In Castle Builders; Malcolm Hislop looks at the hugely popular subject of castles from the unusual perspective of design and construction. In this general introduction to the subject; we discover something of the personalities behind their creation - the architects and craftsmen - and; furthermore; the techniques they employed; and how style and technology was disseminated. Castle Builders takes both a thematic and a chronological approach to the design and construction of castles; providing the reader with clear lines of development. Themes include earth; timber and stone construction techniques; the evolution of the great tower; the development of military engineering; the progression of domestic accommodation; and the degree to which aesthetics contributed to castle design.
#234305 in Books 2016-11-15 2016-11-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.30 x .90 x 4.40l; .0 #File Name: 1780289707256 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Page #s deceiving but its an awesome read.By Betsy Reinardthe book size was smaller than I thought. Page #s deceiving but its an awesome read.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Interesting (but difficult content) from a different perspective of the Christian faith that could have used some footnotes!By Charles T FranklinThis was my first introduction to the actual Gnostic Gospels. I have read articles and books ABOUT them and read excerpts; but never actually read them up close and personal. This book allowed me to do that.After reading it; I can see why many of the books were not accepted into the New Testament. The Gnostic Gospels were a challenge to read-paradoxes; ambiguity; etc.; but then again what would you expect? It was interesting to read how others interpreted the words and thoughts of Christ. Of the Gnostic Gospels I liked "The Gospel of Thomas"; The Gospel of Mary Magdalene" and "The Greatest Human Evil is the Forgetfulness of God".In this edition; Alan Jacobs does a great job at portraying language in as simple of a concept as you can get with Gnostic literature. The words are written in verse form; which aids in reading comprehension and taking the time to digest the content.This edition lacked footnotes or any textual aids whatsoever; which would have helped with comprehension (at least a little!). I was stuck wondering what an aeon was and who the beings were in the book. It was really confusing. A brief historical overview is provided at the beginning of the texts; but it doesn't provide enough information.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Less is MoreBy Paula MarvellyAlan Jacobs has made a life-long study of the subject of mysticism and the way in which it manifests throughout all religions and philosophies around the world. His latest offering is no exception and is a personal transcription of the Gnostic Gospels; which form one of a series of Sacred Texts taken from around the globe; published by Watkins Publishing.In this first volume of two (the remaining extended one will be published a little later in the year); Jacobs includes The Gospel of Thomas; The Gospel of Mary Magdalene; The Gospel of Philip; The Sophia of Jesus Christ and The Gospel of Truth; amongst others. Although he is true to the essence of the nondualist philosophy of the gospels; Jacobs adds his own poetic flavour by composing free verse in keeping with modern diction and linguistic style. Moreover; by presenting the gospels in an accessible and elegant format; their mystical message is all the powerful and moving.I highly recommend this literary gem; particularly as it is produced as a pocket book; one which can be slipped away somewhere and then read at leisure or on the move; as a reminder of our essential nature in the hubbub of our daily lives.
