Far from being mere antiquarian or sentimental curiosities, the rebuilt
or reused fortresses of the Rhine reflect major changes in Germany and
Europe during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Taylor
begins The Castles of the Rhine with a synopsis of the major
political, social and intellectual changes that influenced castle
rebuilding in the nineteenth century. He then focuses on selected
castles, describing their turbulent histories from the time of their
original construction, through their destruction or decay, to their
rediscovery in the 1800s and their continued preservation today.
Reading this book is equivalent to looking at history though a
romantic-nationalist kaleidoscope. Amply illustrated with maps and
photographs, The Castles of the Rhine is a wonderful companion for
anyone with dreams or experience of journeying along the Rhine.