Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe: An Illustrated History - Hardcover

Lepage, Jean-Denis G. G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786410922 ISBN 13: 9780786410927

Publisher: McFarland Publishing, 2002

Synopsis

During the Middle Ages, castles and other fortified buildings were a common feature of the European landscape. As central powers rose and fell, the insecurity of the times inspired a revival of fortifications first introduced in the Roman Empire. Despite limitations in construction techniques and manpower, medieval fortifications were continuously adapted to meet new political circumstances and weapons technology. Here is an illustrated guide to the architecture of medieval fortifications, from the first castles to the fortified cities of the 15th and 16th centuries. In hundreds of detailed and thoroughly researched pen-and-ink drawings, historian and artist Jean-Denis G. G. Lepage introduces the reader to the development and diversity of European medieval military architecture. Each drawing is accompanied by meticulous descriptions of types of buildings (e.g., motte-and-bailey castles), built-in defenses (arrow slits, pepper-pot towers), and particular castles and cities (the Mont-Saint-Michel, the city of Jerusalem). Elements of medieval warfare and weaponry are also covered in drawings and text.

About this title

About the Author:

Writer and illustrator Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage lives in Groningen, Netherlands.

Review:

"a wonderfully illustrated, comprehensive volume...useful...a good read" --De Re Militari

"meticulous pen-and-ink drawings...detailed, well-captioned drawings...military history enthusiasts will love this book" --voya

"will be of interest" --Reference Reviews

About this edition

• Publisher: McFarland Publishing
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0786410922
• ISBN 13: 9780786410927
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 335