…Fortresses of the Albigensian Crusade 1209 – 1300

Synopsis:

During the early 13th century the north of what is now France went to war with the south in a bloody crusade aimed at destroying the heretical sect know as the Cathars.  The conflict was characterized by vicious guerrilla actions and the besieging of the innumerable fortified sites that dotted the landscaped of the south.  Illustrated with full colour artwork and stunning photographs, this book describes the castle and the fortifications of the Cathar period, examining their design, construction and the role that they played during the Albigensian Crusade.

Review:

The book gives a concise  overview of the political and religious history of the time and how the tensions led to the Albigensian Crusade.  It then moves on to the Castles as featured in the title.  The book details the design and development of the fortifications along with the history of the sites and where they were located. The book goes into further detail describing the sites when they were at war and what happened afterwards.

The final chapter provides information on ‘visiting the sites today’, it gives brief details of the major sites, their opening times and where to find out more information about them.

The book has many photographs and  illustrations in both colour and monochrome which enrich the text.

I found the book informative and concise.  It left me wanting to find out more about the fortifications that played such a big part in the Albigensian Crusade.

10 Comments CherryPie on Apr 10th 2014

10 Responses to “Cathar Castles… by Marcus Cowper”

  1. Ginnie says:

    I would have such a book and immediately ask Astrid: “Okay, which one do we go see first!!??!!” HA!

  2. james higham says:

    It left me wanting to find out more about the fortifications

    I bet it did, you avid traveller, you. :)

  3. ivan says:

    The last time you were down here at Rennes-le-Chateau you were quite close to Perillos which is unfortunately just a ruin now – the victors tried to erase it – but does show the thinking of the builders.

    • CherryPie says:

      I hope to visit again and visit some of the ruins. We didn’t get around to visiting any on our last trip. Too much to do and see ;-)

  4. Lisl says:

    Sounds as if you have got a lot to look forward to, Cherie. Are you coming to the Shutterchance gathering?

  5. Crusade? Interesting!
    I went to see the Museum of the Order of St John yesterday.
    It’s located inside the 16th century St John’s Gate in Central London.