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| General |
| Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights (2) The Stone castles of Latvia and Estonia 1185-1560 Stephen Turnball The Teutonic Knights, a military order of warrior monks consolidated their victories by building a network of castles, firstly of timber and then in stone. In the Baltic states of Latvia and Estonia these castles were used to enforce Christianity on the fickle population who would revert back to their old ways as soon the crusaders backs were turned. This book goes to some length in explaining how the castles were built and, indeed, why they were built where they were. The rich illustrations for which the Osprey series has become famous brighten up what is sometimes a hard read with unfamiliar place names and laboured text but for the latter part of the book, on life in the castle it is worth persevering. To view this book at the publishers website click here |
| Daily Life in Late Medieval England Richard Britnell There is currently no review for this book |
| Illuminated Initials in Full Color Carol Belanger Grafton (Editor) An absolutely gorgeous collection of illuminated initials, arranged alphabetically. Lots of styles, from very ornamented to relatively plain. Some initials take up the whole page. If you like illuminations its a great little book. You can also use the images from the book completely royalty free. |
| Knives and Scabbards Jane Cowgill, Margrethe de Neergaard, Nick Griffiths, Geoff Egan This is a long awaited rewrite and republishing of one of the Museum of London’s Medieval Finds from Excavations in London series. It is packed with excellent information and illustrations |
| Letters from the Mary Rose David Loades and Charles Knighton The raising of the Mary Rose has made her one of the most famous ships in history but what was she actually like in her heyday? This book, based around letters from her days of active service, brings her story vividly to life. The letters, most of which have not been published before, give an extended flavour of what it was like to serve on her, or to be involved with her supply and maintenance, between her launch in 1511 and that fateful day in 1545. Most of them were written aboard the ship by the commanding admirals and many details are revealed about her day-to-day operation at sea and the various engagements with which she was involved. Also included are the main contemporary accounts of the sinking, one of which records a conversation with one of the few survivors.This book is published for the 20th anniversary of the raising of this splendid ship, and illustrated with artefacts recovered from the wreck site, which in many cases can be linked to the documents here printed. |
| Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique Mark Drogin This is a must have book for anyone who wants to try their hand at medieval calligraphy instead of just look at it. Highly recommended |
| Norman Stone Castles (2) Europe 950-1204 Christopher Gravett Most castle visitors in the UK tend to forget that it was the Normans who built these dominating structures having been introduced to them well before the invasion of England. This book discovers the castles in the Norman homeland and covers their design, building and functionality. It traces their spread down through Europe, through Italy and Sicily. It explains the architectural design and features and how these were influenced, not only by the styles and techniques of the new lands, but by the everyday needs of those living within their confines as well as for their defence. The whole is complemented by photographs, illustrations and diagrams on every page. The role of the castle in war is illustrated by a chapter which draws on historical fact recounted in a lively manner and one which reminds us of the unique ties between England and Normandy. This more than demonstrates how the castle was not, by any means, impregnable and is a good prelude to the final chapter which discusses the fate of the castles. A book which will be a good addition to the library of any castle enthusiast especially one who is visiting mainland Europe. To view this book at the publisher's website click here |