Life in a Medieval Castle (Medieval Life)

If so called historians can't get a simple thing like what country a castle is in, how do i know the other facts they present are correct.Last time I checked one of the castles (Pembroke) was in Cymru/Wales not england. I mean its quite easy and factually correct to say a castle was an english castle of occupation in Cymru (i.e Pembroke = english castle of occupation, Dolywyddelan = Cymru castle of defence).Is the misinformation from these authors down to laziness, ignorance, arrogance or were they just plain obtuse.This book deserves to go into right into the bottom of the midden heap, utter cack.One star is most definately one star to many.

This was the first book I have read by these authors- it is a fascinating exploration of socio-political history the authors help to put flesh on the `bare bones’ of the crumbling stone ruins and empty shells which are all that sadly remains of castles today. They go beyond examining only the political or military function of castles (though this is covered) to explore castles in their roles as homes, and the `headquarters’ of estates with the central focus on Chepstow on the Welsh borders, but also other castles.In chapters under titles such as `The Lord of the Castle’ `The Lady’ and the `The Household’ the inhabitants of castles are vividly bought to life, from the highest to the lowest, and the society in which castles played such an important role is examined. Along the way there are many gems of information, useful, enlightening and entertaining. One of my personal favourites was the section on table manners and dining etiquette which belies the popular misconception that medieval people were uncouth, uncivilized and vulgar- and reveals striking parallels between the etiquette of the middle ages and today. The sections on hunting, which reveal its roles as a social activity, `The Making of a Knight’ and `The Castle as a House’ are also fascinating.My only complaint was that some of the information the first chapter did seem a little over simplified in some parts, and the claim that the Normans beat the English and Hastings because they were `better’ than them seemed represent a rather outdated interpretation- although this may be a reflection of the fact that the book was written in the 70s. As a result of the nationality of the authors there are some Americanisms (such as Richard the Lionhearted) which may prove a slight annoyance to British readers, and some might find the numerous photographs peppered throughout a history book distracting or irksome. Personally I had to problem with these, and felt they illustrated some of the themes and points made rather well.The writing style of the authors makes the book accessible and not too high-brow or scholarly but not at the expense of primary source material which is used and included throughout the book. This said, those looking for a more detailed and in-depth examination of some of the subject matter with and academic slant which analysis and some of the sources won’t find much of it here. Although written by Medievalist Historians, `Life in a Medieval Castle’ is very much popular history- and very good popular history too

How I wish I'd bought this as a book instead of a kindle purchase. The illustrations look really interesting but the kindle version is not clear. I may need to chase them up from other sources. The content is good and gives lots of information. It's important to read a range though or you can end up thinking that every one did the same sorts of things for hundreds of years. Like us, medieval folks were always changing the way they did things...albeit a mite slower for it to communicate to other regions.

Excellent book beautifully written in the 1970's but still very informative. Photos not well produced.

A great book, clearly written and very readable, with interesting examples and useful photos.

bought as present got no complaints

Great book, arrived quickly and well packaged. Reasonable costs.

Great read if you are at all interested in castles