Towers of Defiance - Castles and Fortifications of the Welsh Princes: The Castles & Fortifications of the Princes of Wales

Really good book by a great author of castle books. I have other books by the same author and he knows his stuff.

This is the book to get for those with a casual interest in medieval Welsh history, the native Welsh kingdoms or Welsh castles, and also a useful reference work for those with an academic interest in the topic. It's accessibly written and the author's drone photography and hand-drawn reconstructions are for many sites the finest available.About half the book is dedicated to a history of the period, sketching out developments in native Welsh politics and the web of princely rivalries. There's also a brief overview of castle architecture. These sections are written towards the general reader rather than scholars, but still provide a thorough introduction (R. R. Davies' Age of Conquest is the best full-length history of the period). The gazetteer section is a dramatically expanded version of Davis' previous book The Castles of the Welsh Princes, and far more comprehensive and detailed than previous handbooks on castles in Wales (although, of course, it doesn't cover English-built castles). There are lots of illustrations, maps and plans throughout.Bear in mind the book itself is quite bulky (as the typeset is quite large), making it impractical for a hike in the rain if you're intending to take it with you when visiting these often remote sites.

Have a number of books by the author, this is the best of all and Paul has to be ranked amongst our best current reconstruction artists

Book rather heavy to hold when reading but the content is well worth the effort!

Excellent book, very informative, easy read. If you visit Wales, be sure to take this book with, espically if your into history or a castle anarack. Excellent buy.

Was gift.. recipient very happy

Christmas present for my brother...who loved it.

Example, he calls Edward 1st " a great warrior king" this to the Welsh, is like an Israeli calling Hitler " a great warrior king" I regretted buying this book.