Castles: England + Scotland + Wales + Ireland

by Peter Somerset Fry

-Based on the original, classic book by Plantagenet Somerset Fry -The most comprehensive book of its kind -Full descriptions of all the important castles, along with fascinating accounts of sieges, battles, and personalities From the glory days of European history comes this riveting and classic guide to Britain and Ireland's most famous castles. The scene for some of Europe's greatest historical events--battles, sieges, executions, negotiations, kidnappings, and betrayals--castles today are fascinating and romantic places to visit. This edition of the classic work Castles has been completely revised and redesigned with hundreds of stunning color photographs and illustrations. The most comprehensive book of its kind, the guide provides complete descriptions of influential castles--including Windsor, Carreg Cennen, Hermitage, and Blarney--along with the stories that still echo through their halls.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Architecture

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2005

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good listing of castles but more information on location/maps would be very useful. A useful first step reference book covering these fascinating buildings before further study/research.

[brian tanabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of castle books in my time, and this one is somewhat unique in that it seemingly lists ALL of the known "impressive buildings and intriguing sites" in the geographic area of the British isles. It truly is an extensive guide to castles with a detailed map, key dates timeline, history of castles, and comprehensive listings including hours of operation and contact information where appropriate. Nice color photos are not a bonus, but a requirement and the book even goes into further depth on higlighted structures. A must-have for fellow castle geeks. (And seriously, I have *never* played Dungeons and Dragons in my life, if you are wondering.)

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book this is. I've always loved castles and this book excels in providing individual descriptions about so many castles in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Here are the magnificent structures standing side by side on these pages with small keeps anchored amidst rocky shores or standing like a sentinel in a barren wind swept moor. The details are stunning. I even found many of the castles I visited while in England, even Langley Castle, a castle hotel which captured my imagination. This one is a keeper.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - Not the most detailed book I have read on the subject, as it only covers castles, and not the stately homes, and other linked buildings. Nevertheless, it gives some in depth information about the history of the sites, going into more depth on several of the most important locations. Although the book is now a decade old, the information won't get old as history doesn't change, it only gets added to. Perhaps a book to reprint with additions in a few years time?

General Subject/s? - History / Castles / Buildings / Architecture

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 16/20

[Keg Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am using this book to get a better idea of castles mentioned in books about the 1500's.

This is a listing of all(?) castles with some historical detail. I wish I knew what the British conquest and who the conqueror is (William the Conqueror?). I finally figured out the Civil War references.
Not well written. Obscure terms (to me), like a curtain, are not explained until much later in book. I wish there were more pictures. When there is a 1/2 page or more write-up, it is fascinating.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures and information on castles from various time periods.

[jack morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, mainly because I am fascinated with castle.

[Karen! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the full-length version of Best Castles.

This is a book for Castle, British, or Architectural geeks/nerds/enthusiasts...or a combination thereof.

What is interesting about this work is the amount of effort and thoroughness that the adventurous writers must have put-in. I mean, dang. They list everything that is, was, or maybe-at-some-point-could-have-been a castle on the British Isles. Of course, they are really after "impressive buildings and intriguing sites" so I'm down.

They certainly put in time and effort, as the work includes a detailed map, key dates timeline, history of castles (which they also include in Best Castles). And, did I mention the pretty, shiny, beautiful pictures?!?!?!

While I love this book and respect the impressive amount of effort put into it, I must admit that I prefer the condensed Best Castles. This is not because I am an easily-bored American, but because more attention and word space is afforded to each entry in Best Castles, whereas the sheer volume of entries in Castles does not allow for extensive attention to detail without breaking into 10 or 12 volumes.

[Marylu Sanok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous book showing the castles of Great Brtian. I wanted to see how many we saw on our trip to England and Ireland