From building a moat to planning a siege, delve into the weird-but-wonderful aspects of castle life! Tracing the history of castles across the British Isles, Castles: A Very Peculiar History uncovers how these fascinating fortresses were built, fought over and lived in. Learn the difference between donjeons and dungeons (it's important), the best time of year for a siege, and how 40 pigs managed to bring down a fortress! Discover how the lord and lady, their knights, and their workers ate, kept clean, and entertained themselves. From the ravens in the Tower of London to household tips on food, fire, and bedding, this pocket-sized guide is the ultimate mini companion to castle-building. Fascinating facts, quirky comic-style illustrations, a full glossary, timeline and index make this the perfect gift for castle enthusiasts of all ages!