Castle: A History Of The Buildings That Shaped Medieval Britain
Beginning with their introduction in the eleventh century, and ending with their widespread abandonment in the seventeenth, Marc Morris explores many of the countrys most famous castles, as well as some spectacular lesser-known examples. At times this is an epic tale, driven by characters like William the Conqueror, King John and Edward I, full of sieges and conquest on an awesome scale. But it is also by turns an intimate story of less eminent individuals, whose adventures, struggles and ambitions were reflected in the fortified residences they constructed. Be it ever so grand or ever so humble, a castle was first and foremost a home.To understand castles who built them, who lived in them, and why is to understand the forces that shaped medieval BritainAbout the AuthorDr Marc Morris is an historian and broadcaster, specialising in the Middle Ages. Following the success of his bestselling biography of Edward I, A Great and Terrible King (Hutchinson, 2008), he has recently completed a major new book, The Norman Conquest (Hutchinson, 2012).In 2003 Marc presented the highly acclaimed six-part series Castle for Channel 4 and wrote its accompanying book (now published in paperback by Hutchinson). He has also contributed to history programmes such as Time Team, as well as other shows on both television and radio.An expert on medieval monarchy and aristocracy, and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Marc has written numerous articles for History Today, BBC History Magazine and Heritage Today. He speaks regularly to schools, historical societies and literary festivals, and also leads specialist tours of UK castles.