on Castle Hill 1 Castle Foundation and Norman History, 1066-1260 12 Earldom and Dukedom of Lancaster 27 Lancaster Castle Assizes 44 Prisoners of Religious Conscience 57 The Lancashire Witches: 1612 71 The English Civil War and the Jacobites 83 Debtors 88 Notable Trials, Cases and Prisoners, 1795-1981 98 Prison Reform 116 Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries 147 Further Reading 163

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Crackin Castles

    Scholastic Crackin Castles

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom Tintagel Castle in Cornwall to Skibo Castle in the Scottishhighlands, Horrible Histories: Crackin' Castles covers the historyof Britain from the time of the Romans to the London Blitz. Filledwith adventure, danger, magic, sieges, treachery, spies, revengeand much more besides - all in a new Horrible Histories newspaperstyle!

    15 in stock

    £6.99

  • A Passion for Castles

    John Donald Publishers Ltd A Passion for Castles

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisIn the 1880s two Edinburgh architects began to survey, measure and sketch the castles of Scotland, travelling the length and breadth of the country on trains, bicycles and on foot. Together they produced the five magnificent volumes of The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland, an unrivalled work of research that surveys more than 700 of Scotland's castellated buildings, ranging from great medieval fortresses to small lairds' houses with pepper-pot turrets, and is illustrated with thousands of sketches and plans.The first part of A Passion for Castles tells the life stories of David MacGibbon and Thomas Ross and their work as Edinburgh architects before they embarked on their magisterial survey, revealing interesting and previously unknown details about the two men. The second part of the book sets their enormously ambitious castles project in its historical context, and describes how MacGibbon and Ross managed to achieve their pioneering, systematic and comprehensive survey.The final part of the book provides a regional overview of the current status of all the castles surveyed by MacGibbon and Ross, followed by a thematic exploration of those that have been lost, those that have been transformed and those at risk of collapse, before posing questions about what the future holds for the castles of Scotland.

    1 in stock

    £19.00

  • Bunker

    Penguin Books Ltd Bunker

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisA NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020 ''An extraordinary achievement . . . gripping, grim and witty'' Robert MacFarlane ''Unputdown-able ... No book could be more timely'' Richard J Evans Today, the bunker has become the extreme expression of our greatest fears: from pandemics to climate change and nuclear war. And once you look, it doesn''t take long to start seeing bunkers everywhere. In Bunker, acclaimed urban explorer and cultural geographer Bradley Garrett explores the global and rapidly growing movement of ''prepping'' for social and environmental collapse, or ''Doomsday''. From the ''dread merchants'' hustling safe spaces in the American mid-West to eco-fortresses in Thailand, from geoscrapers to armoured mobile bunkers, Bunker is a brilliant, original and never less than deeply disturbing story from the frontlines of the way we live now: an illuminating reflection on our age of disquiet andTrade ReviewHow prescient and timely ... This is a tartly thoughtful work, by turns witty and philosophical, with an undercurrent of anger at the way we are governed and the commodification of existential fear. He writes pacily, bringing to vivid life a gallery of survivalist wingnuts, conmen and evangelists. -- Nick Curtis * Evening Standard *A kind of apocalyptic Super Size Me, in which the author force feeds himself a steady diet of paranoia, conspiracy, eschatology and end-times architecture. -- Chris Hall * The Guardian *This baseball-cap wearing academic is the world's leading expert on survivalists ... But he never expected Bunker to be so topical. -- Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson * The Times *Brilliant ... Bunker, self-evidently a work for our times, shimmers with a Ballardian imagery of disaster and melt-down. -- Ian Thomson * The Spectator *Bunker is a thoughtful study into the nature of paranoia and the people who try to profit from it - and it makes for a page-turning read. -- Nathan Brooker * Financial Times *A scary, unputdown-able account ... No book could be more timely as we stay in our own little bunkers to avoid infection, strip the supermarket shelves of loo paper, and squirrel away supplies of food to see us through the shortages that many fear will follow a no-deal Brexit. -- Richard J Evans * New Statesman *This study of bunker sites and the people preparing for the worst couldn't be better timed. -- Andrew Anthony * The Observer *Garrett's research has involved hanging out with millenarian fruitcakes, disaster profiteers and the uber-rich, not to mention tooled-up, swivel-eyed anarcho-libertarians from America to Australia ... His sense is that disaster gives us an opportunity to rethink how we live. What will we learn? -- Stuart Jeffries * The Guardian *This is a gripping and timely book about both the 'architecture of dread' and its multi-billion dollar industry, and what the growing appetite for bunkers reveals about the social conditions in which we live. * New Statesman *Garrett is a bright and buoyant guide and Bunker rattles briskly along ... A necessary read. * Literary Review *Bradley Garrett spent three years meeting doomsday preppers for his book Bunker ... If we work together, he thinks, there is no reason that a future global catastrophe has to become an apocalypse. Well, that's something. -- Luke Mintz * Sunday Telegraph *Bunker is an extraordinary achievement; a big-thinking, deep-diving, page-turning study of fear, privilege and apocalypse told through the space of the bunker. Garrett has written a gripping, grim, witty work of geography and ethnography, which he completed - with eerie timeliness - in the first weeks of the COVID pandemic. A book about prepping and prognostication, then, which had already foretold its own future. -- Robert MacFarlaneGarrett's book forces readers to reassess other assumptions about bunkers and those who own them. -- Jack Grove * Times Higher Education *There are many strands in this book ... [Garrett] brings sharp insight to a subject that no longer seems so remote or speculative. -- Mika Ross-Southall * Times Literary Supplement *A highly addictive book ... What makes Garrett's book fascinating is his portrayal of the balance between fringe thinking and the real world. -- Nick Smith * E&T Magazine *Bunker benefits from the mere fact of taking its protagonists seriously as humans and as members of society, rather than as outlandish characters. -- Julian Sayarer * openDemocracy *Garrett spent several years travelling the world, going down into bunkers and talking to their owners and tenants. His book is an incredible record of that journey, and also functions as a philosophical or psychological disquisition about space, about freedom, about survival. Bunker is an incredible read and will surely sell in quite enormous numbers, assuming the human race remains intact and can still read. -- Steve Braunias * New Zealand Herald *

    1 in stock

    £10.44

  • Pillboxes of Britain and Ireland

    The History Press Pillboxes of Britain and Ireland

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe pillboxes of Britain and Ireland are among the most important military structures employed in the history of the defence of these islands. This work presents the first thorough study and classification of pillboxes and related structures, including selection posts, Seagull and concrete trenches, gun-houses and turrets, battle headquarters and spigot-mortar emplacements. The author traces the use of small, free-standing defence structures from ancient times to the present, placing the pillbox within a historical continuum and identifying its course of development. The work also presents a typology of British and Irish pillboxes through a catalogue of known types and individual examples, and examines their tactical employment in the landscape.

    1 in stock

    £21.25

  • Hadrians Wall Archaeological Walking Guides

    The History Press Ltd Hadrians Wall Archaeological Walking Guides

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn expert on Roman frontier infrastructure, he has conducted extensive research of Hadrian’s Wall, and is the author of Hadrian's Coastal Route: Ravenglass to Bowness-on-Solway (also published by The History Press).

    1 in stock

    £17.00

  • The English Castles Story

    The History Press Ltd The English Castles Story

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • The Scottish Castles Story

    The History Press Ltd The Scottish Castles Story

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe castle is an evocative structure, no matter its setting, and this is no truer than in Scotland, where the multitude of castles reflect the country's turbulent history: its many conflicts and skirmishes, whether against invaders from the north, the English to the south or between clans. Castle building reflected the dual needs to control a population and protect against rebellion and invaders. They have been the scenes for some of the most dramatic deeds in British history throughout war and political confl ict and, of course, without the strategic and psychological effect of castles the feudal system would have been impossible. In this well-researched and beautifully illustrated book, Marc Alexander explores the story of Scotland's castles, featuring many vivid tales from history and legend, and showcasing a wide range of its incredible wealth of castles.

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • English Castles

    Boydell & Brewer Ltd English Castles

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisA comprehensive and concise guide to all medieval English castles of which something can still be seen today, ranging from the massive keeps which still dominate the landscape to grassy earthworks and Border pele towers, and spanning the centuries from the Norman Conquest to the accession of the TudorsA well-written contribution to the literature on the subject, and will interest both the historically minded tourist and, as a reference book, the scholar. WAR IN HISTORY A comprehensive and concise guide to all medieval English castles of which something can still be seen today, ranging from the massive keeps which still dominate the landscape to grassy earthworks and Border pele towers, and spanning the centuries from the Norman Conquest to the accession of the Tudors. English Castles contains over five hundred main entries in county order, each giving a brief history and description of the castle. A short introduction supplies the historical background to the explosion of castle-building in the middle ages, and there is a glossary covering all aspects of castles in some detail. There are also full Ordnance Survey map references.Trade ReviewA well-written contribution to the literature on the subject, and will interest both the historically minded tourist and, as a reference book, the scholar. * WAR IN HISTORY *If you want detailed information about every castle in England then this book can't be beaten. * WWW.CASTLEXPLORER.CO.UK *Table of ContentsBedfordshire; Berkshire; Buckinghamshire; Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire; Cheshire; Cornwall; County Durham; Cumberland; Derbyshire; Devon; Dorset; Essex; Gloucestershire; Hampshire; Herefordshire; Hertfordshire; Isle of Wight; Kent; Lancashire; Leicestershire and Rutland;; Lincolnshire; Middlesex; Norfolk; Northamptonshire; Northumberland; Nottinghamshire; Oxfordshire; Scilly Isles; Shropshire; Somerset; Staffordshire; Suffolk; Surrey; Sussex; Warwickshire; Westmorland and Furness; Wiltshire; Worcestershire; Yorkshire - East Riding and York; Yorkshire - North Riding; Yorkshire - West Riding.

    1 in stock

    £25.99

  • Defending Anglesey

    Folly Books Ltd Defending Anglesey

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £28.45

  • Ruins Remains and Relics Sussex

    Amberley Publishing Ruins Remains and Relics Sussex

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisA fascinating exploration of the history, legends and stories of Sussex through its ruins, remains and relics.

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • Castles of Wales

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd Castles of Wales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom blood-soaked heroes to long-lost legends, despotic pirates to wailing hags, _Castles of Wales_ offers a fresh investigation into many of its fascinating fortresses.

    1 in stock

    £21.25

  • Welsh Castle Builders

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd Welsh Castle Builders

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisWelsh Castle Builders reveals the marks left on Welsh history by the Savoyards of the Holy Roman Empire.

    1 in stock

    £21.25

  • Castles of Wales

    Amberley Publishing Castles of Wales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe fascinating story of the buildings that have helped to defend Wales throughout its history from the Iron Age to the twentieth century.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Ruins and Follies of East Anglia

    Amberley Publishing Ruins and Follies of East Anglia

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisEdward Couzens-Lake takes a look at the history behind the ruins and follies of the beautiful East Anglia.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Dublin Castle

    Wordwell Books Dublin Castle

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £56.00

  • The Moscow Kremlin

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Moscow Kremlin

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of the history of the Moscow Kremlin, a metaphor for Russia, a symbol for its government and an enduring icon of the country.A fortified complex covering 70 acres at the heart of Moscow, behind walls up to 18m high and watched over by 20 towers, the Kremlin houses everything from Russia's seat of political power to glittering churches. This is a fortress that has evolved over time, from the original wooden guard tower built in the 11th century to the current stone and brick complex, over the years having been built, burnt, besieged and rebuilt. Starting with the initial building of a wooden watch tower on the banks of the Moskva river in the 11th century, this book follows the Kremlin''s tumultuous history through rises and falls and various iterations to today, supported by photographs, specially commissioned artwork and maps. In the process, it tells a story of Russia, and also unveils a range of mysteries around the fortress, from the 14th-century undergrTrade ReviewThis well-illustrated book with its photographs of reconstructions to show how may have looked 700 years ago , is a remarkable piece of history telling. -- Laurent Tirone * Gun Mart and Milita Mart Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology The Moscow Gorod – The early wooden incarnations, including detail on design and construction, culminating in the razing of the later fort by the Mongols in the 13th century. A White-Stone Fortress – The construction of the first stone Kremlin by Dmitry Donskoi in the 14th century, again with information on the design and construction. Red Brick Kremlin – The expansion and development of the Kremlin over the years, including the building of new walls and towers and evolution to keep pace with military technologies. Times of Troubles – The 17th century: A summary of the actual combat experiences of the stone Kremlin, especially looking the 1680 siege of the city by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Napoleon and Nicholases – The fate of the Kremlin when Napoleon took it in 1812. Red Fortress – The Kremlin in the 20th century, including a description of the defences added as the Germans approached and attacked Moscow in 194–42. Twenty Towers - Analysis of the 20 towers around the Kremlin walls. Today's Kremlin – An overview of its current roles, including detail about its defences, from the Presidential Regiment barracked in the old Arsenal Building (known as Block 14) to the systems jamming drones and GPS in the area and the helipad built for a rapid evacuation of the president. Bibliography – including a few of the best Russian-language sources. Glossary Index

    1 in stock

    £13.49

  • The Castle in the Wars of the Roses

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Castle in the Wars of the Roses

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Wars of the Roses is one of the most dramatic and fascinating periods in medieval history. Much has been written about the leading personalities, bitter dynastic rivalries, political intrigues, and the rapid change of fortune on the battlefields of England and Wales. However, there is one aspect that has been often overlooked, the role of castles in the conflict. Dan Spencer's original study traces their use from the outbreak of civil war in the reign of Henry VI in the 1450s to the triumph of Henry VII some thirty years later. Using a wide range of narrative, architectural, financial and administrative sources, he sheds new light on the place of castles within the conflict, demonstrating their importance as strategic and logistical centres, bases for marshalling troops, and as fortresses Dan Spencer's book provides a fascinating contribution to the literature on the Wars of the Roses and to the study of siege warfare in the Middle Ages.

    1 in stock

    £21.25

  • Forts and Roman Strategy: A New Approach and

    Pen & Sword Books Ltd Forts and Roman Strategy: A New Approach and

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisPaul Coby here proposes a new system for the recording and mapping of Roman forts and fortifications that integrates all the data, including size, dating and identification of occupying units. Application of these methods allows analysis that brings new insights into the placement of these forts, the units garrisoning them and the strategy of conquest and defence they underpinned. This is a new and original contribution to the long-running debate over whether the Roman Empire had a coherent grand strategy or merely reacted piecemeal to emerging needs. Although the author focusses on several major campaigns in Britain as case studies, the author stresses that his method's are also applicable to elsewhere in the Empire. Lavishly illustrated with colour maps, the book is also supported by a website and blogs, encouraging further investigation and discussion.

    1 in stock

    £24.00

  • Scottish Castles: Lomond Guide

    Lomond Books Scottish Castles: Lomond Guide

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £6.06

  • The Walkers Guide to the Castles of Britain

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Walkers Guide to the Castles of Britain

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisBe transported through time with this wonderful guidebook to Britain''s 60 best castles, and 60 delightful walks from and around them.Castles often sit in spectacular landscapes that also offer exceptional walking opportunities, and some of the best views of castles are from a distance, where they can be seen in the context of the landscape. The Walker''s Guide to the Castles of Britain will inspire both keen walkers to visit castles and castle visitors to explore the surrounding area, by describing 60 of the best and most popular castles in Great Britain and an accompanying delightful short walk from each. Each chapter describes the castle itself, its history and architectural features, and how those relate to the landscape that surrounds it, followed by an easy-to-navigate description of the walk itself. This absorbing text is accompanied by brilliant photography of the castle and the sights you will see on your walk, and a useful map to guide you on your way.From the well-known and popular castles such as St Michael''s Mount, Tintagel Castle, Corfe Castle and Edinburgh Castle, to the lesser-known gems like Kidwelly Castle, Castle Stalker and Framlingham Castle, The Walker''s Guide to the Castles of Britain will show you how to better enjoy the castles you already know and love and discover some new ones to add to your favourites list.

    1 in stock

    £18.00

  • How to Attack A Castle: And How To Defend It

    Countryside Books How to Attack A Castle: And How To Defend It

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThrough colourful illustrations and accounts of actual sieges in every chapter, you'll discover how armies from medieval times up to the English Civil War attacked and besieged British castles and how changing weaponry shaped the defences we see the remains of today. As castle design developed, attackers had to change their tactics and introduce new siege methods to bring the walls down. The weapons, siege engines and mining techniques used are described in detail here, alongside diagrams showing how they worked and details of the defensive structures erected to counter them.Table of ContentsCONTENTS Introduction Chapter 1 THE MEDIEVAL WAR MACHINE Kings, Knights and Castles Chapter 2 MOTTE AND BAILEY CASTLES Timber, Arrows and Fire Chapter 3 THE GREAT STONE KEEPS Battlements, Mining and Mangonels Chapter 4 CURTAIN WALLED CASTLES Towers, Moats and Trebuchets Chapter 5 CONCENTRIC DEFENCES Machicolations, Barbicans and Ballistas Chapter 6 TOWER HOUSES AND COASTAL FORTS Gatehouses, Gunpowder and Canon Chapter 7 CASTLES RE FORTIFIED The English Civil War Places to Visit Further Information Glossary Index

    1 in stock

    £8.54

  • Doune Castle

    Historic Environment Scotland Doune Castle

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisOne of Scotland’s finest late-medieval strongholds, Doune Castle stands high on a promontory between the River Teith and the Ardoch Burn in Perthshire. It is a testament to the power of one nobleman, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. He was known as Scotland’s ‘uncrowned king’, and the castle was one of his main residences in the late 1300s. For a long time Albany has been credited with the complete construction of the castle, making Doune a remarkable example of a medieval fortress built as one man’s vision. However, fresh research is casting new light on Doune Castle, suggesting a much more complex history dating back to the century before Albany and beyond.

    1 in stock

    £6.79

  • Edinburgh Castle

    Historic Environment Scotland Edinburgh Castle

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisEdinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's great historic landmarks, standing on a volcanic crag occupied since the Bronze Age. A medieval royal castle which was a major residence for Scottish royalty for centuries, it remains a centre of royal and military ceremony.

    1 in stock

    £8.22

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