Castles of Ireland

Article number 10160224

Castles of Ireland by Brian de Breffny is a richly illustrated study of Ireland's castles and fortified architecture, combining architectural history with the political and social history of the country. The book traces the development of Irish castle building from medieval fortifications and the strongholds associated with the Anglo-Norman presence to later tower houses and fortified residences constructed by Gaelic and Anglo-Irish families. It examines how changing methods of warfare, political authority, social organisation and domestic requirements influenced the form and function of these buildings. Individual castles and ruins illustrate characteristic features such as keeps, towers, curtain walls, gatehouses, battlements and great halls, while the text places them within the wider history and landscape of Ireland. The extensive photography by George Mott documents castles, ruins, interiors and architectural details and captures their relationship with the surrounding Irish countryside. Combining historical narrative, architectural analysis and photography, the book provides a substantial introduction to Ireland's medieval and early historic built heritage and is particularly relevant to readers and collectors interested in Irish castles, medieval architecture, tower houses, archaeology, Anglo-Norman and Gaelic history, architectural photography and the preservation of Ireland's historic monuments.

Discolouration.