This is a general account of the history and architecture of Crusader castles in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, County of Tripoli and Principality of Antioch between 1099 and 1291, the years during which the Crusaders had a permanent presence on the Levantine coast. Extensive use is made of contemporary chronicles to show the reasons why castles were built and how they were used in peace and war. The book is fully illustrated by photographs, drawings and plans, and contains a comprehensive bibliography.

‘… a welcome addition to the literature of military architecture. With well-chosen drawings and excellent photographs taken by the author, it provides one of the best-balanced accounts of the fortification of Palestine in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries … a thoughtful and illuminating survey of the entire Crusader military building effort in its different phases.’

Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘… a brilliant survey … Fully illustrated, Dr Kennedy’s authoritative account demonstrates how the castles were used in war and peace.’

Source: Jerusalem Post

‘The appearance in affordable paperback of this elegant, erudite and accessible study first published in 1994 … is welcome. Professor Kennedy’s lightly-carried learning is deployed in a style that consistently engages.’

C. J. Tyerman Source: The English Historical Review