Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe

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.

Historian, writer and illustrator Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage is the author of numerous books. His interests include World War II and medieval and French history. He lives in Groningen, Netherlands.

Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage
Format: softcover (8.5 x 11)
Pages: 335
Bibliographic Info: 314 illustrations, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011 [2002]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6099-1
eISBN: 978-0-7864-6027-4
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi
Preface      1

1. The Decline of Fortifications from the 5th to the 9th Centuries
2. The Revival of Military Architecture from the 10th to the 12th Centuries
3. The Evolution and Apogee of Medieval Castles in the 13th and 14th Centuries
4. Transitional Fortifications in the 15th and 16th Century
5. European Towns from the 12th to the 16th Century

Conclusion    325
Bibliography    326
Index    327

• “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
• “Excellent…valuable…wealth of information…a useful research tool”—Mediaevistik
• “A clear, detailed, and beautifully illustrated survey…useful”—Reference & Research Book News.