Cathar Castles: Fortresses of the Albigensian Crusade 1209-1300

Description

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 known as the Cathars. The conflict was characterized by vicious guerrilla actions and the besieging of the innumerable fortified sites that dotted the landscape of the south. Illustrated with full colour artwork and stunning photographs, this book describes the castles and fortifications of the Cathar period, examining their design, construction and the role that they played during the Albigensian Crusade.

Marcus Cowper studied Medieval History at the universities of Manchester and Birmingham. He specialised in High and Late Medieval Church history, and received his postgraduate degree for a study on the impact of heresy in the locality. He has edited Osprey military history books for over seven years and is one of the editors responsible for the creation of the Fortress series. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects. He is a keen wargamer and modelmaker. He is based in Nottinghamshire, UK

"While not directly related to coast defense, this book is compelling, both from a human perspective and from the perspectiuve of medieval fortifications and siegcraft. From either aspect, this is an excellent book and well recommended." --Bolling Smith, Coast Defense Journal "This book makes both a useful guide and history of the fortifications in the region of Languedoc... The book serves as a useful resource, especially since most books on the Cathars and their fortifications are only in French." --J.E. Kauffman, The Coastal Defence Journal "...ably illustrated by Peter Dennis and further enhanced by photographs of the sites as they are today. I found his drawings and cut-aways to be especially informative and gives an idea of what it was like to be in these places during times of siege. Overall, another fascinating book from the folks at Osprey. I always learn from these books and find them to be an excellent resource. It is a book you can buy with confidence." --Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com