From coast to coast, the English landscape is still richly studded with castles both great and small. As homes or ruins, these historic buildings are today largely objects of curiosity. For centuries, however, they were at the heart of the kingdom's social and political life. The English Castle is a riveting architectural study that sets this legion of buildings in historical context, tracing their development from the Norman Conquest in 1066 through the civil wars of the 1640s.

In this magnificent, compellingly written volume, which includes over 350 illustrations, John Goodall brings to life the history of the English castle over six centuries. In it he explores the varied architecture of these buildings and describes their changing role in warfare, politics, domestic living, and governance.

Published for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

"Winner of the Large Format Illustrated Book of the Year Award for the 2011 Spear's Book Awards, in association with City Private Bank" - Spear's Book Awards / City Private Bank

"“Impressive . . . a grand narrative . . . [with] a splendid selection of color photographs . . . Definitive.”—David R. Conn, Library Journal" - Library Journal

"“[This] book is not only handsome, but reassuringly substantial . . . informed and thoughtful . . . lavishly illustrated . . . [and] fascinating.”—Stephen Brumwell, Wall Street Journal" - Wall Street Journal

". . . this new volume by Goodall will be an indispensable reference and should be added to every library collection. It is a gorgeously produced book . . . written throughout in an accessible style. . . . Essential."—L. Nees, Choice - Choice

"“This is the best kind of art and architecture book.”—Wall Street Journal (selection as a best nonfiction book of 2011)" - Wall Street Journal

"Shortlisted for the William M. B. Berger Prize for British Art History, as given by the Berger Collection Educational Trust and The British Art Journal" - Berger Collection Educational Trust and The British Art Journal

"“One could not ask for a better guide . . . Goodall is a fine, efficient storyteller. He deftly creates scene after scene in English political and castle history.”—Daniel Taylor, Books and Culture" - Books and Culture

" Winner of the 2013 Historians of British Art Book Prize in the Pre-1800 category, given by the Historians of British Art." - Historians of British Art