Castle.  The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur.  What could be a more perfect subject for an author/artist who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? In the 13th century, when England was attempting to conquer Wales, the English built impressive fortresses with adjoining towns—towns that in the long run proved 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 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 and lucid text to guide the reader through this engrossing exploration.  Drawing upon the qualities that have made his other books so successful—superb design, magnificent illustration, and clearly presented information—David Macaulay has once again illuminated a subject with his own unique perception and sensitivity.

David Macaulay's previous four books, Underground, Cathedral, City and Pyramid, have won numerous national and international awards—the Caldecott Honor Medal, the German Jugendbuchpreis, and the Dutch Silver Slate Pencil award.

From the dust jacket