Castle - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Review
Imagine yourself in 13th-century England. King Edward I has just named the fictitious Kevin le Strange to be the Lord of Aberwyvern--"a rich but rebellious area of Northwest Wales." Lord Kevin's first task is to oversee the construction of a strategically placed castle and town in order to assure that England can "dominate the Welsh once and for all." And a story is born! In the Caldecott Honor Book Castle, David Macaulay--author, illustrator, former architect and teacher--sets his sights on the creation and destiny of Lord Kevin's magnificent castle perched on a bluff overlooking the sea. Brick by brick, tool by tool, worker by worker, we witness the methodical construction of a castle through exquisitely detailed pen-and-ink illustrations. Children who love to know how things work especially appreciate Macaulay's passion for process and engineering. Moats, arrow loops, plumbing, dungeons, and weaponry are all explained in satisfying detail. This talented author also has a keen sense of irony and tragedy, which is played out in the intricacies of the human story: a castle can be built as a fortress, but ultimately it becomes obsolete when humans discover that cooperation works best. (Ages 9 and older) --Gail Hudson

Product Description
The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.

Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

They capture the castle December 22, 2003
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

In this book, text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a "typical" castle and adjoining town in thirteenth-century Wales. Macaulay recently added the title "Mosque" to his series of large constructions such as "Castle" or "Pyramid". It is nice to see the man being so prolific. This book would appeal to the child who likes to know exactly how things are created. Going step by step, Macaulay explains each leg in the process of creating a castle. More importantly, with each construction the author goes even further, explaining the purpose of that piece. The reader never looses sight of the fact that castles were both antagonistic and defensive. Children today that have seen the Lord of the Rings movies might be very interested in knowing more about the construction of these structures and how difficult they were to defeat. Macaulay's drawings are just as interesting as his text. Pencil drawings label and list every tool, brick, and worker. Undoubtedly, this is not a book for everyone and it would not be much use beyond serving as a reference guide for interested students. However, should a teacher wish to bring it up, they might wish to show the video Macaulay narrated of this book. Also, it might go well with Avi's "Crispin: The Cross of Lead", as a look at a castle from a peasant's point of view.

5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful book!! January 15, 1999
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I read this book when I was about twelve and fell in love with it. It wasn't only the pictures that captured my imagination, but also the story. When I was older, I traveled to Wales and was amazed one day when I saw Lord Kevin's castle out of my car window! The castle in Caenarfon, North Wales is almost identical to the one in the book. When I walked through it (they let you roam anywhere in the castle you want to) it was like walking in this beautiful book!

5 out of 5 stars

History in bricks and mortar February 3, 2002
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

David MacAuley's fine drawings provide children as young as six with opportunities to explore engineering and architecture in an historical setting. The laws of gravity have not changed yet technology has and the ingenuity of generations passed is illustrated with considerable care. There is much for an adult to learn in partnership with the child reader. My son has kept this book on his own shelves for the last ten years and I have to get permission to borrow it! "City" and "Cathedral" are equally compelling and each provides a link into related literature e.g. "Castle" takes you to Tintagel.

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful! March 10, 1999
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

This book is great! It taught me a lot about castles. It has great pictures, and a superb storyline. It will always remain one of my favorite books!

5 out of 5 stars

A wonderufl book for all ages August 14, 2003
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I highly recommend any book by David Macaulay. Both children and adults will be captivated by the wonderful drawings.

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