Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Apr 2017 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Derek Perkins

About this audiobook

Beginning with their introduction in the eleventh century, and ending with their widespread abandonment in the seventeenth, Marc Morris explores many of the country's 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 Britain.

Ratings and reviews

I enjoyed this. A good read about castles using one or two examples of each type/time period and then showing how they were more generally applicable. I particularly liked learning about Raglan, a castle I've loved the look of ever since I saw pictures about (and have some up on the wall next to me), but which I knew none of the history. I wish there was an accompanying PDF with castle pictures, drawings or floorplans of some sort.

About the author

Marc Morris is a historian and broadcaster specializing in the Middle Ages. He is the author of A Great and Terrible King, King John, and the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling The Norman Conquest. He lives in England.

A native of the United Kingdom, Audie and AudioFile Earphones Award winner Derek Perkins's audiobook narration skills are augmented by a knowledge of three foreign languages and a facility with accents. He has narrated numerous titles in a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA.