Cathar Castles: Fortresses of the Albigensian Crusade 1209–1300

This is a concise but comprehensive guide to the many fortresses in the Languedoc region of Southern France that were devastated by the Church's vicious campaign against the heretical sect known as the Cathars from the early 13th century onwards. The text and explanations are clear and well-written and the diagrams and photographs are relevant and helpful. The author includes good basic historical background to put the anti-Cathar crusade firmly in context and each fortress and its fate are described in thorough detail. This text is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the fate of the Cathars and in learning more about this particular time and place in history. It would be a handy companion text for travelling and deeper exploration in the Languedoc region. Despite the number of maps, diagrams and photographs this works suprisingly well in the Kindle format, but I suspect it would be even more compelling in hard copy.

Consider this a good reference for those interested in the Cathars and their persecution by the Catholic church. Also interested might be castle fortification buffs.

Crusades were not all in the Middle East. These crumbling remnants of fortifications from the 1200s bespeak a time of Christian v. Christian warfare as the Catholic Church tried to stamp out the Cathar movement the establishment considered to be heretical. Today, one can visit all these places, some with short walks, others after more difficult hikes. Part of a now more than 50-volume "Fortress" series from Osprey, this combines an informed text, photos, wonderful color reconstruction (and cutaway) diagrams, data on the places today, and a short reading list. There is not a lot about these structures published in English, making this even more useful. As one who has been in many of these castles, I recommend the book to anyone traveling in the region.

Excellent

The truth of the Roman appropriation of Christianity, told in tales of the horror inflicted upon the Cathars, The annihilation of a more worthy form of the faith is highlighted described.

Fast and accurate

I liked it: it connects the past with the present. It is very good for review of the history for each site.

Anyone interested in the Cathars will enjoy this books photos and commentary. If you are fortunate enough to be traveling to the SW of France this will help you find the most interesting ruins.

Very useful info for anyone visiting Cathar country in the South of France. The info in this book was well presented and enhanced our appreciation of the sites we visited.

Better books available.

Nicely presented book with good illustrations, just disappointed on the size, bit on the thin side :)

Really helpful to plan a trip to the region.

The book is very interesting and the pictures and diagrams are superb. I am really interested in this region of the Cathars.