Kaufmann, J. E./Kaufmann, H. W. Castle to Fortress. Medieval to Post-Modern Fortifications in the Lands of the Former Roman Empire

Across western Europe the long tradition of castle-building took on its most sophisticated form in the later medieval period and then, in response to the development of gunpowder weapons, it underwent a fundamental change ? from castle to fortress. This, the second volume of a highly illustrated new study of medieval fortification, gives a fascinating insight into the last great age of castles and the centuries of violence and conflict they were part of.It traces the advances made between the twelfth and the fifteenth centuries, looking in particular at the form these fortifications took in contexts as different as Italy, Wales, France and the Iberian peninsula. Many would regard this period in the history of castles as the classic age. It was followed by a phase of relative decline as the conditions of warfare changed and castles had to be adapted to cope with cannon. The conventional castle gave way to new styles of fortification. But, as the authors demonstrate, they were still essential factors in military calculations and campaigns ? they were of direct strategic and tactical importance wherever there was an attempt to take or hold territory.

This work looks at the development of castle building from the 12th to the 15th century, with a particular focus on developments in Italy, Wales, France and the Iberian Peninsula. Many would describe this period in history as the classical age of castles. This was followed by a period of relative decline as the conditions of warfare changed and castles had to be adapted to the new gunpowder weapons. The conventional castle had to make way for new fortification methods. But, as the authors show, they were still essential factors in military considerations and campaigns - they were of direct strategic and tactical importance wherever attempts were made to capture or hold territory.