Castle

Castle. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. In the 13th century, when England was attempting to conquer Wales, the English built impressive fortresses with adjoining towns. In the long run, these towns proved to be more effective in bringing about the desired conquest than the castles themselves. With typical zest and a wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town. He takes you from the hiring of a skilled master engineer to the actual test of castle defenses when hundreds of Welsh soldiers launched a direct attack. Generous illustrations full of explicit details and unusual perspectives masterfully combine with the straightforward text to guide you though his engrossing exploration. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. A 1978 Caldecott Honor book.