Review “This is a well-written and well-illustrated look into Scottish fortifications. It is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in fortifications before the age of gunpowder.” ―Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal (July 2009)“Overall, it is an excellent book on a subject that is both historically significant and fascinating to read. It is one I can highly recommend.” ―Scott Van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com (April 2009)“Not too many books cover the castles of Scotland since so few of them are left which have not been heavily modified after the Middle Ages such as Stirling Castle.The book covers the design and use of a number of the important castles, which were often characterized by their large round towers and other structures. Some were located on heights and islands making them stand out. ...the drawings are excellent recreations of the castles... This work is a good introduction to this period of Scottish history and castles.” ―JE Kauffman, siteo.net (May 2009) Read more About the Author Dr. Michael Brown is a lecturer in the Department of Scottish History at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. His principal interests center on the political society of Scotland c.1250-1500, the relationships between the various communities of the British Isles during the same period, and the role of the castle in medieval Scotland. His published work includes studies of the practice and ideology of royal and aristocratic lordship in Scotland, warfare in medieval Scotland, and a biography of James I. This is his first book for Osprey Publishing. Read more
H**E
Scottish castles-the story...
"Scottish Baronial Castles 1250-1450" is an Osprey Fortress entry, and a fascinating one, that links the present day remnants of Scottish castles with their origins in 13th and 14th Century civil wars and conflicts with England. Author Michael Brown and illustrator Adam Hook discuss the evolving layout and use of fortified homes; the book mentions a large swath of castles in the Borders, Central Scotland, and the Highlands.As the narrative makes clear, Scottish baronial castles fulfilled a variety of functions, from residence to place of refuge to fortress, often tied to a key piece of terrain or a line of communication. Many of the castles mentioned in the text withstood attacks and sieges, and sometimes demolition and rebuilding. Maps link the struggle of Robert the Bruce to unify Scotland, and to withstand the incursions of England's Kings, especially Edward I, with the role played by the castles. Photographs, diagrams, and illustrations show how castles were often rebuilt to improve their defensive qualities. The photographs might be worth the book all by themselves. The author includes a number of accounts of individual owners and how they utilized their castles. A concluding segment notes which castles can be viewed in the present day. Highly recommended.
J**R
Five Stars
We are heading to Scotland as a Family and this book is a really big helpful tourist book
P**K
Wonderful history and pictures
Wonderful history and pictures. It left me wanting more though! I need to travel there and explore them. A good read.
P**L
Brochure, not book
Too small, not what I was expecting.
R**L
great book
This book has a great variety of Scottish castle designs and floor plan style layouts. A definate must have for true Scottish Castle enthusiats. It dosen't however list any McCall Castles.
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