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At times this is an epic tale, driven by characters like William the Conqueror, King John, and Edward I, full of sieges and conquest on an awesome scale. But it is also by turns an intimate story of less eminent individuals, whose adventures, struggles, and ambitions were reflected in the fortified residences they constructed. Be it ever so grand or ever so humble, a castle was first and foremost a home.
To understand castles—who built them, who lived in them, and why—is to understand the forces that shaped medieval Britain.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
April 4, 2017 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781515993896
- File size: 267926 KB
- Duration: 09:18:10
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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This study of British castles and their history through the seventeenth century is mostly serious, even technical, though with some humorous asides. Derek Perkins narrates with unassuming skill and adeptness; his excellent match of tone, emphasis, and pacing to sense makes the text clear, flowing, and easy to follow, while seeming effortless. His generally grave tone, which fits most of the text, is not a perfect match for the occasional jocular comments, but he carries them off, if with a slight air of awkwardness. The program is informative (though listeners may want to seek out pictures) and, for its topic, entertaining. Its enjoyability and clarity are ably supported by Perkins's talent and expertise. W.M. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine -
February 20, 2017
In this fresh and accessible slice of medieval history, Morris (The Norman Conquest) uses the architectural history of castles in Great Britain from the time of Edward the Confessor in 1051 until the start of the Reformation in 1660 to shed light on monarchy and nobility, architecture, and technology. The author traces the development of castle conceptually and physically, describing each structure’s features in great detail and then explaining the motives behind its design and the experiences of its residents. He begins with the simple motte and bailey structure, a design first seen in Normandy, and moves to the immense Welsh castles built in stone by Edward I and later by England and Scotland’s powerful and wealthy landowners. He explores the defensible component of the castles and the influence of technological advances on their design. Morris’s lively and accessible prose makes this a great entry point for readers new to English medieval history, though armchair travelers and readers interested in architecture will want more visuals.
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