a history of fortified structures : ancient, medieval & modern Stephenson, Charles 1954- text bibliography nyu 2011 1st U.S. edition monographic eng

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288 p. ill.; col.; maps.; 26 cm. While the word "castle" conjures up an image of the classic medieval stone edifice, resplendent with towers and turrets, battlements and barbicans, and the odd oubliette, the impulse to build defensive works is as old as civilization itself; and the evolution of such architecture not only encompasses global cultures but is also a physical expression of the changing face of military tactics and technology. Castles takes a uniquely architectural approach to deconstructing all forms of fortification, showing how the work of architect, stonemason, and engineer evolved to repel the increasingly destructive power of an attack, from siege engine to artillery. While the medieval castle is analyzed in detail, the book addresses a broad chronology of defenses from the earliest fortresses and walled cities of the ancient world through to the point in the 19th century when modern weapons forced armies underground. Castles uses stylish two-tone engravings to dissect a wealth of examples from both western and eastern cultures; "anatomies" that annotate the classic structures for both their architectural and military significance; and "Then and Now" features that offer unique comparisons between castles in their pomp as depicted in illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, maps, and paintings, and matching color photographs of those same castles as they appear today. This architectural review of soaring towers and redoubtable walls provides both a fascinating narrative and an essential visual reference for the general and military historian. Examines the development and function of castle, forts, walls, fortifications, and fortified cities throughout history. Introduction -- Section 1 The Ancient World -- Timeline -- Locater Map -- Chapter 1 Ancient Near East -- Chapter 2 Ancient Europe -- Section 2 Western Castles of the Middles Ages -- Timeline -- Locater Map -- Chapter 3 Early British medieval castles, 1066-1200 -- Chapter 4 Late British medieval castles, 1200-1500 -- Chapter 5 French medieval castles -- Section 3: Eastern castles of the Middle Ages & Early Modern Period -- Timeline -- Locater Map -- Chapter 6 Islamic & Crusader castles -- Chapter 7 Russian Kremlins -- Chapter 8 Indian fortresses -- Section 4: Castles of East Asia -- Timeline -- Locater Map -- Chapter 9 Chinese walls -- Chapter 10 Japanese castles -- Section 5: Modern Fortresses -- Timeline -- Locater Map -- Chapter 11 Responses to gunpowder -- Chapter 12 North American colonial forts -- Chapter 13 Eighteenth-century artillery fortresses -- Chapter 14 Modern navel fortresses -- Chapter 15 Polygonal forts -- Glossary -- Resources -- Gazetteer -- consultant editor, Charles Stephenson. Include index Include Bibliography Castles History Fortification History Architecture, Medieval Architecture, Modern NA7710 C37 2011 728.81 9780312541408 0312541406 2011276935 pucpr 012413 20220901135707.0 eng