Castle

by David Macaulay

Book Overview

A 1978 Caldecott Honor Book

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395257840
• ISBN13: 9780395257845
• Release Date: September 1977
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 9.3" x 12.4"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great illustrations!

I especially loved looking at the drawings in this book when I was growing up! Now my kids enjoy it too!

A Terrific Kind Of Book!

Of all the wonderful books written and illustrated by the great David Macaulay, this is my favorite. It was also the first of his books to which I was introduced. I was about seven and I read and re-read this book while pressing my face close to take in every feature of its lovely illustrations. I hope children in all times are as lucky as I was to meet a special book like this one and have it carry them off to a magical world between its covers. All that said, let me tell you something about Castle. Castle, like most of Macaulay's books, tells the story of all features in the building of a great work, in this case it is Aberwyvern, a forbidding castle King Edward I is constructing on the Welsh frontier. Macaulay leads us through the selection of the location for the fortress, the clearing of the earth, the setting of the foundation, and the building of its mighty walls and skyscraping towers. He introduces us to the masons and laborers, soldiers and nobles who will live and work at Aberwyvern. And just when the castle is done, Macaulay shows us a Medieval seige in all its brutal depth, as the native Welsh fiercely battle the invading English and seek to bring down their imposing castle. This book is truly one for the ages, and I cannot imagine anyone, small child through adult, would not love what they see here! I still have the copy I got when I was little and I get it down from the shelf to read at least a few times a year. I hope this review was helpful and I hope it leads at least one person who might not have known about Castle to the library or bookseller to discover this special book!

They capture the castle

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.

History in bricks and mortar

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.

Wonderful!

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!

A wonderful book!!

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!