Phil Steele is an experienced writer and editor who has been writing books for children and adults on a wide range of topics, including history, geography and cultural and social themes, for over 20 years. He lives in North Wales, United Kingdom. Steve Stone is an accomplished illustrator. He has worked on hundreds of book covers, most notably Stephen King's Dark Tower series and Terry Brooks epic fantasy saga Shannara. He has produced many commissions in the advertising sector for clients as diverse as General Electric, Sony and Mars.

1 Title; 2 Contents; 4 Introduction; 6 The first knights; 8 The first castles; 10 Men of mail; 12 The crusades; 14 Fighting orders; 16 Building in stone; 18 The big castles; 20 Castle life; 22 The great hall; 24 Castle towns; 26 Castle lands; 28 The siege; 30 The defence; 32 Men of plate; 34 A pitched battle; 36 Knight's honour; 38 Heraldry; 40 Tournament; 42 The road to ruin; 44 Glossary and References; 46 Index; 48 Acknowledgements.