Castles of the World

Palatial structures set in the tranquil green countryside or austere strongholds atop unassailable crags, the castles of the world — so often marked by extravagant architecture, enormous parks, richly furnished rooms, turbulent histories and an aura of legend and mystery — are still landmarks of geography and the collective imagination. Castles tell the history of lands that throughout the centuries have been ravaged by war; they range from centuries-old defensive towers made from bare stone to resplendent residences built by 18th- and 19th-century monarchs and magnates.

In the defense or conquest of castles, men have fought and died. To beautify them, legions of artists and architects have been drafted into service; to maintain them, marriages and alliances have been forged between great families and great fortunes. Kings and queens, princes and prelates, aristocrats, favorites and courtiers have inhabited their magnificent rooms; ghosts that live on in memory are said to descend the wide marble staircases, plot vendettas in secret rooms, or dance to ancient melodies before the immense fireplaces of vast salons.

Leafing through the pages of this volume, dwelling on the superb photographs and rich descriptions, is to visit the world's most fascinating castles. To enter these historic buildings, to climb narrow spiral stairs and to pass through ancient chambers and dusty libraries is to embark upon a journey of discovery and to encounter the power and the pageantry, the splendor and the brilliance of a great chapter in our history.