Reviews

Gr 3-6-Elgin introduces readers to the early history of knighthood and feudalism. Double-page chapters are devoted to various Orders, chivalry, heraldry, training, war, and jousting tournaments. Sheehan gives an overview of early castles and explains how the Crusades led to the building of concentric castles. He examines how feudalistic society helped to build and maintain the structures and describes daily life during peaceful times and under siege. In both books, full-color illustrations, plus reproductions of archival documents, paintings, tapestries, etc., enliven the presentation. However, Christopher Gravett's Knight and Castle (both DK, 2000) are more attractive offerings.-Rebecca Luhman, Greece Central School District, Rochester, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.