Dictionary of Fortifications: An illustrated glossary of castles, forts, and other defensive works from antiquity to the present day

This Dictionary of Fortifications is an attractive and convenient reference for anyone with an interest  in castles, forts, walled cities and any other defensive architecture,  including temporary structures, of any period. The heart of the book is a  useful glossary of over 1,200 terms relating to fortifications through  the ages. Drawn from many languages besides English, each has at least a  concise definition or description, while more significant entries take  the form of short articles. Many are accompanied by a clear sketch,  diagram, cross-section, floor plan or map skillfully executed by the  author himself. In all there are over 400 of these black and white  illustrations. Although the glossary is organized alphabetically (from  Abatis to Zwischenwiderstandnet), cross references allow the reader to  easily follow themes of interest through the book.

Buttressing  the glossary there is a section giving an overview of the historical  development of fortifications from prehistory to the present day. A  further chapter outlines the concomitant development of siege warfare  over the same long span, detailing the evolution of siege engines and  other tactics used to overcome fortifications. This is a fascinating  reference for anyone with the slightest interest in military  architecture.