Packed with full-colour plans and crisp photographs, the book is visually varied and, for its blend of academic assessment with concise descriptions for the visitor, is to be commended.

Medieval Archaeology

A documentary contribution of great interest to lovers of castles.

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Miniaturas JM

This is an extraordinarily well-illustrated book with many good quality photographs and very clear ground plans. These make this book an ideal source of reference and also a very useful aide memoire for the inveterate castle visitor.

The Historian

This book is an authorative academic study which brings great insight into the origins of many of the great castles of Wales - but more than that, for the untutored eye it will make a visit to any one of these castles a much richer experience than would otherwise be the case. Recommended.

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Phil Curme

Review by Gil Dowdall-Brown

This is a book that should be in the library of all who study castles and their origins.

Fortress Study Group

Review by Jason Hubbard

This is one of those books that will appeal to many readers, those with an interest in architecture, military history, Welsh history, war-gamers and those with just a passing interest in castles. It was an interesting read, and I wish I’d read the book before visiting many of the castles, as there were plenty of things I missed on my many outings. So now I have a perfect excuse to re-visit many of those castles next time I’m in Wales.

Irregular magazine, issue 14 Volume 2/Winter 2020

This brilliant book emphasises the incredible splendour of Norman castle buildings, many of which still stand as monuments to the genius and skills of the men and women who lived through this era of our history. I expect modern architects would do it differently were they to build a castle today, but the fact remains that these buildings are incredible, and Malcolm Hislop's wonderful book celebrates everything associated with them. A joy to read.

Books Monthly

This is a very good exploration of the works of the master craftsman in castle building. The background narrative is excellent, providing context to the massive programme of castle construction. The technical details of the designs are very well supported with site drawings, clearly annotated, and plenty of images to add value to the narrative. Through this book one gets a very clear understanding of the development of castle design and its place in Anglo Welsh history.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy