Castles and Fortresses

Amazon.com Review So you thought a man's home was his castle, eh? In fact, it was more likely to have been his fortress. Built as military strongholds by noblemen to protect against enemy invaders and rebellious citizenry, early castles of the 9th century were cold, dark stone bastions. It wasn't until the 15th century that castles began functioning as more lavish living quarters--increasing in size and interior ornamentation. Robbin Oggins's sampling of castles, as well as palaces and castle ruins, makes for an engaging picture book for travelers wishing to explore an era when monarchs ruled and feudalism comprised the economic and social order. Covering Europe during the Middle Ages,