New Books Network John Goodall, "The Castle: A History" (Yale UP, 2022)
Nov 17, 2025
John Goodall, an architectural and medieval historian, delves into the rich tapestry of British castles in his book, exploring their roles throughout history. He discusses how castles were not just military strongholds but also vibrant centers of life and culture. Goodall highlights the evolution of castles from the Norman Conquest to the English Civil War, examining their perception in literature and society. He also addresses the implications of historical preservation and the complexities of reconstructing castle interiors accurately.
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Castles As Demonstrative Residences
- Castles are best defined as noble residences enhanced by fortification elements used for demonstrative social effect.
- This definition sidesteps debates about functional defence and highlights castles' symbolic role across periods.
Treat Buildings And Images As Texts
- Goodall structures the book as a broad chronology that pairs textual voices with images and buildings as 'texts'.
- He argues imaginary castles and popular perceptions matter as much as physical archaeology for understanding history.
Normans Built On English Traditions
- The Norman Conquest marks a new phase in English castle-building but builds on pre-conquest fortifications and Anglo-Saxon hall traditions.
- English pre-existing building forms influenced Norman designs, producing distinctive gatehouses and halls.
