STONE AGE: Ancient Castles of Europe

Follow photographer Frédéric Chaubin as he embarks on a unique, century-spanning journey through Europe using the magic of colour photography to show how these remains have endured. Featuring images of more than 200 buildings in 21 countries all over Europe, this classy new publication presents the history and architecture of the most dramatic medieval castles of the continent in an unprecedented collection. They are grouped by Games of Stones (Massive Medieval Masonry), Vertical Survival, Floating Frontiers, From War to Peace and Destiny and Decay. The first example is the small 16th century Scottish Claypotts with its Z pattern which allowed sideways fire down on attackers. Precursors of Brutalism, these castles value function over form and epitomise the raw materials and shapes that would go on to define so much of architectural history. Shot on film with a Linhof view camera hundreds of beautiful colour images, with a practical maps and explanatory essay, it's the story of 400 years, unfolding through the feudal Middle Ages into the 15th century. Text and captions in English, French and German. 15.6 x 21.7cm, 448 pages. New from Taschen.