"Following the remarkable work being done at Guédelon, where a medieval castle is being built using only the tools and techniques of the 13th century, this book examines every aspect of raising these amazing structures, using the work at Guédelon to shed light on every apsect of other iconic castles, from the latrines and the kitchen to the great hall and the lord's bedchamber. Illustrated sequences explain how vaulted ceilings are constructed, keystones are carved, scaffolding is erected, tiles are fired, floors are laid and roof timbers are raised, while explanations of the way master masons and carpenters have tackled problems as they arise give unprecedented insight to how their medieval counterparts worked"--Page 4 of cover.