Dan Jones — Castles: A Fortified History of the World from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age

Dan Jones presents *Castles: A Fortified History of the World from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age*, a sweeping history of fortifications and the people who built, defended, attacked, and inhabited them. The book traces castle-building across centuries and continents, from Bronze Age Troy and Krak des Chevaliers in Syria to Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Himeji Castle in Japan, and Fort Sumter in Charleston.

Drawing on extensive research, storytelling, and original illustrations, Jones examines castles as instruments of warfare, political power, wealth, status, and survival. He explores sieges, the rise and fall of empires, changing military technology, and the ways castles have shaped human imagination and the landscapes around them.

Dan Jones is a *New York Times* bestselling historian whose books include *Powers and Thrones*, *Crusaders*, *The Templars*, *The Plantagenets*, *Wars of the Roses*, and *Magna Carta*. He also wrote the novel *Essex Dogs*, hosts the podcast *This is History: A Dynasty to Die For*, and has produced, written, and presented numerous television programs, including Netflix’s *Secrets of Great British Castles*.

When: Friday, November 20, 2026

Showtime: 7:00pm

Venue: Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, 5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Format: The event is presented at the bookstore, with a livestream option.

Featured speaker: Dan Jones

Subject: History, military history, castles, fortifications, warfare, and political power

Tickets: Price not available