Each double-page spread contains a large illustration and a brief paragraph of information, often unnecessarily fictionalized, introducing aspects of castle architecture or describing how life was lived within the walls of the structure. Additional bits of information are illustrated with reproductions and unimpressive color illustrations and photographs. Weak organization lessens the impact of these volumes. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Gr 6-8--A look at the methods and purposes of castle design and building. Beginning with a definition of what constitutes a castle, the book presents the different types in chronological order, noting factors that led to the development of variations. The book ends with a brief overview of these structures around the world and a discussion of the fate of most medieval castles. Because of its focus, this title goes into more detail than Christopher Gravett's Castle (Knopf, 1994). The presentation is factual, but there are occasionally lapses into fictionalizing. The clear illustrations include a variety of watercolor paintings, full-color photographs, reproductions of period paintings, and simple drawings that directly support the text. A "Build Your Own Castle" project is flawed by disjointed, incomplete directions spread across seven pages. A list of further resources includes books, CD-ROMs, and Internet sites. Overall, though, this title is pictorial, fact filled, and well organized.--Megan McGuire, Lake View Elementary School, Madison, WI