The Castle Builders

In Castle Builders, Malcolm Hislop looks at the hugely popular subject of castles from the unusual perspective of design and construction. In this general introduction to the subject, we discover something of the personalities behind their creation - the architects and craftsmen - and, furthermore, the techniques they employed, and how style and technology was disseminated. Castle Builders takes both a thematic and a chronological approach to the design and construction of castles, providing the reader with clear lines of development. Themes include earth, timber and stone construction techniques, the evolution of the great tower, the development of military engineering, the progression of domestic accommodation, and the degree to which aesthetics contributed to castle design.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. Thus dost thou hear tho Nomean Hon roar 'Gainst thee, poor lamb, that standest as his prey. Love's Labour Lost. Frank was tolerably civil to the Miss Shaws, and they admired him vastly, but he always got out of their way as far as he could, and used to make great fun of their complimentary speeches as soon as he was alone with the girls. Emmeline used to grow angry, and contend that they were perfectly sincere in their flattery. 'So much the worse for you, ' said Frank. 'Why 1' '0f course you are not so stupid but that you would find them out if they did not really mean it, let them do it ever so naturally but as they think it all true, you can't help believing it.' 'I am sure, whoever flatters, Frank does not, ' said Kate, laughing. 'He might walk into the palace of truth any day, and never be different for one moment.' 'No, ' said Emmeline, ' I almost think he would begin to pay compliments.' Frank turned an old face upon Emmeline, as if she had detected him. About this time, Frank, while going down among the fishermen to try to get some shells, sea-eggs, &c, for the decoration of the tower, met with a sad case of distress--a sick man, and a number of wretched-looking small children, without a mother. 'The girls' feelings were excited, and they were eager to apply immediately to all the various funds managed by the Miss Shaws, for the garments which they had to make up were not theirs to give; moreover, they had none finished, not having worked with nearly as much alacrity as at first. But as soon as Frank found that the house stood in Mr. Brent's district he announced his intention of speaking to him about it. 'Speaking to him! Why, you don't know him, ' said Emmeline. 'Yes, I do, my father introduced me one day when we me

In Castle Builders, Malcolm Hislop looks at the hugely popular subject of castles from the unusual perspective of design and construction. In this general introduction to the subject, we discover something of the personalities behind their creation - the architects and craftsmen - and, furthermore, the techniques they employed, and how style and technology was disseminated. Castle Builders takes both a thematic and a chronological approach to the design and construction of castles, providing the reader with clear lines of development. Themes include earth, timber and stone construction techniques, the evolution of the great tower, the development of military engineering, the progression of domestic accommodation, and the degree to which aesthetics contributed to castle design.