In common with the “Britain's Coast at War” I reviewed last month, I chose to review this book due to the local interest to me. The thing I had not appreciated was just how wide spread the usage of Martello Towers was around the globe. This book gives a good insight into not only where the towers were built but also their design and the rational as to why there. The author covers the politic/military drivers for sightings as well as the practical considerations. Having lived on the South Coast most of my life, I have regularly seen some of the remaining towers but now a much better appreciation of them.

Western Front Association - Hampshire & Isle of Wight Branch

This work is a valuable historical record and a ‘must have’ addition to the bookshelf of any afficanado of military fortifications.

Martin Willoughby, Chairman of the Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association